WEATHER IN MADEIRA - CLIMATE CHARACTERISTICS
Madeira lies in a subtropical climate zone, with mild winters and warm (but not hot) summers. The average annual temperature in Madeira fluctuates around 19-23°C, and thanks to the Gulf Stream, the ocean waters are relatively warm.
Important climate features:
✔ Small temperature fluctuations - the difference between the warmest and coolest month is only about 6-7°C.
✔ Diverse microclimates - the north of the island is wetter and the south (where Funchal is located) is sunny and dry.
✔ Frequent trade winds - mitigate the heat in summer.
✔ Rainfall mainly from November to February, but usually short-lived.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO MADEIRA? - TOURIST SEASON AND THE WEATHER
🔹Best months for holidays:
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May-September - ideal time for beachcombing and activities (temperatures 22-27°C).
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April-October - great for trekking and sightseeing (less crowds than in summer).
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January-March - a good choice for those looking for tranquillity and mild winters (16-20°C).
🔹 High season vs low season:
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June-August - most tourists, higher prices.
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November-March - lower prices, more rainfall but still pleasant temperatures.
MADEIRA WEATHER MONTH BY MONTH
🌦 January - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather January / Madeira in January
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Air temperature: 16-20°C
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Water temperature: 18°C
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Precipitation: 6-8 days per month
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January is one of the colder months, but still pleasant compared to Northern Europe. It can be foggy in the mountains.
🌤 February - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather February / Madeira in February
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Air temperature: 16-20°C
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Water temperature: 18°C
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Rainfall: 5-7 days
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February in Madeira is a good time for walking and sightseeing. There is a carnival going on in Funchal!
🌸 March - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather March
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Air temperature: 17-21°C
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Water temperature: 18°C
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Precipitation: 5-6 days
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Spring is beginning to bloom - the perfect time to watch nature.
🌷 April - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather April / Madeira in April
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Air temperature: 18-22°C
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Water temperature: 19°C
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Precipitation: 4-5 days
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One of the best times to visit - sunny but not hot.
🌞 May - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather in May / Madeira in May
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Air temperature: 19-23°C
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Water temperature: 20°C
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Precipitation: 3-4 days
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May is the start of the tourist season - perfect for beachcombing and excursions.
☀️ June - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather in June / Madeira in June
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Air temperature: 21-25°C
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Water temperature: 21°C
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Precipitation: 2-3 days
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Summer in full swing - lots of sunshine, warm water and an outdoor lover's paradise.
🔥 July - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather July / Madeira in July
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Air temperature: 22-26°C
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Water temperature: 22°C
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Precipitation: 1-2 days
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Warmest month, but no heat due to winds.
🌊 August - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather August / Madeira in August
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Air temperature: 23-27°C
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Water temperature: 23°C
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Precipitation: 2-3 days
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Peak season - crowds, but also the best weather for swimming.
🍇 September - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather in September / Madeira in September
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Air temperature: 23-26°C
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Water temperature: 23°C
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Precipitation: 4-5 days
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Warm, but fewer tourists. Great time for grape picking.
🍂 October - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather October / Madeira in October
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Air temperature: 21-24°C
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Water temperature: 22°C
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Precipitation: 6-7 days
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Autumn is starting to get rainier, but still plenty of sunshine.
🌧 November - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather November / Madeira in November
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Air temperature: 19-22°C
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Water temperature: 21°C
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Precipitation: 8-9 days
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Humid, but temperatures pleasant.
🎄 December - weather and temperatures / Madeira weather December / Madeira in December
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Air temperature: 17-20°C
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Water temperature: 20°C
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Precipitation: 8-10 days
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Festive climate without frost - a good option for a winter holiday.
PRECIPITATION AND HUMIDITY IN MADEIRA
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North vs south: the north is more rainy (e.g. Santana), while Funchal (south) has more sunshine.
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Most rainfall: November-February.
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Least rainfall: July-August.
WATER TEMPERATURE AND OCEAN BATHING IN MADEIRA
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Warmest water: August-September (23°C).
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Coolest water: February-March (18°C).
WHAT TO PACK FOR MADERA? - PRACTICAL TIPS
✔ In summer: light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses.
✔ In winter: light jacket, long trousers, umbrella.
✔ For trekking: comfortable shoes, layered clothes (it can be cold in the mountains).
FAQ
❓ Does it snow in Madeira? Only in the high mountains (e.g. Pico Ruivo), very rarely in the towns.
❓ Is it possible to sunbathe in winter? Yes, daytime temperatures reach 18-20°C, but the water is cool (around 18°C).
❓ What are the weather differences between Funchal and the rest of the island? Funchal (south) is sunnier, while the north can sometimes be humid and foggy.
SUMMARY
Madeira is a year-round destination. If you're looking for sunshine - choose June-September, and if peace and quiet - November-March. Whatever the season, the weather in Madeira rarely disappoints!
MADEIRA WEATHER - A COMPLETE MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
How is the weather in Madeira throughout the year?
Called the 'Island of Eternal Spring', Madeira impresses with its mild climate all year round. Thanks to its subtropical location and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures here are stable and the seasons change subtly. In this article, we detail Madeira's weather in each month, air and water temperatures, rainfall and the best time to travel. Find out when to go to enjoy the sun, trekking or relaxing on the beach!
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