Madeira Weather by Month
Real weather data for Madeira: monthly temps, rainfall, sea warmth. Plus what to actually pack — not what the tourism board tells you.
Quick Facts
- Climate
- Subtropical
- Summer high
- 24–26°C
- Winter low
- 12–14°C
- Ocean temp
- 18–24°C
- Rainiest month
- December
Madeira has a subtropical climate that stays mild year-round. The mountains create distinct microclimates across the island — it can be sunny in Funchal and foggy in Santana at the same time.
Climate Overview
Madeira sits in the North Atlantic, about 1,000 km southwest of Lisbon. Its position and mountainous terrain give it a climate that feels like a permanent spring. Winters are mild, summers are warm, and rain is spread unevenly across the island.
The south coast (Funchal, Câmara de Lobos) is the driest and warmest area. The north coast gets more rain and cloud. The mountain interior can be 10°C cooler than the coast.
Temperatures by Month
Average daily highs in Funchal:
- January–February: 18°C
- March–April: 19–20°C
- May–June: 21–23°C
- July–August: 25–26°C
- September–October: 24–22°C
- November–December: 20–18°C
Night-time lows rarely drop below 12°C in winter and stay around 18–20°C in summer.
Rainfall
The wettest months are November through February, with December being the peak. The north coast and mountain areas receive significantly more rain than Funchal. Summer (June to September) is mostly dry.
Rain showers tend to come quickly and pass quickly. Mornings are often clear, with clouds building in the afternoon.
Ocean Temperatures
The Atlantic around Madeira stays cool in winter (17–18°C) and warms up nicely by summer:
- January–March: 17–18°C
- April–May: 18–19°C
- June–July: 20–22°C
- August–September: 23–24°C
- October–December: 21–19°C
Swimming is comfortable from June to October. Natural pools like Porto Moniz extend the swimming season since the water is sheltered.
Microclimates
Madeira's mountains create sharp differences over short distances. The key patterns:
- South coast: Warmest, driest, most sunshine. Funchal benefits from a natural amphitheatre that traps warmth.
- North coast: Cooler, wetter, greener. São Vicente and Santana get more cloud and rain.
- Mountains: Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) can be 10–12°C cooler than Funchal. Snow is possible from December to March.
- East (Machico, Caniço): Slightly cooler than Funchal due to trade winds.
- West (Calheta, Ponta do Sol): Similar to Funchal but with more exposure to Atlantic weather.
Porto Santo
Porto Santo has a drier, more arid climate than Madeira. It receives less rainfall and more consistent sunshine year-round. Summers are warm and dry. Even in winter, Porto Santo gets more sun than most of Madeira.
What to Pack
Summer (June–September): Light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses. A light jacket for evenings and mountain hikes.
Spring/Autumn: Layers. T-shirts for the coast, a warm layer for the mountains. Rain jacket.
Winter (December–February): Light jacket, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes. You won't need heavy winter clothes at sea level.
Highlights
- Madeira has mild weather year-round — winters are warm compared to mainland Europe.
- The south coast (Funchal) is drier and sunnier than the north.
- Mountains create microclimates: it can be sunny in Funchal and foggy in Santana at the same time.
- Ocean temperatures stay warm enough to swim from June to October.
- Rain is most common from November to February, but mornings are often clear.
Good to Know
- Pack layers. Even in summer, the mountains can be 10°C cooler than the coast.
- Rain gear is useful year-round. Showers come quickly and pass quickly.
- Sunscreen is essential even in winter. The UV index stays moderate most of the year.
- Check the forecast for the specific area you plan to visit. Weather varies a lot across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madeira warm in winter?
Yes. Funchal averages 12–18°C from December to February. It feels like a mild spring day in northern Europe. Frost is rare at sea level, though the mountain peaks get snow.
Can you swim in Madeira?
Yes, from June to October when ocean temperatures reach 20–24°C. Natural lava pools like Porto Moniz are popular. Some beaches have calm water suitable for families.
Does it rain a lot in Madeira?
Rain is most common from November to February, with December being the wettest month. The north coast and mountains get more rain than Funchal. Summer is mostly dry.
Is winter in Madeira warm enough to swim?
Air is mild (16–18°C) but the sea is cool at 17–18°C. Locals swim year-round; most visitors prefer June–October (20–24°C) or the heated lava pools of Porto Moniz.
Is Porto Santo hotter than Madeira?
No, Porto Santo is drier and sunnier. Madeira's mountains catch more rain. Porto Santo has a semi-arid climate with less cloud cover year-round.
Do I need a jacket in Madeira in summer?
A light jacket is useful for evenings and mountain hikes. Funchal can cool down after sunset, and the levada walks in the mountains can be misty and cool.