The best time to visit Madeira is from April to September: it rains very little in Funchal, temperatures stay pleasant (21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F) in the afternoon) and mountain trails are open more often than in winter. May (Flower Festival) and September (warmer sea, Wine Festival) are the most balanced. Madeira can still be visited year-round: even in January, it is about 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Funchal. Funchal and the rest of the island are shown on our map of Madeira.
The archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal off the coast of Morocco, has a mild climate with no great gap between summer and winter. What changes from one season to the next is the rain, the wind and the condition of the trails at altitude. Here is how to choose your month, based on the official climate normals of the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
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When to go to Madeira at a glance
- Best time April to September, with May–June and September as the best compromises
- For levada hiking April to June and September–October; always check trail conditions on the official website before setting out
- For swimming July to September, in Madeira as well as on the sandy beach of Porto Santo
- Events Carnival in February, Flower Festival in May, Atlantic Festival and its fireworks in June, New Year’s fireworks on December 31
- Wettest season October to March, with more frequent trail closures during bad-weather episodes
- Plan for wind can disrupt flights at Madeira airport in any season
- Best value January (after the holidays), March and November
When to go to Madeira by priority
- Best weather: April to September; from June to August, it hardly rains in Funchal
- Cheapest: January after the holidays, March and November
- Fewest crowds: November and January outside the holidays; in the good season, June and September are quieter than August
- Events: Carnival February 3–14, 2027, Flower Festival April 29 to May 30, 2027, Atlantic Festival in June, Wine Festival August 22 to September 12, 2027, fireworks on December 31
Madeira: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Madeira in January · Madeira in February · Madeira in March · Madeira in April · Madeira in may · Madeira in September · Madeira in October · Madeira in December
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, August, September
Madeira climate month by month
The table below gives the normals for Funchal, the capital, on the south coast of the island, the most sheltered and sunniest. This is where most travelers stay. The north of the island and the mountains are cooler and wetter: they are covered in more detail below.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | Moderate (high until early January) | High, then low | Mild, but showers and high-altitude trails sometimes closed ⚠️ |
| February | 19.9 °C (68 °F) | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | Moderate (Carnival) | Moderate | Coolest month, Carnival in Funchal ⚠️ |
| March | 20.6 °C (69 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Spring arriving, still some showers ⚠️ |
| April | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | High at Easter | Moderate to high | Flowers in bloom, rain easing ✅ |
| May | 22.0 °C (72 °F) | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | High (Flower Festival) | High | Flower Festival, dry weather ✅ |
| June | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Almost dry, Atlantic Festival fireworks ✅ |
| July | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 19.7 °C (67 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | High | High | Dry and sunny, ideal for hiking and swimming ✅ |
| August | 26.8 °C (80 °F) | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 1 mm (0.04 in) | Very high | Very high | Hottest and driest, but the busiest ✅ |
| September | 26.6 °C (80 °F) | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | High, then moderate | High, then moderate | Warm sea, Wine Festival ✅ |
| October | 25.2 °C (77 °F) | 19.2 °C (67 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Still warm, but the rains return ⚠️ |
| November | 22.8 °C (73 °F) | 17.0 °C (63 °F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | Low | Low | Mild and quiet, frequent showers ⚠️ |
| December | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | Low, then very high | Low, then very high | Wettest, lights and fireworks on the 31st ⚠️ |
Sea temperature and sunshine in Madeira
The sea stays cool for much of the year: about 17 to 18 °C (63 to 64 °F) from January to May, 20 °C (68 °F) in June, then 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) from July to October, peaking in September. Autumn therefore remains a good swimming season. Average sunshine in Funchal exceeds 7 hours a day in July–August and drops to about 4.5 hours in December–January; June is on average less sunny than May. Details for the month are on our page on the weather in Madeira in May. For the late season, with the sea still warm, see our page on Madeira in September.
| Month | Sea (°C) | Sunshine (hours/day) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | 4.5 |
| February | 17 | 5.3 |
| March | 17 | 5.8 |
| April | 17 | 6.1 |
| May | 18 | 6.5 |
| June | 20 | 5.4 |
| July | 21 | 7.4 |
| August | 22 | 7.7 |
| September | 23 | 6.7 |
| October | 22 | 5.9 |
| November | 20 | 5.2 |
| December | 19 | 4.5 |
Worth noting: even in the wettest months, it does not rain every day in Funchal. According to the IPMA, there are on average 6 to 9 days of rain (at least 1 mm (0.04 in)) a month from October to January, compared with less than one day in July and August. Some bad-weather episodes do bring heavy rain and wind for several days, however. Details for January, with the IPMA normals for Funchal, are on our page on Madeira in January.
