Madeira in Winter: Weather and Things to Do

Madeira is Portugal’s best winter-sun destination: while the rest of Europe shivers, Funchal enjoys mild, spring-like days, the gardens are in flower, and the levadas are lush and green. Here’s what to expect in Madeira from November to March.

Quick answer: expect daytime highs of about 19–21°C in Funchal, warmer than anywhere on the mainland, with some rainy days and much cooler, wetter conditions in the mountains. The sea is around 18–19°C. Winter highlights: Christmas lights, the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, Carnival in February, and hiking in green, misty forests.

Weather

• Funchal and the south coast: mild and often sunny, around 19–21°C by day and 13–15°C at night.
• The north coast: greener, wetter and windier.
• The mountains: cold, misty and sometimes frosty at Pico do Arieiro. Bring warm layers for hikes.
• Rain: comes in spells, more likely from November to February.

Things to do in winter

• Christmas lights in Funchal from early December into January. See Christmas in Portugal.
• New Year’s Eve fireworks: one of the world’s great displays. See New Year’s Eve in Madeira.
• Carnival parades in Funchal in February.
• Levada walks: green and full of waterfalls (check trail status after storms, and book your slot). See levada walks.
• Gardens: Monte Palace and the Botanical Garden. See Funchal.
• Whale and dolphin watching continues in winter, weather permitting.
• Swimming in the heated hotel pools and the Lido’s seawater pools for the brave.

Tips

• Pack layers and a waterproof for the mountains.
• Trails close after heavy rain or rockfalls, so check the official list.
• Book early for Christmas and New Year, the busiest weeks of the year.
• Base yourself on the south coast for the best weather. See where to stay in Madeira.

More: Algarve vs Madeira for winter sun, the Madeira itinerary and Portugal in winter.

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