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

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

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

About 17°C on average, which calls for a 4/3mm full wetsuit.

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

Air temperature averages 16°C, with about 2.2 mm of rain per day and average winds of 27 km/h.

Surf Azores (São Miguel) in January

Surfing Azores (São Miguel) in January: in the main surf season, air around 16°C, sea around 17°C, 2.2 mm of rain a day on average. Wetsuit: a 4/3mm full wetsuit.

Surf season

In season

Air temperature

16°C

Sea temperature

17°C

Rain

2.2 mm/day

Wind

27 km/h avg

Average wave height

2.6 m (9 ft)

Big days (top 10%)

3.7 m (12 ft)+

Swell period

12 s

Main swell direction

From WNW (293°)

What to wear: with the sea around 17°C in January, expect a 4/3mm full wetsuit.

Surf size in Azores (São Miguel) in January

Offshore of Azores (São Miguel), waves in January average 2.6 m (9 ft), above the year-round average of 2.1 m — the 3rd biggest month of the year. One hour in ten is 3.7 m (12 ft) or bigger. The dominant swell runs at about 12 seconds from the WNW.

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.

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Is January a good month to surf Azores (São Miguel)?: Yes — January falls in Azores (São Miguel)'s main surf season (September–February).
How warm is the sea in Azores (São Miguel) in January?: About 17°C on average, which calls for a 4/3mm full wetsuit.
What is the weather like in Azores (São Miguel) in January?: Air temperature averages 16°C, with about 2.2 mm of rain per day and average winds of 27 km/h.