Seasons in Madeira: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): flowers, hiking and the Flower Festival
Spring is the season of blooms in the gardens of Funchal and on the island’s slopes. Temperatures rise gently (21 to 22 °C (70 to 72 °F) in the afternoon in April–May in Funchal) and rainfall drops markedly: 45 mm (1.8 in) in April, 27 mm (1.1 in) in May. In March, showers are still frequent. These still-frequent early-spring showers are covered in our page on the weather in Madeira in March, with open trails.
- Pros: mild weather, very green nature, good walking conditions, the Flower Festival in Funchal in May
- Cons: sea still cool for swimming, strong demand over the Easter holidays and on the weekends of the Flower Festival parades
- Our tip: May is the most complete month; book early for a parade weekend
Summer (June to September): the dry season
From June to September, hardly any rain falls in Funchal (less than 2 mm (0.1 in) a month in July and August) and temperatures stay moderate: 25 to 27 °C (77 to 81 °F) in the afternoon in July–August, about 20 °C (68 °F) at night. Conditions are the most stable for high-altitude hiking and swimming, but it is also the busiest period, especially in August.
- Pros: dry weather, long days, warmer sea, the Atlantic Festival in June and the Wine Festival from late August to mid-September
- Cons: crowds and high prices in July–August, frequent cloud on the northern heights even when Funchal is sunny, wildfire risk in dry weather
- Wildfires: wildfires have affected the island in some summers and can lead to trail closures. The UK FCDO says there is an increased risk of wildfires in Portugal from April to October when the weather is hot and dry; the authorities may evacuate areas and close roads, and starting a fire, even by accident, is illegal (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026)
- Our tip: June and September offer the advantages of summer with fewer people than in August
Autumn (October–November): mild weather and returning rain
In October it is still about 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon in Funchal and the sea remains pleasant, but the rains return: 91 mm (3.6 in) on average in October, 80 mm (3.1 in) in November. Prices drop markedly in November.
- Pros: still summery temperatures in October, thinner crowds, gentler prices in November
- Cons: more frequent showers, shortening days, mountain trails more often closed during weather alerts
Winter (December to February): mild in Funchal, cool at altitude
Winter stays mild on the south coast: about 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night in Funchal. December is the wettest month (95 mm, 3.7 in). At altitude it is much colder and snow is possible on the summits. In late December, the festivities send demand soaring. This wettest month and these much-sought-after festivities are covered in our page on the weather in Madeira in December, with the fireworks.
