Is December a good month to surf Azores (São Miguel)?

Yes — December falls in Azores (São Miguel)'s main surf season (September–February).

How warm is the sea in Azores (São Miguel) in December?

About 18°C on average, which calls for a 3/2mm full wetsuit.

What is the weather like in Azores (São Miguel) in December?

Air temperature averages 17°C, with about 3.4 mm of rain per day and average winds of 28 km/h.

Surf Azores (São Miguel) in December

Surfing Azores (São Miguel) in December: in the main surf season, air around 17°C, sea around 18°C, 3.4 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: a 3/2mm full wetsuit.

Surf season

In season

Air temperature

17°C

Sea temperature

18°C

Rain

3.4 mm/day

Wind

28 km/h avg

Average wave height

2.7 m (9 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

4.0 m (13 ft)+

Swell period

12 s

Main swell direction

From NNW (338°)

What to wear: with the sea around 18°C in December, expect a 3/2mm full wetsuit.

Surf size in Azores (São Miguel) in December

Offshore of Azores (São Miguel), waves in December average 2.7 m (9 ft), above the year-round average of 2.1 m — the biggest month of the year. One hour in ten is 4.0 m (13 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 12 seconds from the NNW.

These are open-ocean figures from 10 years of hourly wave data, not a beach forecast: a sheltered break will be smaller, an exposed reef or point can be bigger.

December in the context of Azores (São Miguel)'s surf season

Azores (São Miguel)'s main surf season runs September–February. December is inside it.

Full Azores (São Miguel) surf and remote-work guide →

Frequently asked questions

Is December a good month to surf Azores (São Miguel)?: Yes — December falls in Azores (São Miguel)'s main surf season (September–February).
How warm is the sea in Azores (São Miguel) in December?: About 18°C on average, which calls for a 3/2mm full wetsuit.
What is the weather like in Azores (São Miguel) in December?: Air temperature averages 17°C, with about 3.4 mm of rain per day and average winds of 28 km/h.