When to Go to Madeira: Weather Month by Month
Madeira has a subtropical climate and can be visited all year: spring is one of the best times for nature, and autumn and winter are mild, with fewer people. What shapes your day most is the area: the south coast is warmer and drier, while the north and the mountains get more wind and rain.
Tours for your route
MadeiraScenic tour of western Madeira
Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos and the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz.
Details and link
Civitatis reviews as of .
https://www.civitatis.com/en/funchal/west-madeira-tour/?aid=10795&cmp=fajanda-en-epoca
MadeiraScenic tour of eastern Madeira
Mountains and villages of the east, with Santana and Machico.
Details and link
Civitatis reviews as of .
https://www.civitatis.com/en/funchal/east-tour/?aid=10795&cmp=fajanda-en-epocaMonth by month
- December to February
- Visit Madeira says that in winter temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C and the sea is around 18 °C. There are fewer people and good conditions for walking, with the sun rising around 08:00 and setting around 18:00.
- March to May
- Spring temperatures are between 18 °C and 22 °C, and it is one of the best times for nature. The sun rises around 07:00 and sets around 20:00, so the day stretches to a long itinerary.
- June to August
- In summer the highs are around 25 °C, with no heat waves according to Visit Madeira, and the sea reaches about 24 °C, which allows swimming and diving. Dawn is around 06:15 and dusk around 21:00.
- September to November
- Autumn is mild with long days, fewer people and good conditions for walking. The sun rises around 07:30 and sets around 19:15.
Which part of the island should you choose for the weather?
Visit Madeira notes that the south coast is warmer and drier all year, that the west coast is the sunniest part, and that the north and the mountains are more exposed to wind and rain. In the mountains there is often fog and lower temperatures. This matters more than the month when picking a day.
Which scenic tour fits each case best?
The west scenic tour lasts 8 hours, includes hotel pickup and passes through Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, the Fanal forest and Porto Moniz. The east tour also lasts 8 hours and covers Santana, Machico and Ponta de São Lourenço. Both come with an English-speaking guide, and lunch is not included.
What to do if the weather is not on your side?
Visit Madeira warns that rain, strong wind or fog can temporarily close trails, and that checking the forecast before walking is essential. Both scenic tours can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before, so you can wait for the forecast before deciding. If you plan to hike, check the official trail status at IFCN and the forecast at the IPMA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to go to Madeira?
Visit Madeira highlights spring as one of the best times for nature. Spring and summer favour outdoor activities, and autumn and winter offer mild weather and fewer people.
Is Madeira cold in winter?
According to Visit Madeira, temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C. In the mountains it is usually cooler and foggy.
Can you swim in the sea almost all year?
Visit Madeira gives a sea temperature of about 18 °C in winter up to 24 °C in summer, which allows swimming and diving almost all year.
Which part of the island is the sunniest?
Visit Madeira points to the west coast as the sunniest part. The south coast has mild temperatures all year.
Do the scenic tours include lunch?
No. In the west and east listings lunch is shown as not included. They do include hotel pickup and return and an English-speaking guide.