February or early March
Funchal Carnival
A great allegorical parade through the streets of Funchal and a comic parade on Shrove Tuesday. Accommodation in the centre fills up months in advance.
Madeira Guide
Best time to visit Madeira:the climate month by month
Madeira can be visited all year round, but not in the same way depending on the season. Temperatures, rainfall, ocean conditions, crowds and prices: here's what you need to choose your dates knowingly, rather than at the mercy of flight deals.
Madeira's weather month by month
1991–2020 averages recorded at the Funchal observatory, on the south coast (source: IPMA, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere). At altitude, subtract 6 to 10°C; in the north, expect more cloud and rain.
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 to 20°C | ≈ 19°C | 67 mm | Mild in the south, wetter in the north. Few crowds, low prices, very green trails. |
| February | 14 to 20°C | ≈ 18°C | 72 mm | Funchal Carnival, very lively. Excellent month for hiking, not for swimming. |
| March | 14 to 21°C | ≈ 18°C | 62 mm | The sea is at its coolest of the year (17.7°C on average). Levadas at their maximum flow. |
| April | 15 to 21°C | ≈ 19°C | 45 mm | Flower Festival, the island in bloom, superb light. One of the best months for walking. |
| May | 16 to 22°C | ≈ 20°C | 27 mm | The good compromise: warm without being excessive, long days, still reasonable crowds. |
| June | 18 to 24°C | ≈ 21°C | 8 mm | Almost no rain in the south. Frequent morning mist on the peaks, often clearing in the afternoon. |
| July | 20 to 25°C | ≈ 22°C | 2 mm | High season, high prices, very busy sites. Book two to three months in advance. |
| August | 21 to 27°C | ≈ 23°C | 1 mm | The hottest and most expensive month. Hiking trailheads full from 8am. |
| September | 20 to 27°C | ≈ 24°C | 23 mm | The best month for many: the ocean at its warmest (up to 24.8°C), crowds thinning out. |
| October | 19 to 25°C | ≈ 24°C | 91 mm | Still very pleasant, but the rainy season starts up again: short, localised showers. |
| November | 17 to 23°C | ≈ 22°C | 80 mm | A wet month, especially in the north. Low prices, quiet island, sea still warm. |
| December | 16 to 21°C | ≈ 20°C | 95 mm | The wettest month of the year. Christmas lights and New Year fireworks: book very early. |
The right season for your plans
For levadas and hiking
March to June, then September–October. Cool temperatures at altitude, green trails, mist less persistent than in high summer.
For swimming and the ocean
August to October, when the sea sits around 23 to 24.8°C. The natural pools of the north depend mainly on swell conditions, not the month.
For budget
January to March: flights and accommodation are often much cheaper than in August, with a climate that stays mild in the south (14 to 21°C).
To avoid the crowds
Late September to November, or January–March outside Carnival. Pico do Arieiro and the 25 Fontes become bearable again.
The dates that change everything
Some weeks are worth the trip on their own, others come at a very high price for the same weather. Here are the ones that most affect your choice of dates.
Two weeks after Easter
Flower Festival
The most photogenic moment of the year in Funchal: the Wall of Hope, floral carpets and the great Sunday parade. Book very early.
June
Atlantic Festival
An international fireworks competition, one Saturday evening in four, above Funchal bay. The best views are from the heights, away from the crowds.
Late August and early September
Wine Festival
Grape harvest, traditional grape treading and festivities in Funchal as well as Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.
October
Nature Festival
A week of outdoor activities, guided hikes, paragliding and water sports, at a time when the island remains very mild.
31 December
New Year's Eve
One of the biggest fireworks displays in the world over the bay. Prices double and accommodation is booked out almost a year in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to go to Madeira?+
May–June and September–October offer the best balance: 20 to 27°C in the afternoon, long days, mostly clear skies and more manageable crowds than in July–August. For swimming, September is when the ocean is warmest (close to 25°C); for hiking and flowers, April and May are unbeatable.
What is the wettest month in Madeira?+
December, with around 95 mm of rainfall in Funchal, followed by October (91 mm) and November (80 mm), according to IPMA's 1991–2020 averages. Rain remains very localised: the north can be overcast while Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and Calheta enjoy sunshine. A winter trip is still entirely feasible by basing the programme in the south.
Is it warm in Madeira in winter?+
It's often called eternal spring: in Funchal, averages range from 14°C at night to 20°C in the afternoon in January and February. At altitude, it can be below 10°C and it sometimes snows on the peaks, which surprises many visitors.
Can you swim in Madeira all year round?+
The water rarely drops below 18°C (a minimum of around 17.7°C in March) and rises to about 24.8°C in September–October. So yes for regulars, but the experience is noticeably more pleasant from July to October. The beach resorts of Funchal and the beaches of Porto Santo remain the safest bets.
How far in advance should you book a trip to Madeira?+
Two to three months for a departure between April and October: the best accommodation and good-value flights go quickly. In low season, six weeks is often enough. For Madeira, I also take last-minute requests depending on my schedule.
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