There is no bad month for Madeira. Come in summer for the driest weather and long evenings, in spring for flowers and walking, in autumn for mild days with fewer crowds, and in winter for Christmas lights and fireworks. Choose by what you want to do rather than by the thermometer.
The archipelago is known for its mild climate all year round, with average temperatures from 15 °C (59 °F) in winter to 25 °C (77 °F) in summer.
In Funchal, the official averages supplied by the Instituto de Meteorologia give mean daily highs of 19.1 °C (66 °F) in January and February and 25.7 °C (78 °F) in September, and mean daily lows of 12.8 °C (55 °F) in February and 18.9 °C (66 °F) in August and September.
Funchal averages 13 rain days in December, 12 in January and 11 in November, against 1 in July and 2 in August. These figures are for Funchal on the south coast; if you head up into the mountains, pack a layer whatever the month.
Spring comes early, the gardens burst into colour and average temperatures hover between 18 and 22 °C (64 to 72 °F); in summer the heat is moderate, with highs of around 25 °C (77 °F) and no sweltering heatwaves; in autumn the temperatures remain mild, the days remain long and it is time for the grape harvest.
In winter the sun rises around 8 am (08:00) and sets around 6 pm (18:00); in summer it rises around 6:15 am (06:15) and sets around 9 pm (21:00). Shorter winter days matter if you plan long walks, so start early.
The Christmas and New Year festivities run from 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, and they peak with the fireworks on New Year's Eve. Carnival runs from 3 to 14 February 2027, with parades such as the Cortejo Alegórico and the satirical Cortejo Trapalhão.
The Flower Festival runs from 29 April to 30 May 2027, with a clear emphasis on the Flower Parade. The Atlantic Festival runs from 4 to 27 June 2027, with fireworks every Saturday in June. If a festival is the reason for your trip, book your room early.
The Laurissilva forest, about 20 million years old, covers around 15,000 hectares, 20% of the island, mostly in the high areas of the north. Many of the classic levada walks run through it.
Before setting off on a walk, make sure the trail is ready to be explored: an official map shows which classified walking routes are open, which have some restrictions and which are inaccessible, and in heavy rain or strong wind you should turn back. Our guide to Madeira's levada walks has routes for every level.
The Levada Walking Tour Through Madeira's Dense Laurel Forest heads into the laurel forest with a guide, the Levada do Norte Guided Tour: Câmara de Lobos to Ribeira Brava follows one of the island's classic water channels, and the Madeira Island Guided Tour: Levada Walks & Top Highlights mixes short levada walks with the main viewpoints. For the high mountains, the Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Madeira covers the classic mountain ridge walk on your own.
Even when the morning is overcast, it is often sunny somewhere else on the island, so a flexible day pays off. The Full-Day Private 4x4 Guided Tour in Madeira Island lets a local guide adapt the route to the weather, and the Cabo Girão Skywalk & Mountains Full-Day Tour Madeira combines the Cabo Girão sea cliff with the mountains.
If you prefer food to hiking, the Full-Day Madeira Farm Tour with Local Tastings and Lunch visits a farm with local tastings and lunch, and on calm summer days the Full-Day Private Sailing Tour Along Madeira Island Coast shows the coast from the sea.
In Funchal, late summer is warmest: September has the highest average daytime high, 25.7 °C (78 °F).
Yes, for mild days, walks and the Christmas season. Expect more rain days than in summer and shorter daylight.
The 2027 festival opens on 29 April and closes on 30 May, according to the official tourism board.
Most months, yes, but check the official trail map before you go, since routes can be closed after bad weather.
