Thu, 14 Jan 2021

(Photo: Hynek & Baru)

What is the best month to go to Madeira?

We could say that is between June and September because it is the summer peak, but the truth is that Madeira is a great destination to visit all year round! Madeira enjoys a very warm climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with average temperatures ranging between 18 ºC and 25 ºC. Madeira has a warm climate and comfortable temperatures are in spring or autumn and you’ll have at least nine hours of beautiful sunshine to enjoy per day.

However, the choice lies with the personal goals or in the type of holiday you are looking for, of course. Let’s take a look at the various options:

The English summer

If you’re looking for winter sun you won’t have much trouble finding it in Madeira. In December, January, and February daytime temperatures can be 20°C in the lower parts of the island below what’s called the ‘banana line’.

January is the wettest and one of the coolest months in Madeira. Thanks to the mild subtropical climate, the average min temperature in Funchal is 13°C (55°F) while max reaches 19°C (66°F). 

What to do on Madeira in January and February?

• You can still see Christmas lights (until the first week of January)
• The ''Reis’’ party, in Funchal
• Surf
•  Hike in the Levadas
•  A boat ride or a Jeep Tour

•  Enjoy a mini-holiday, during Valentines day and watch the sunset in Pico do Arieiro
•  Watch the Carnival parades

• Wine tasting
• Visit some cultural museums
• Take the Cable Car to Monte and Botanical Garden

• Take a walk through the Lido or Caniço Promenade
• Venture out in the Cable Car of Achadas da Cruz

The Eternal Spring

During March, April, and May, and especially towards the end of the season the sun already shines differently. March is a lovely time of year to visit Madeira. With winter now left behind, the temperatures improve and rain is less likely in this beautiful archipelago. The average daytime temperature rises to a bit over 16ºC with midday high peaks ranging 18ºC in cloudless days and nighttime lows rarely go below 14ºC.  

What to do on Madeira in March, April, and May?

• Flower Festival

• Whale watching
• Visit beautiful viewpoints
• Admire our beautiful gardens such as the Tropical and Palheiro Gardens
• Toboggan Ride

• Stroll through the City of Funchal
• Visit Nun's Valley
• Go to the SPA
• Canyoning

• Explore the European Museum Night
• Also, you should visit the Here-There Festival at Ponta do Sol

The summer peak of Madeira

June, July, August, and September, the most sought-after months right? These months you have the opportunity to enjoy some of Madeira’s exhilarating attractions with events and festivals practically every weekend all over the Island.

Temperatures start to increase, favouring trips to the beach and oceanside activities.

July is a very popular time to visit Madeira when the sun is almost in full force, the skies are blue and the temperatures are high.

What to do in June, July, August, and September in Madeira?

• In June there are some events such as mountain biking (Trans Madeira) and Canyoning (Madeira Canyoning Meeting)
• Travel to a new-old Epoque and explore the Medieval Market in Machico
• Visit tropical gardens
• Relax in Porto Santo Beach

• Take part in the Madeira wine festival in August
• Watch the fireworks at the Atlantic Festival
• Go to the Cherry Festival in Camara de Lobos
• Fly through the sky with Paragliding
• Snorkel and Diving
• Music lover? In July we have The Funchal Jazz and the Summer Opening
• Swim in the fantastic lava pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
• In September do not forget the beautiful Colombo’s Festival

The golden sun

The autumn months, October and November tend to be a lot quieter in Madeira, but it’s still pleasantly sunny. It is perfect for walking as there is plenty of shade around. Even though December is the winter season in Madeira, the temperatures are relatively mild with around six hours of sunshine each day. 

The comparatively sunny weather makes Madeira an appealing and popular destination for visitors to enjoy a Christmas holiday. Madeira has a slight average temperature drop from 18°C on December 1st to 17°C by December 31st.

What to do in October, November, and December in Madeira?

• October is perfect for birdwatching tours
• Also, there is the Nature Festival which allows for the enjoyment of several activities in the mountains, in the air or in the sea, all free-of-charge, throughout the week
• Travel through the scenic roads of Madeira on the way to exploring its Countryside
• Relish the beauty of the 4 natural reserves.
• During November, the sky has many shades of pink, which allows watching the most beautiful sunrises

• Visit the Farmer's Market it's time for eating tons of fruit like guava, mango, and Annona
• In December go see the Christmas lights and the Christmas market
• Party on the Market Night
• Visit some churches to take pictures of the nativity scene
• Watch the famous New Years Fireworks in Funchal