Fall in the Azores: October
Autumn is a fleeting time in the Azores, generally considered to be October and November, but really we’re talking about October up until the clocks go back. That event marks a step change, signalling the arrival of winter for a lot of locals. Losing the hour shortens the days going into November, with sunset usually around 18:00.
October is a transition month. The weather is less stable than in summer, which doesn’t mean you lose entire days to rain, but it’s when the notion of ‘four seasons in a day’ is ramped up to the max.
It is therefore a time of rainbows.
Temperatures are generally still very pleasant, in the high teens or low twenties. Sea temperatures hover around the same mark, but you do have to exercise caution as the ocean becomes a little less placid.
October is a wonderful time of the year for the hot springs of São Miguel. As we roll into November, you see a lot of fall colors as deciduous trees begin to shed their leaves. It isn’t New England, but it can be an impressive sight. It's also a good time for waterfalls on São Miguel.
There is a definite ‘after the party’ feeling as October goes on. The migratory whales have left, the grapes on Pico have been harvested, the crowds have thinned and some seasonal restaurants are closing.
The flip side to that is that things are generally calmer and quieter as everyone takes a breath after the (relative) busyness of the summer. So if you want a more low-key escape, the end of the month can be a good option.
