Madeira climate
What Madeira weather means for hikers
Madeira is mild all year, but mild is not the same as predictable. The coast, the north side, the high peaks, and the forest can feel like different seasons on the same day.
Monthly averages
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19.7 C | 13.7 C | 73.6 mm | 7.8 | 12.9 days |
| Feb | 19.8 C | 13.5 C | 70.2 mm | 7.0 | 13.4 days |
| Mar | 20.6 C | 14.2 C | 57.1 mm | 6.7 | 15.8 days |
| Apr | 21.4 C | 14.9 C | 43.8 mm | 5.9 | 15.4 days |
| May | 22.4 C | 16.2 C | 18.6 mm | 3.8 | 16.8 days |
| Jun | 24.0 C | 18.1 C | 8.4 mm | 2.1 | 15.4 days |
| Jul | 25.7 C | 19.8 C | 1.6 mm | 0.7 | 18.6 days |
| Aug | 26.7 C | 20.7 C | 3.0 mm | 0.9 | 19.0 days |
| Sep | 26.4 C | 20.5 C | 24.1 mm | 3.2 | 16.9 days |
| Oct | 24.8 C | 18.9 C | 81.3 mm | 7.1 | 15.4 days |
| Nov | 22.5 C | 16.6 C | 90.1 mm | 8.4 | 13.3 days |
| Dec | 20.7 C | 14.9 C | 81.0 mm | 8.6 | 12.2 days |
Rain and sunny days at a glance
Average monthly rainfall
Estimated sunny days
Season notes
Winter: wetter, greener, changeable
December to March can be excellent for lower walks, but rain is more likely and mountain routes may feel colder, cloudier, and more exposed.
Spring: strong hiking months
April and May often bring comfortable temperatures and less rain. Still check closures after storms, because trail damage can outlast the weather.
Summer: dry, busy, exposed
July and August are the driest months in Funchal. Start early, carry water, and be careful on exposed coastal routes where heat builds quickly.
Autumn: warm with returning rain
September is still warm. October and November bring more rain days, so levadas and cliff paths deserve extra caution.
Microclimates matter
Madeira's south coast is often sunnier and drier than the north coast. The central mountains create cloud, wind, and sharp elevation changes. A route can start in mild sun and enter cold cloud before the highest point.
Use monthly averages for choosing a travel season. Use today's forecast, trail status, and what you can see around you for choosing a trail.