Destination
When should you visit Madeira?
Madeira is mild all year: in Funchal, average lows stay around 14°C in winter and highs reach about 27°C in late summer. The difference between months is rain, events and price. October to February is the wettest stretch, spring brings the Flower Festival, and summer is dry and sunny. New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal bay are the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
May–June
May and June are dry, sunny and mild, with the Flower Festival and the Atlantic Festival in Funchal. Hiking is good and prices are below the August and New Year peaks.
Best for New Year
December
Funchal's famous New Year's Eve fireworks.
Best for hiking
April–June & September
Drier trails and mild temperatures.
Best for swimming
August–September
The warmest sea of the year.
Best value
November & January
Quiet, with lower rates.
May scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- New Year's Eve
- Hotels with bay views sell out far ahead and prices peak.
- Rainy season
- Most of the year's rain falls in these months, more on the north coast and mountains.
- Trail closures
- Levada trails can close after storms or fires. Check their status before you set out.
December 31
October–February
Any time
Madeira travel tip
Check the weather on the mountain, not just in Funchal. The peaks and the north coast can be cloudy and wet while Funchal is sunny. Do Pico do Arieiro early, and check which levada trails are open before you go.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 14–20°C
- Mild, with rain and sunny spells.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter after New Year.
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Visit Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores in the morning.
- Walking
- Value
- Temperature
- 14–20°C
- Mild, with rain and sun.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Moderate, busier for Carnival.
- Prices
- €€
- Fair rates.
Check the Carnival dates, which move with Easter.
- Events
- Walking
- Temperature
- 14–21°C
- Mild, with fewer showers.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Moderate.
- Prices
- €€
- Fair rates.
Ride the cable car up to Monte and walk the gardens.
- Gardens
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 15–21°C
- Mild and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate, busier at Easter.
- Prices
- €€
- Fair rates.
Book Easter week early.
- Gardens
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 16–22°C
- Mild, sunny and dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate, busier for the festival.
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-range rates.
See the flower parade from a spot on Avenida Arriaga.
- Events
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 18–24°C
- Warm, sunny and dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-range rates.
Watch the fireworks from the marina.
- Events
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 20–25°C
- Warm, dry and sunny.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- €€€
- Higher summer rates.
Swim at Porto Moniz's natural rock pools.
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 21–27°C
- Warm, dry and sunny.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy with summer holidays.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak summer rates.
Book cars early; rentals sell out.
- Swimming
- Food
- Temperature
- 20–27°C
- Warm and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-to-high rates.
Visit a harvest event in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.
- Food
- Swimming
- Temperature
- 19–25°C
- Mild, with heavier rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
- Fair rates.
Keep flexible days for mountain hikes.
- Walking
- Food
- Temperature
- 17–23°C
- Mild and rainy.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Pick a levada walk on the south side for drier weather.
- Value
- Walking
- Temperature
- 16–21°C
- Mild and the wettest month.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy, peaking at New Year.
- Prices
- €€€€
- The highest rates at New Year.
Book New Year's Eve stays as early as you can.
- Holidays
- Events
Climate
Madeira weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 68°F | 14°C / 57°F | 67 mm | 6 |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 14°C / 57°F | 72 mm | 6 |
| March | 21°C / 70°F | 14°C / 57°F | 62 mm | 6 |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 15°C / 59°F | 45 mm | 5 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 16°C / 61°F | 27 mm | 3 |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 18°C / 64°F | 8 mm | 1 |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 20°C / 68°F | 2 mm | 0 |
| August | 27°C / 81°F | 21°C / 70°F | 1 mm | 0 |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 23 mm | 3 |
| October | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | 91 mm | 7 |
| November | 23°C / 73°F | 17°C / 63°F | 80 mm | 7 |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 16°C / 61°F | 95 mm | 9 |
Climate data: IPMA (Funchal Observatory, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Madeira
What is the best month to visit Madeira?
May and June are dry and mild, with the Flower Festival and the Atlantic Festival.
Is Madeira warm in winter?
Mild rather than warm. Funchal averages highs around 20°C in winter, with more rain than in summer.