Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRSanta Maria Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 2,200 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west (270°) at 20 knots. Runway 22 is favored with a 13-knot headwind and 15-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 2,200 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 14°C (57°F) with a dewpoint of 8°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Showers Rain. Winds are forecast to reach up to 20 knots during the period. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Showers Rain between 06:00Z and 18:00Z. There is a 30% probability of VFR conditions between 06:00Z and 12:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/22 | 334 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 28° |
↓ 9.4 kt
•
↔ 17.7 kt
118° angle
|
|
✈️ 15/33
Active: 33
|
1,004 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 136° |
↑ 10.0 kt
•
↔ 17.3 kt
60° angle
|
| 18/36 | 10,000 ft | 197 ft | CON | 171° |
↓ 3.1 kt
•
↔ 19.8 kt
99° angle
|
Weather Statistics - LPAZ
9,798 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Santa Maria Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 71.3% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 6.5% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 12.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 38 knots. Temperatures typically range between 7°C and 26°C with an average of 16.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are September, December, November.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 9,798 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Santa Maria Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
About Santa Maria Airport
Overview
Santa Maria Airport serves Vila do Porto on the Azores archipelago, located in the mid-Atlantic region of Portugal. As a medium-sized airport with significant infrastructure, including a 10,000 ft concrete runway, it provides critical aviation services for the region. The airport operates at an elevation of 308 ft mean sea level, situated at coordinates 36.971401, -25.170601.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at Santa Maria Airport are predominantly favorable for flight operations, with 77% of observations reporting VFR conditions. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C, averaging 18.1°C, which provides stable atmospheric conditions. Wind patterns are consistent, with a prevailing northwest direction at an average speed of 11.8 kt, rarely experiencing calm conditions with only 0.4% of observations showing no wind movement.
Notable Features
The airport features three runways with varying lengths and surfaces: a 334 ft asphalt runway (04/22), a 1,004 ft asphalt runway (15/33), and a substantial 10,000 ft concrete runway (18/36). Each runway demonstrates 100% favorable wind coverage, with consistent average crosswind conditions around 7-7.7 kt. The most favorable VFR flying months are September, January, and December.
Approach Considerations
Pilots can expect excellent visibility conditions, with an average visibility of 10 statute miles and no recorded instances of visibility below 3 SM or fog. All three runways offer consistently favorable wind alignments, providing flexible approach options. The longest runway (18/36) at 10,000 ft offers the most substantial landing and takeoff capabilities for various aircraft types.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at LPAZ
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.