Madeira Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Madeira, Portugal)

Any time of the year is a good time to holiday on the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, although there are certainly some periods when the climate is especially appealing to tourists. The weather experienced by Madeira varies somewhat as you move around this mountainous island, with the biggest differences being between the north and south coasts.

The climate of Madeira is generally described as being subtropical and oceanic, with Funchal and the southerly side of the island tending to enjoy slightly milder and warmer weather, with favourable temperatures being maintained by the warming Gulf Stream. Summer highs between July and September regularly top 25°C / 77°F or 26°C / 79°F, while the winter months stay at around 17°C / 63°F or 18°C / 64°F by day, and rarely dropping much below 10°C / 50°F.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

Humidity levels on Madeira remain fairly low and are by no means excessive or unpleasant. As well as being hot, the summer climate is also especially dry and rainy weather is virtually non-existent at this time. The temperature of the sea during the summer season quickly rises to 26°C / 79°F or more and is therefore perfect for swimming.

Precipitation levels on Madeira slowing increase from September onwards, peaking in November and December. However, although these tends to be the wettest months, rainfall is quite minimal and averages just 95 mm / 3.7 inches for each month.

Madeira Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	17°C / 63°F	10°C / 50°F
February	18°C / 64°F	12°C / 54°F
March	18°C / 64°F	12°C / 54°F
April	19°C / 66°F	13°C / 55°F
May	20°C / 68°F	14°C / 57°F
June	23°C / 73°F	17°C / 63°F
July	25°C / 77°F	18°C / 64°F
August	26°C / 79°F	19°C / 66°F
September	25°C / 77°F	18°C / 64°F
October	23°C / 73°F	16°C / 61°F
November	21°C / 70°F	15°C / 59°F
December	18°C / 64°F	14°C / 57°F