February is a mild but humid month in Madeira: around 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night in Funchal, but 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain on average, a sea at 17 °C (63 °F) and mountain trails sometimes closed. It is a “with reservations” month, with the Funchal Carnival and moderate prices outside the holidays in its favour.
Here is the weather in Madeira in February, what you can do, the 2027 Carnival and the precautions to take for hiking and flights. To compare with the other months, see our page on the best time to visit Madeira. Before you go, take out travel insurance with medical cover.
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Madeira in February: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ mild, but one of the wettest months
- Funchal: 19.9 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon, 13.9 °C (57 °F) at night, 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain
- Sea: about 17 °C (63 °F); sunshine: about 5.3 hours a day
- Funchal Carnival: 3 to 14 February 2027, allegorical parade on 5 and 6 February
- Hiking: reservation compulsory, high-altitude trails sometimes closed
- Flights: the wind can disrupt the airport, more often in winter
- Time difference: in February, Madeira (UTC+0) is on the same time as London (GMT) and 5 hours ahead of New York (EST, UTC-5)
Weather in Madeira in February
| Station | Max | Min | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funchal (south coast) | 19.9 °C (68 °F) | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Porto Santo | 18.2 °C (65 °F) | 13.3 °C (56 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Funchal in February | Value |
|---|---|
| Sea temperature | about 17 °C (63 °F) |
| Sunshine | about 5.3 hours a day |
February is the coolest month of the year in Funchal and one of the wettest, along with January and late autumn. It does not rain every day: showers alternate with sunny days, but some spells of bad weather bring heavy rain and wind for several days. The north coast (Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz) is cooler and wetter than Funchal, and the peaks, above 1,500 m (4,921 ft), have a true mountain climate: cold, frequent fog and possible snow.
Which part of the island in February?
- Funchal and the south coast: the most sheltered and sunniest area, the best base in winter.
- North coast: very green landscapes and laurel forest (laurisilva), but more cloud and rain.
- Mountains (Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo): the most exposed to trail closures; go only in stable weather, with warm clothes.
- Porto Santo: drier than Madeira, but very quiet out of season and too cool for the beach.
Things to do in Madeira in February
The Funchal Carnival
According to the official calendar of the Madeira Tourism Board (visitmadeira.com, checked on 11 November 2026), the 2027 Carnival runs from 3 to 14 February, with the grand allegorical parade on 5 and 6 February. Hotels in central Funchal are in higher demand on those days. The calendar can change: check it on visitmadeira.com before you book.
Levada walks
Walking remains possible in February, favouring low and mid-altitude levadas in dry weather. According to Visit Madeira, access to the classified walking trails (PR) is by prior time-slot reservation on the regional SIMplifica platform and, in 2026, generally costs €4.50 per person; check each trail page for the exact amount (Visit Madeira FAQ, checked on 11 November 2026). The condition of each trail (open, restricted, closed) is published on visitmadeira.com and by the IFCN: check it on the day, as walking a closed trail exposes you to a fine. The UK FCDO also notes that hiking in Madeira can be challenging (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
Funchal, gardens and Madeira wine
- The old town and the Mercado dos Lavradores
- The Monte gardens and the Botanical Garden, green all year round
- Madeira wine cellars, a good activity in rainy weather
- Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, a few kilometres (miles) from Funchal
What to avoid in February
- Planning a high-altitude hike with no fallback in case of closure
- Scheduling a tight connection after a flight to or from Madeira
- Counting on swimming: the sea is around 17 °C (63 °F)
Wind and flights in winter
Madeira airport applies wind-related operating limits. During spells of strong wind, more frequent in winter, flights can be delayed, diverted or cancelled. Keep some slack in your schedule, especially before a return flight with a connection, and check your flight status with the airline before you leave for the airport.
Crowds and prices
Outside the Carnival and the winter holiday periods, February is a quiet month, with fairly moderate prices. During the Carnival, hotels in central Funchal fill up faster.
What to pack
- Mid-season clothes and a warm sweater for the evening
- A waterproof, windproof jacket
- Waterproof hiking shoes with good grip
- Warm layers (fleece, hat) for the peaks
- A headlamp for levadas with tunnels
Before you go
For passports and other formalities for US and UK citizens, see the entry requirements for Madeira in our country guide. Time difference: in February, Madeira (UTC+0) is on the same time as London (GMT) and 5 hours ahead of New York (EST, UTC-5).
If February does not suit you
Neighbouring months: March is still wet (62 mm (2.4 in)) but greener and often cheaper; in Madeira in April the rain eases and the gardens bloom. In autumn, Madeira in October is still warm (25 °C (77 °F)) with a more pleasant sea.
Other destinations in February: for more sunshine at a comparable distance, see Tenerife in February or our advice on the Canary Islands; for more heat, Cape Verde in February. All our ideas: where to go in February.
To plan your stay, see our Madeira travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Madeira in February?
Mild but variable: around 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night in Funchal, with 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain on average according to the 1991-2020 IPMA normals. Showers alternate with sunny days.
Can you swim in Madeira in February?
The sea is around 17 °C (63 °F) according to Deutscher Wetterdienst averages: swimming is for the hardiest. Heated hotel pools are more pleasant.
When is the Madeira Carnival in 2027?
From 3 to 14 February 2027 in Funchal, with the allegorical parade on 5 and 6 February, according to the official calendar of the Madeira Tourism Board (subject to change).
Can you hike in Madeira in February?
Yes, mainly on low and mid-altitude levadas in dry weather. Book your slot on SIMplifica and check the condition of the trail on the day: high-altitude trails close more often in winter.
Does the wind disrupt flights to Madeira in February?
It can: spells of strong wind, more frequent in winter, can delay, divert or cancel flights. Keep some slack in your schedule.
Madeira or Tenerife in February?
Afternoon temperatures are similar (about 20 to 21 °C, 68 to 70 °F), but Funchal gets much more rain in February than Santa Cruz de Tenerife (72 mm (2.8 in) against 33 mm (1.3 in)). Madeira appeals more to hikers, Tenerife to sun seekers.
Our sources
- Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA): 1991-2020 climate normals for the Funchal-Observatório and Porto Santo stations
- Deutscher Wetterdienst, Klimatafel von Funchal: sunshine (1961-1990) and average water temperature
- Madeira Tourism Board (visitmadeira.com): Carnival and FAQ on trail access, checked on 11 November 2026
- Hiking safety information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Portugal (covers Madeira; GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026)
- AEMET: WMO 1991-2020 normals for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, archive published by NOAA (comparison)
- Data already published on our page the best time to visit Madeira
- Time rules: GOV.UK, When do the clocks change, and NIST, Daylight Saving Time
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.