The Best Time to Visit Madeira

Madeira is known as the island of eternal spring. Funchal is mild all year, with only a small difference between summer and winter. But the mountains and the north coast have their own weather, and festivals shape the calendar. This guide explains what each season is like and when to go for hiking, swimming and festivals.

Quick answer: Madeira is good all year. April to June and September to October are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Summer has the warmest sea (around 22 to 24°C). Winter is mild in Funchal (around 19 to 20°C by day) but wetter in the mountains. The Flower Festival is in spring, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks are world-famous.

Madeira at a glance

Season	Funchal weather	Sea	Best for
Spring (Mar–May)	19–22°C	18–19°C	Flowers, hiking, Flower Festival
Summer (Jun–Sep)	24–27°C	22–24°C	Swimming, festivals, long hiking days
Autumn (Oct–Nov)	22–24°C, more rain in Nov	21–22°C	Hiking, warm sea, fewer crowds
Winter (Dec–Feb)	19–20°C	18–19°C	Winter sun, Christmas, New Year

Spring (March to May)

Spring is when Madeira earns its nickname of the “island of flowers”: gardens burst into bloom, and the weather is perfect for walking.

• Weather: around 19 to 22°C in Funchal, with cooler and sometimes wet conditions in the mountains.
• The Flower Festival: from late April into May, with parades and flower carpets in Funchal.
• Gardens: see the Botanical Garden and Monte.
• Hiking: see levada walks.
• Easter: popular, so book ahead.

Summer (June to September)

Summer is warm rather than scorching, with the warmest sea, long days for hiking and festivals in Funchal. It’s the busiest season, so plan ahead.

• Weather: around 24 to 27°C in Funchal, with lots of sunshine on the south coast. The north is greener and cloudier, and the mountains are cooler.
• Swimming: the lava pools at Porto Moniz and Seixal, and Porto Santo’s golden beach. See Porto Moniz and Porto Santo.
• Festivals: the Atlantic Festival brings fireworks on Saturday nights in June, and the Madeira Wine Festival takes place in late summer.
• Hiking: start early, and watch for wildfire-related trail closures in hot, dry spells. See PR1.
• Book early: especially in August.

Autumn (October to November)

Still warm, with the sea at its best in September and early October, and fewer crowds. Rain increases in November, especially in the mountains.

Winter (December to February)

Mild on the south coast, with Christmas lights and the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks over Funchal’s bay. The mountains are cooler and wetter. See Madeira in winter and Madeira New Year’s Eve.

Best time for...

• Hiking: spring and autumn. Book official trail slots in advance.
• Swimming: July to October.
• Whale watching: all year, with more species in spring and summer. See the best Madeira tours.
• Escaping winter: November to March.
• Festivals: spring (flowers), June (Atlantic Festival), late summer (wine) and New Year’s Eve.

Plan your trip

See how many days in Madeira, the Madeira itinerary, where to stay in Madeira and Madeira vs the Azores.

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