- Pros: mild weather that is rare in Europe at this time of year, festive atmosphere in Funchal, low prices in January after the holidays and in February outside Carnival
- Cons: cool sea, more frequent rain, high-altitude trails more often closed, flights more often disrupted by wind
When to go to Madeira by region
Madeira is a mountainous island: the south coast is the driest and sunniest, the north coast greener and wetter, and the summits, at more than 1,800 m (5,906 ft), have a mountain climate. Here is a comparison of the two stations for which the IPMA publishes 1991–2020 normals:
| Month | Funchal (Madeira, south coast) | Porto Santo |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 14.3 °C (58 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) / 13.7 °C (57 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| February | 19.9 °C (68 °F) / 13.9 °C (57 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) / 13.3 °C (56 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| March | 20.6 °C (69 °F) / 14.3 °C (58 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18.9 °C (66 °F) / 13.7 °C (57 °F) / 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| April | 21.0 °C (70 °F) / 14.9 °C (59 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) | 19.8 °C (68 °F) / 14.3 °C (58 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 22.0 °C (72 °F) / 16.2 °C (61 °F) / 27 mm (1.1 in) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) / 15.8 °C (60 °F) / 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| June | 23.7 °C (75 °F) / 18.2 °C (65 °F) / 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23.0 °C (73 °F) / 17.8 °C (64 °F) / 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| July | 25.4 °C (78 °F) / 19.7 °C (67 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24.6 °C (76 °F) / 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| August | 26.8 °C (80 °F) / 20.7 °C (69 °F) / 1 mm (0.04 in) | 25.7 °C (78 °F) / 20.5 °C (69 °F) / 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| September | 26.6 °C (80 °F) / 20.4 °C (69 °F) / 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25.4 °C (78 °F) / 20.0 °C (68 °F) / 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| October | 25.2 °C (77 °F) / 19.2 °C (67 °F) / 91 mm (3.6 in) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) / 18.5 °C (65 °F) / 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| November | 22.8 °C (73 °F) / 17.0 °C (63 °F) / 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) / 16.4 °C (62 °F) / 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| December | 21.0 °C (70 °F) / 15.5 °C (60 °F) / 95 mm (3.7 in) | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 14.9 °C (59 °F) / 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Funchal and the south coast
Sheltered from the northern winds by the mountains, this is the mildest part of the island, with a very marked dry season from June to August. Funchal can be visited in any season; to combine city, hiking and swimming, aim for May to September.
The north coast (Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz)
Exposed to the prevailing northern winds, the north coast gets more cloud and rain, which explains its dense vegetation and the laurel forest (laurisilva), a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is cooler than Funchal; aim for June to September, notably for the natural pools of Porto Moniz. As no official normals are published for this coast, we give no figures.
The mountains (Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Paul da Serra)
Above 1,500 m (4,921 ft), the climate has nothing to do with that of Funchal: it is much colder, the wind can be violent, fog is frequent and winter rains heavy. Snow sometimes falls on the summits. High-altitude hikes, such as the link between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, are the most exposed to temporary closures. Aim for May to September, set off early and pack a warm layer, even in summer. The UK FCDO notes that hiking in Madeira can be challenging, with narrow, uneven paths and heights, and that the ground may be slippery and unstable after rain (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
Porto Santo
Lower and flatter than Madeira, Porto Santo is also drier: 382 mm (15.0 in) of rain a year on average, compared with 574 mm (22.6 in) in Funchal, according to the IPMA. For its long sandy beach, aim for July to September; the island is very quiet out of season.
Region-by-region summary: the right month depending on the part of the archipelago you are visiting.
| Month | Funchal and the south coast | North coast | Mountains (Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo) | Porto Santo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Mild, showers ⚠️ | Cool and wet ⚠️ | Cold, snow possible ❌ | Off season ⚠️ |
| February | Coolest ⚠️ | Cool and wet ⚠️ | Cold, snow possible ❌ | Off season ⚠️ |
| March | Showers ⚠️ | Cool and wet ⚠️ | Closures possible ⚠️ | Off season ⚠️ |
| April | Flowers in bloom ✅ | Cool ⚠️ | Closures possible ⚠️ | Off season ⚠️ |
| May | Flower Festival ✅ | Cool ⚠️ | Hiking ✅ | Cool sea ⚠️ |
| June | Almost dry ✅ | Good ✅ | Hiking ✅ | Cool sea ⚠️ |
| July | Dry ✅ | Good ✅ | Hiking ✅ | Beach ✅ |
| August | Driest ✅ | Good ✅ | Hiking ✅ | Beach ✅ |
| September | Warm sea ✅ | Good ✅ | Hiking ✅ | Beach ✅ |
| October | Rains return ⚠️ | Rains return ⚠️ | Rains return ⚠️ | End of season ⚠️ |
| November | Showers ⚠️ | Wet ⚠️ | Closures possible ⚠️ | Off season ⚠️ |
| December | Wettest ⚠️ | Wet ⚠️ | Cold, snow possible ❌ | Off season ⚠️ |
✅ favorable conditions, ⚠️ possible with reservations, ❌ best avoided. Summary based on the normals cited on this page and the regional advice above.
