Known as the island of eternal spring, you can't go wrong visiting Madeira at any time of the year. Thanks to its geographical location and mountainous relief, the island enjoys a mild humidity with pleasant temperatures all year round (25 °C in summer and 17 °C in winter).
Most rainy days can be expected between November and February. Sea temperatures are also very mild due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, reaching 22 °C in summer and 18 °C in winter.
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Due to its very rugged topography, Madeira has many areas with specific microclimates.
Generally speaking, however, the northern coast and the mountainous areas in the north-east are rainier than the southern coast, although even this is not dry and you can enjoy lush vegetation all year round even in the south. The only dry place in summer is the easternmost tip of Madeira, the São Lourenço peninsula.
The north and west coasts are windier than the rest of the island.
If you're going to hike in the mountains, expect a significantly better chance of clearer weather in the morning and mid-morning than in the afternoon, when clouds start to form.
Temperatures and precipitation during the year
It's important to mention the fact that, thanks to the high mountains and ocean, the area rarely gets long-lasting rains. It can rain heavily, but the rainfall shifts around the island at different times during the day, so you're not likely to miss a whole day.
The average probability of rainfall in the winter months on any given day is about 35 to 65%, and in the summer it is under 10%. However, the sun shines in proportion to the length of the day roughly similarly in all months, with probabilities only ranging from 50 to 65%.
Weather in January
January weather in Madeira favours easy hiking along the coast, road-trips through beautiful Madeiran villages and trips to the lower elevations. In the southern parts of Madeira, the average rainfall is about 74 mm. In the north it rains a little more.
Normal temperatures in January are between 16 and 20 °C, with the lowest real temperature at night being around 13 °C. The highest parts of the mountains (above 1,300 metres) may be covered with snow.
Weather in February
February in Madeira is very similar to January weather. Temperatures are most often around 19 °C, with slightly higher rainfall totals, but you won't notice this in real weather. Snow can still stick to the highest points of the mountains.
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Weather in March
March on Madeira is a classic spring month with all the trimmings. It's not that nature isn't green in winter, but in March the colours are even fresher, many plants start to bloom and temperatures rise slightly to an average of around 21°C in the morning and 14°C at night.
On average, it rains less than in the winter months.
Weather in April
April in Madeira is another beautiful spring month, when most flowers are already in bloom, nature is lush green even on the slightly drier southern coast and temperatures stay at a very pleasant 21 °C with minimal fluctuations.
The rain is slowly diminishing, with an average of about 44 mm of rain falling, and traditionally about twice as much on the north coast.
Weather in May
May is one of the most beautiful spring months.
Nature is in full swing, lush spring foliage takes over the whole island and even the warm-loving plants, which are in decline during the winter, start to bloom.
The rain in the south of the island is rather sporadic and even on the north side there are only short showers. Normal temperatures in May in Madeira are around 22 °C.
Weather in June
The first of the summer months finds Madeira still lushly green and full of moisture, but rain is very rare, especially in the south.
In the middle of the island and on the north side, it does rain from time to time, but never for more than 2 hours. Temperatures rise above 23 °C.
Weather in July
July in Madeira is an ideal month for both hiking and beach holidays.
Rainfall is exceptional throughout the south and east coasts, with occasional showers only in the mountains and on the north coast. There is almost a 100% certainty of sunny weather for at least part of the day, and normal temperatures are in the summer range of 25°C.
Weather in August
August is the hottest and least rainy month in Madeira with the most sunshine. In the south and east of the island, rain is really exceptional at this time of year, with only brief showers in the north or in the mountains.
Temperatures soar up to 27 °C and occasionally, especially in the east or south, they rise above 30 °C. Despite the drier weather, Madeira is still beautifully green, although the colours are not as lush as in spring or winter.
Weather in September
September is the second hottest month after August and one of the best times for hiking. Temperatures routinely rise above 26°C, there is still very little rain, but there is more often a gentle breeze which makes hiking and trekking more enjoyable.
September is also a good month for swimming in the sea, as the generally cool Atlantic water is at its warmest, reaching temperatures of up to 23 °C.
The weather in October
While autumn is in full swing in continental Europe, October in Madeira is a great month for all activities.
The average air temperature is around a summery 25 °C and even at night it doesn't normally drop below 13 °C.
Although rainfall is increasing, short showers interspersed with sunny weather are typical. Even the sea is still relatively warm, at least by Atlantic standards.
Weather in November
November is also a good time to visit Madeira. The rainfall is roughly comparable to that of October, that is, not extreme enough to affect your stay in Madeira.
Normal temperatures are between 19 and 22°C, and Madeira takes on rich green hues again after the autumn rainfall.
Weather in December
Although December is the rainiest month of the year with an average rainfall of 118 mm, don't expect prolonged rains to ruin your holiday.
Especially on the south coast, there are whole days without rain with sun-drenched green slopes. Average daytime temperatures routinely climb above 20 °C during the day, rarely dropping below 15 °C at night.
Sea temperature in Madeira
The Atlantic Ocean is not one of the warmest seas in general, but there are several places in Madeira where you can swim, at least in summer.
Thesea is at its warmest between July and October, when temperatures in sheltered bays near resorts rise to 24 °C.
However, even in winter the ocean off Madeira's coast is not downright icy - it is coldest in February and March, when temperatures reach around 18 °C.
The best places to swim in Madeira are Machico and Calheta, with their large sandy beaches.
Table of temperatures during the year
Madeira - Air temperature
When to go to Madeira
We can recommend travel to Madeira throughout the year. The high season runs from late June to mid-November, when temperatures are consistently above 23°C. The least rain falls between July and mid-early October.
If you want to take a few swims in the sea during your visit to Madeira, the ideal months to go are July, August, September and October, when the sea water is at its warmest. On the other hand, if you want to experience Madeira with a minimum of tourists, head here in winter.
Expect the most beautiful lush green colours with lots of flowering plants in April and May, but there is no month of the year when the fallen trees are dry or the winter grass is grey. Forests are evergreen all year round, as are pastures and meadows.