Climate and Economy of the Azores

The climate of the Azores is a temperate maritime, characterized by mild climate, with an average annual temperature around 15º. In the Summer time, average air temperature is of 23º to 25º (max. 30º) and average water temperature is of 22º to 23º (max. 24º). Winter average air temperature is of 13º to 15º (min. 7º). All this because of the warm effect of the Gulf Stream that passes through the Azores.

Rainfall is more regular in the winter months, however rain often occurs in the summer, much less than in the winter. A high level of humidity also characterizes the island's climate (77% average per year). These two conditions are extremely important, because that is what helps the island become green all year long, and that is why Sao Miguel is considered the Green Island of the Azores.

The active population is around 111 000 people, with a low unemployment rate, around 7% in 2010. The primary sector occupies 12.4%; the secondary sector occupies 25.9% and the tertiary sector 61.7%, which is due to construction and development in tourism.

Azores Weather Averages

Main productions on São Miguel

Milk production: 33% of the Portuguese milk production is transformed in cheese (30 different kinds), butter, milk powder and pasteurised milk. All these goods are exported to the U.S.A., Canada and to other European countries. Good quality meat is too exported, but only to Madeira and to the Mainland (In Sao Miguel there more then one cow per person).

Fishing industry: the main fish is Tuna, specially canned tuna to export to Italy. Non-industry or artisan fishing fleet is herring, sea bream, conger-eel, beard, mackerel, and etc… some to export fresh to U.S.A. and Canada.

More exporting products like lumber with the main tree called Japanese Cedar, Pineapple (grown in greenhouses), Passion fruit (to produce liqueur), Tea (green and black tea).

For local economy: Sugar beet (to produce sugar and alcohol), potatoes and tobacco (cigarettes and cigars) are produced.

The electricity is produced from natural resources: Hydro (aprox. 5%), Geothermal (aprox. 40%) and the rest is imported oil to produce thermal electricity. In the future, they plan to produce more geothermal electricity and wind electricity too.

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