When to go to Madeira by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Levada hiking | April to June, September–October | Rabaçal (25 Fontes), Caldeirão Verde, Ponta de São Lourenço |
| High-altitude hiking | May to September | Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Paul da Serra |
| Swimming and beach | July to September | Porto Santo, Calheta, Seixal, Porto Moniz natural pools |
| Flower Festival | May (parades on two Sundays of the month) | Funchal |
| New Year’s fireworks | December 31 | Funchal Bay |
| Carnival | February | Funchal |
| Budget | January (after the holidays), March, November | Funchal and the south coast |
| Family trip | Easter holidays, July–August | Funchal, Porto Santo |
| Honeymoon | May–June, September | Funchal, Calheta, Porto Santo |
Major events to plan your trip around
The official calendar of the Madeira regional tourism board already sets the dates of the main events through 2028. Here are the next ones:
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2026 to January 10, 2027 | Christmas lights at the Funchal amphitheater | Funchal |
| December 31, 2026 | New Year’s fireworks | Funchal Bay |
| February 3 to 14, 2027 (allegorical parade on February 5 and 6) | Carnival | Funchal |
| April 29 to May 30, 2027 (main parades on May 2 and 16) | Flower Festival | Funchal |
| June 4 to 27, 2027 (fireworks on June 5, 12, 19 and 26) | Atlantic Festival and international fireworks competition | Funchal |
| August 22 to September 12, 2027 | Madeira Wine Festival (grape harvest, concerts in the vineyards) | Funchal, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos |
| September 23 to 26, 2027 | Columbus Festival | Porto Santo |
| October 5 to 10, 2027 | Madeira Nature Festival (outdoor activities) | Whole island |
For the December 31 fireworks, fired over Funchal Bay, hotels with a view of the bay are booked very early.
Madeira month by month: what to expect
January: Mild (20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Funchal) but fairly wet. The Christmas lights end around January 10, then comes one of the cheapest periods of the year. High-altitude trails sometimes closed.
February: The coolest month (about 14 °C (57 °F) at night) and one of the wettest. Carnival in Funchal, with parades in the city.
March: Still some showers (62 mm, 2.4 in), but very green nature and low prices.
April: Rainfall eases and the gardens bloom. A good time for hiking. Strong demand over the Easter holidays.
May: One of the best months: 22 °C (72 °F), little rain, the Flower Festival in Funchal. Book early for the parade weekends.
June: Almost dry (8 mm, 0.3 in), 24 °C (75 °F), Atlantic Festival fireworks. Excellent for high-altitude hiking.
July: Dry and sunny (2 mm (0.1 in) of rain on average), 25 °C (77 °F). The sea warms up and the swimming season really begins in Porto Santo.
August: The hottest (27 °C, 81 °F) and driest month, but also the busiest and most expensive.
September: Still summery (27 °C, 81 °F), warm sea, thinner crowds after the end of the summer holidays. Wine Festival until mid-September. An excellent month.
October: Still 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon, but the rains return (91 mm, 3.6 in). Madeira Nature Festival in early October.
November: Quiet and mild (23 °C, 73 °F), frequent showers, low prices.
December: The wettest month (95 mm, 3.7 in), but still mild. Lights from December 1, then a sharp rise in prices around December 31.
When to book your trip to Madeira
For New Year, the Flower Festival, the Easter holidays and August, book flights and accommodation 4 to 6 months ahead: the supply of well-located hotels in Funchal is limited and prices climb quickly. For the rest of the year, 1 to 3 months is usually enough.
Wind and flights: Madeira airport applies wind-related operating limits. During strong-wind episodes, flights can be delayed, diverted or cancelled: in March 2026, more than 80 flights were cancelled in a single day when Storm Regina passed, according to the Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP). These episodes are more frequent in winter but can occur in any season. Allow a margin before a connecting flight and, as the airport operator asks, check your flight status with the airline before heading to the airport. These flight uncertainties also matter when comparing with the neighboring archipelago: our comparison to choose between Madeira and the Azores sets access and climate side by side.
