Madeira, deservedly nicknamed the “Island of Eternal Spring,” enjoys a wonderfully temperate climate all year round. Each season, however, offers its own unique experiences and atmosphere. Let’s delve deeper and help you find the perfect time for your Madeira getaway.
Spring (April – June)
Weather: Expect pleasantly warm temperatures, with averages ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 22°C (72°F). Occasional light showers refresh the island, keeping it lush and vibrant.
Perfect for: Spring is a hiker’s paradise! Trails along the Levadas (irrigation channels) are at their most beautiful, waterfalls flow powerfully, and wildflowers paint the landscape. Nature enthusiasts will be in their element.
Events: The spectacular Flower Festival (Festa da Flor) usually takes place in May, transforming Funchal into a colourful explosion of parades, flower exhibits, and lively music.
Funchal, Madeira – February 05, 2023: Traditional rural house, Santana village, Madeira island, Portugal
Summer (July – September)
Weather: This is Madeira’s warmest and sunniest season. Temperatures average between 22°C (72°F) and 26°C (79°F), with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Perfect for: If you crave guaranteed sunshine and beach days, summer is your time. It’s also fantastic for watersports enthusiasts wanting to make the most of the Atlantic.
Events: Summer buzzes with lively festivals. The Atlantic Festival brings mesmerizing fireworks displays, while the Monte Festival in August bursts with traditional folklore and festivities.
Centuries-old til trees in fantastic magical idyllic Fanal Laurisilva forest on sunset. Madeira island, Portugal
Autumn (October – November)
Weather: Temperatures remain pleasantly warm, between 19°C (66°F) and 23°C (73°F), with an increased chance of rain showers.
Perfect for: Autumn offers a less crowded Madeira experience. It’s a wonderful time for hiking without the summer heat, exploring quaint towns and villages, and enjoying the shift of colours in the island’s laurel forests.
Events: The Madeira Wine Festival celebrates the island’s rich wine-making heritage with tastings and events in early autumn.
Panoramic view of the capital of Madeira island Funchal, Portugal. High quality photo
Winter (December – March)
Weather: Winter is Madeira’s mildest season, with temperatures averaging 16°C (61°F) to 19°C (66°F). Expect some rain and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
Perfect for: Madeira is a fantastic winter escape if you seek a break from harsher weather. It’s ideal for budget travellers seeking good deals, those who love a cosy atmosphere, and anyone wanting a unique holiday season experience.
Events: Christmas and New Year’s are truly special in Madeira. The island sparkles with festive lights, and the celebrations culminate in spectacular fireworks displays.
Handmade stone stairs at “Levada do Alecrim”, Madeira island, Portugal
Your Ideal Madeira Trip
Consider what matters most to you:
Guaranteed Sunshine and Beach Time: If your priority is maximizing sunbathing, swimming, and watersports, summer is your best bet with its warm temperatures and minimal rain.
Hiking and Lush Nature: Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable hiking weather. Spring brings blooming landscapes and full-flowing waterfalls, while autumn offers vibrant foliage and a chance to experience the island’s quieter side.
Unique Events: Research Madeira’s events calendar ([link to events calendar if you have one]). The Flower Festival in spring, the Wine Festival in early autumn, and the Christmas/New Year’s celebrations create magical and unforgettable experiences.
Fewer Crowds and Lower Prices: If you prefer a less crowded holiday and potential savings on accommodations, winter and the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) might suit you best.
Mild Weather Escape: If you’re seeking a winter getaway with comfortably warm temperatures compared to harsher climates, Madeira is a fantastic choice, especially for outdoor activities like walking and exploring.
A Mix of Everything: Madeira’s mild climate means you can enjoy great weather and plenty of outdoor options year-round. If you’re flexible on specific festivals or activities, each season holds its own unique charm.
Views from Cabo de Larano viewpoint and Vereda do Larano coastal hiking trail. High quality photo
Madeira Always Welcomes You
Regardless of when you choose to visit, Madeira promises stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a unique cultural experience. Whether you dream of sun-drenched beaches, enchanting hikes through lush forests, lively festivals, or simply a relaxing escape in a mild climate, Madeira has something special to offer. Use this guide as a starting point, let your travel desires lead the way, and discover the season that perfectly matches your dream Madeira adventure!
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Explore flight options and compare accommodation prices throughout the year to find the best time for your budget. And to make your Madeira journey truly seamless, let us help you with the perfect rental car and the ideal accommodation .
