Madeira Weather by Month: What to Pack & When to Visit

Madeira is often called the 'island of eternal spring' — and it's mostly true. Sitting in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa, the island enjoys mild temperatures year-round, rarely dropping below 16 °C in winter or climbing above 26 °C in summer along the south coast.

But Madeira's weather is more nuanced than the averages suggest. The north coast is wetter and greener, the south is sunnier and drier, and the mountains in the middle make their own weather — sometimes all four seasons in a single day. This guide breaks down what to expect each month, what to pack, and when to come for what you want to do.

Before the month-by-month breakdown, understand this: Madeira has at least three distinct climates packed into a small island. Funchal and the south coast are sunny, dry, and warm almost year-round. The north coast (São Vicente, Seixal, Porto Moniz) is greener and gets 2-3x more rain. The central mountains (Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, Paúl da Serra) are 10-15 °C cooler than the coast, often above the clouds, and can have snow in winter.

Practical consequence: if it's raining in Funchal, drive 20 minutes to the south or up above the clouds and you'll often find sun. A good local driver always has a 'plan B' route for the weather of the day.

Funchal: 16-19 °C · North: cooler and wetter · Mountains: 4-8 °C, occasional snow above 1,500 m. The quietest month of the year. Great for walking and exploring towns without crowds. Some levadas in the north are closed after winter storms — check ifcn.madeira.gov.pt.

Funchal: 16-19 °C · The almond trees blossom in the higher villages (Curral das Freiras), which is one of Madeira's quiet highlights. Carnival usually falls in February — Funchal hosts one of Portugal's biggest parades.

Funchal: 17-20 °C · Rain begins to ease. Days lengthen. Most levadas are back open after winter maintenance. A great month for hiking before the summer crowds arrive.

Funchal: 18-21 °C · Sea: ~19 °C. The Madeira Flower Festival fills Funchal with parades, carpets of petals and concerts. Temperatures are ideal for long hiking days — warm but not hot.

Funchal: 19-22 °C · Sea: 19-20 °C. Many locals say May is the best month: long sunny days, blooming hydrangeas along the levadas, manageable crowds and reliable weather for the high mountains. The PR1 ridge between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo is at its best.

Funchal: 21-24 °C · Sea: 21 °C. School holidays haven't started in most of Europe so the island is still relatively calm. Trails are dry, the sea is warming up, and the cloud line often sits perfectly below the peaks for that 'sea of clouds' view.

Funchal: 22-25 °C · Sea: 22 °C. Madeira's busiest month alongside August. Book tours and restaurants in advance. The south coast is reliably sunny; the north is at its driest. Levadas can be crowded — early starts pay off.

Funchal: 22-26 °C · Sea: 23 °C. Most expensive and most crowded month. Many small villages hold their summer festivals (festas) — local food, live music, fireworks. The north coast stays a few degrees cooler and is a great escape from busy Funchal.

Funchal: 22-25 °C · Sea: 23 °C (warmest of the year). My pick for couples and walkers. Crowds drop after the first week, the sea is at its warmest, and Madeira's wine harvest (vindima) is in full swing — visit the wine villages in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos or São Vicente.

Funchal: 20-24 °C · Sea: 22 °C. A genuinely lovely month — warm enough for the sea and the south coast, cool enough for full-day hikes. Some rain returns, mostly in short bursts. Trails are quiet again.

Funchal: 18-22 °C · Rainier than October, but the island turns intensely green and waterfalls along the levadas are at their most dramatic. The north coast can get Atlantic swells — spectacular to watch from the cliffs at Seixal or São Vicente.

Funchal: 17-20 °C · Funchal's Christmas illuminations are spectacular and run from late November through early January. New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour are listed in the Guinness Book of Records and are a major reason cruise ships and visitors come this time of year.

Madeira's biggest packing mistake is dressing for one climate. The smart approach is layering: a base t-shirt, a mid-layer fleece or jumper, and a light waterproof shell. You'll thank yourself when you start the day on a 23 °C south-coast promenade and end it at 1,800 m on Pico do Areeiro in the wind.