Planning your trip to Madeira
- Entry requirements: Madeira is part of Portugal. See our page on the entry requirements for Madeira, with the rules for US and UK citizens.
- Time difference: Madeira follows Lisbon time: the same time as London all year (UTC+0, UTC+1 in summer) and 5 hours ahead of New York.
- Currency: the euro (EUR).
- Health: for details on recommended vaccinations, the UK FCDO refers to TravelHealthPro’s guides for Portugal, Madeira and Porto Santo (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026). Make sure your travel insurance covers medical costs.
- Trails: since January 1, 2026, access to the classified hiking trails (PR) has been paid (€4.5 for the general public) and requires booking a time slot in advance on the regional SIMplifica platform. The status of each trail (open, restricted, closed) is published on visitmadeira.com and by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN). Walking on a closed trail or without a reservation can result in a fine. The UK FCDO also advises checking with your guide or local organizer that a walk is safe, leaving details of where you are going with your hotel and taking a phone (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
To go further, see our complete Madeira travel guide. If you are still undecided, see our destination ideas for February, March, April or October, and our Portugal guide to combine with the mainland. Before you leave, you can pick up some basic Portuguese with Targumi’s online lessons, with 30% off via our link.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Madeira?
May, June and September are the most balanced months: little rain, 22 to 27 °C (72 to 81 °F) in the afternoon in Funchal, trails more often open and fewer people than in August. May adds the Flower Festival, September a warmer sea and the Wine Festival.
Is the weather good in Madeira in winter?
It is mild on the south coast: about 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 to 15 °C (57 to 59 °F) at night in Funchal from December to February, according to the IPMA normals. It is, however, the wettest season, and mountain trails are more often closed after bad-weather episodes.
When should you hike the levadas in Madeira?
From April to June and in September–October; summer also works, especially at altitude. Whatever the season, book your time slot on the SIMplifica platform and check the trail’s status on the official visitmadeira.com site or the IFCN’s on the same day.
Can you swim in Madeira?
Yes, mostly from July to September, in the natural pools (Porto Moniz), on the developed beaches or in Porto Santo. Swim in supervised areas and respect the flags.
When is the Madeira Flower Festival?
Every year in May in Funchal. In 2027, the official calendar announces it from April 29 to May 30, with the main parades on Sundays May 2 and 16.
Can wind stop planes landing in Madeira?
Yes. Madeira airport applies wind-related operating limits, and flights are regularly delayed, diverted or cancelled during strong-wind episodes, which are more frequent in winter. Allow a margin in your schedule and check your flight status with the airline before leaving.
What is the wettest month in Madeira?
In Funchal, it is December, with 95 mm (3.7 in) on average according to the IPMA’s 1991–2020 normals, followed by October (91 mm, 3.6 in) and November (80 mm, 3.1 in). July and August are almost dry (1 to 2 mm, 0.04 to 0.1 in).
What is the water temperature in Madeira?
According to the Deutscher Wetterdienst averages for Funchal, the sea is about 17 to 18 °C (63 to 64 °F) from January to May, 20 °C (68 °F) in June, 21 to 22 °C (70 to 72 °F) in July–August, 23 °C (73 °F) in September, 22 °C (72 °F) in October, 20 °C (68 °F) in November and 19 °C (66 °F) in December.
Is the weather good in Madeira in April?
For sightseeing and hiking, yes: about 21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon in Funchal and 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain on average, with gardens in bloom. The sea stays cool, around 17 °C (63 °F).
Can you go to Madeira in October?
Yes: it is still about 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon in Funchal and the sea is around 22 °C (72 °F), but the rains return (91 mm (3.6 in) on average) and some trails may close during bad-weather episodes.
Our sources
- Deutscher Wetterdienst, Klimatafel for Funchal: sunshine (1961–1990) and average water temperature
- Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA): 1991–2020 climate normals for the Funchal-Observatório and Porto Santo stations
- Madeira regional tourism board (visitmadeira.com): official events calendar 2026–2028, access conditions and status of hiking trails
- RTP (Portuguese public broadcaster): wind-related flight cancellations at Madeira airport, March 2026
- Safety and health information read on 24 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Portugal, including Madeira (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