Average temperatures
The two islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, which belong to Portugal, have a very mild climate, to the point that they can be considered as the islands of eternal spring.
The north-east trade winds, which prevail throughout the year, bring a bit of cloudiness, humidity, and rainfall on the north-facing slopes. On the other hand, in the cold half of the year, the islands can be affected by Atlantic depressions.
Daytime temperatures hover around 19/20 degrees Celsius (66/68 °F) from December to April, and exceed 20 °C (68 °F) between May and November, reaching 26 °C (79 °F) in August and September. The minimum temperatures hover around 13/15 °C (55/59 °F) from December to May, and around 17/19 °C (63/66 °F) from June to October.
Here are the average temperatures of Funchal, the capital, located on the island of Madeira.
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Min (°C)
13
13
13
13
15
17
18
19
19
18
16
14
Max (°C)
19
19
20
20
21
22
24
26
26
24
22
20
Min (°F)
55
55
55
55
59
63
64
66
66
64
61
57
Max (°F)
66
66
68
68
70
72
75
79
79
75
72
68
Funchal – Average temperatures
Sea temperature
The temperature of the sea in Madeira is not very high; however, it’s around 18 °C (64 °F) in winter and spring, when it is very cool if not cold, it’s still 20 °C (68 °F) in June, while it reaches 23 °C (73 °F) in August and September, when it becomes warm enough to swim in.
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Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temp (°C)
18
18
18
18
19
20
21
23
23
22
21
19
Temp (°F)
64
64
64
64
66
68
70
73
73
72
70
66
Funchal – Sea temperature
Rainfall
Rainfall is concentrated in the period from October to mid-April, when it’s quite frequent, while in summer, it rarely rains. The island of Porto Santo is more arid than that of Madeira, and its landscape is green only in the northern inland area, where the altitude reaches 500 meters (1,600 feet).
In the city of Porto Santo, annual rainfall does not reach 400 millimetres (16 inches), while in Funchal, which, as mentioned, is located on the island of Madeira, it is around 640 mm (25 in). Here is the average precipitation in Funchal.
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
Prec.(mm)
105
85
65
40
20
12
3
3
35
75
100
100
640
Prec.(in)
4,1
3,3
2,6
1,6
0,8
0,5
0,1
0,1
1,4
3
3,9
3,9
25,2
Days
12
11
10
8
5
3
1
2
6
9
11
13
91
Funchal – Average precipitation
Sunshine
The amount of sunshine on the two islands is acceptable in winter, when there is an alternation between sunny periods and bad weather periods, while it’s good (but not great) in the summer months. In June, a blanket of clouds, called capacete (“helmet”) often forms, which covers the island of Madeira in the early morning but thins out during the warmest hours.
However, even in midsummer, cloud banks can form on the Atlantic Ocean and affect the islands, even if it does not rain. Here are the average sunshine hours per day in Funchal.
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Hours
5
5
6
6
7
5
7
8
7
6
5
5
Funchal – Sunshine
The island of Madeira is larger and occupied by higher mountains, whose highest point is Pico Ruivo, 1,862 meters (6,109 feet) high. Therefore, on this island, there’s a greater variety of microclimates: because of the above-mentioned trade winds, the northern side is rainier and windier than the southern one, where the landscape is more arid. The city of Funchal, on the southern slope, is quite sheltered from the wind. On the other hand, the interior, which is hilly and mountainous, can be covered by a layer of fog or low clouds. Of course, temperatures decrease with altitude. In the mountains, especially above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), snowfall and frost can occur in winter. In the period from June to September, Madeira can be affected by the Leste, a hot, dry wind blowing from the Sahara, which can raise the temperature above 30 °C (86 °F) and bring a fine red powder. This wind is rarer in Porto Santo.
Best Time
Given that they have a very mild climate, you can visit Madeira and Porto Santo all year round, but from mid-October to mid-April, there may be rains and thunderstorms, especially on the island of Madeira, while the coolest period is from December to April.
So, the best time is the summer, from July to September, since it is the warmest, the sunniest and the most recommended for swimming and sunbathing. However, flower and nature lovers will prefer the spring.
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What to Pack
In winter: bring spring/autumn clothes, a jumper, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella. To climb Pico Ruivo, a down jacket, a hat, gloves, hiking shoes.
In summer: bring light clothing, but also a scarf for the wind, a sweatshirt or jumper, a light jacket for the evening. To climb Pico Ruivo, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking shoes, a sweatshirt and a jacket for the evening.
Please keep in mind that to see all the island you need to rent a car here
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