January is a possible month for Madeira, with reservations: it is around 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night in Funchal, one of the mildest destinations in Europe at this time of year. But it is also a fairly wet month (67 mm (2.6 in)), the wind can disrupt flights and some high-altitude trails close in bad weather.
Here is the weather in Madeira in January, what you can do and how to plan. To compare with the other months, see our page on the best time to visit Madeira.
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Madeira in January: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ mild for a winter break, but expect showers and wind
- Funchal: 20.0 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon, 14.3 °C (58 °F) at night, 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain (IPMA 1991-2020 normals)
- Porto Santo: 18.4 °C (65 °F), 13.7 °C (57 °F) and 45 mm (1.8 in), drier but cooler
- Strengths: mild weather, very green nature, low-altitude levadas
- Limits: high-altitude trails sometimes closed, flights disrupted by wind, cool sea
- Safety: on levadas, the UK FCDO advises choosing paths that suit your fitness, walking in a group or following a guide
- Time difference: in January, 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 January
Madeira is mountainous: the south coast, where Funchal is, is sheltered from northerly winds by the relief. It is the mildest and sunniest part of the island in winter. The north coast is cooler and wetter, and the peaks, at more than 1,800 m (5,906 ft), have a true mountain climate. IPMA, the Portuguese weather service, publishes 1991-2020 normals for two stations in the archipelago:
| Station | Max | Min | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funchal (south coast, 58 m (190 ft)) | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Porto Santo (airport, 78 m (256 ft)) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) | 13.7 °C (57 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
It does not rain every day: according to IPMA, Funchal averages 6 to 9 rainy days (at least 1 mm) a month from October to January. Rain often comes in spells of a few days, sometimes with strong wind, between which the weather is clear and mild. There are no official published normals for the north coast and the peaks: just remember that it is much cooler there than in Funchal and that it can snow on the highest points.
January compared with the other winter months
| Month (Funchal) | Max | Min | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| January | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 19.9 °C (68 °F) | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 20.6 °C (69 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Destination de Voyage calculation from the IPMA normals: in January, Porto Santo receives about a third less rain than Funchal (45 mm against 67 mm), with afternoons cooler by 1.6 °C (2.9 °F). January is also much less wet than December in Funchal (28 mm, 1.1 in, less). The gap between day and night there is small (5.7 °C, 10.3 °F): evenings stay mild by the sea, unlike inland.
Things to do in Madeira in January
Low and mid-altitude levadas
The vegetation is very green in winter and the trails along the levadas (irrigation channels) at low altitude remain passable 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). Check the condition of the trail (open, restricted or closed) on the official Visit Madeira site on the day. The UK FCDO says that hiking in Madeira can be challenging, advises choosing paths that suit your fitness and experience, taking extra care after rain, leaving details of where you are going with your hotel, taking a phone, and walking with a group or following a guide (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
The peaks, only in good weather
The route between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is the hike most exposed to closures in winter: wind, fog, frost and sometimes snow. If it is open, set off early with warm, waterproof clothes. If not, keep this outing for a better day.
Funchal and around
January lends itself to sightseeing: the old town and the Mercado dos Lavradores, botanical gardens, the cable car to Monte, Madeira wine cellars and museums. These activities fill rainy days without spoiling the trip.
Scenic drives
A rental car lets you tour the island: the Cabo Girão cliffs, Porto Moniz and its natural pools (often battered by swell in winter), Santana and its traditional houses, and the Ponta de São Lourenço. Choose a day with no weather warning.
What to avoid in January
- Planning just one day for the peaks hike: keep several possible slots
- Setting off without checking trail conditions and without booking on SIMplifica
- Scheduling a tight connection on the way home: the wind can delay or divert flights
- Counting on pleasant swimming: the sea is cool in winter
Events in January
The year starts with the New Year fireworks over Funchal Bay on the night of 31 December. The Funchal Carnival takes place before Lent: in 2027, Shrove Tuesday falls on 9 February. The programme is published every year by the regional tourist board.
Wind and flights: what to know
Madeira airport applies wind-related operating limits. During spells of strong wind, more frequent in winter, flights are delayed, diverted or cancelled. Keep some slack before a connection or an important appointment, and check your flight status with the airline before you leave.
What to pack
- Mid-season clothes: T-shirts for the afternoon, a sweater for the evening
- A waterproof, windproof jacket, essential in the mountains
- A fleece or light down jacket and a hat for the peaks
- Hiking shoes with a grippy sole (slippery trails)
- A headlamp for the tunnels on some levadas
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 January, Madeira (UTC+0) is on the same time as London (GMT) and 5 hours ahead of New York (EST, UTC-5).
If January does not suit you
Neighbouring months: December is the wettest month (95 mm (3.7 in)) but offers the lights and New Year; Madeira in February is similar to January, with the Carnival as a bonus. For trails that are open more often, aim for Madeira in April.
Other destinations in January: for more sunshine, compare with Tenerife or Cape Verde in January. All our ideas are gathered on the page where to go in January.
To plan the rest of your stay, see our Madeira travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Madeira in January?
Mild on the south coast: 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night on average in Funchal (IPMA 1991-2020 normals), with 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain spread over a few spells. It is cooler on the north coast and cold at altitude.
Can you swim in Madeira in January?
It is possible for the hardiest, but the sea is cool in winter and often rough. A hotel with a heated pool is a better option.
Can you hike in Madeira in January?
Yes, mainly on low and mid-altitude levadas. Book your slot on SIMplifica and check the condition of the trail on the day: high-altitude trails sometimes close in bad weather.
Funchal or Porto Santo in January?
Funchal: milder (20 °C (68 °F) against 18.4 °C (65 °F)) and livelier. Porto Santo is drier (45 mm (1.8 in) against 67 mm (2.6 in)), but very quiet in winter and not suited to the beach at this time of year.
Can the wind disrupt my flight in January?
Yes, spells of strong wind are more frequent in winter and can cause delays, diversions or cancellations at Madeira airport. Allow some slack.
Our sources
- Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA): 1991-2020 climate normals for the Funchal and Porto Santo stations
- Madeira Tourism Board (visitmadeira.com): trail access and reservation, 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)
- 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.
