Madeira is often referred to as “the island with the eternal spring”, and this is the best way to describe the varied weather of the island. Despite its lush greenery, the island doesn’t see enormous amounts of rain, but neither does it get uncomfortably hot. There are two distinct seasons to Madeira: a slightly cooler and wetter winter (October to April) and a drier and warmer summer (May to September), but the location on the island has just as much an effect on the weather as the time of year.
Due to its mountainous topography, the island is full of diverse microclimates. The difference in altitude makes it possible in winter to find snow on the top of the mountains but sunny weather and 23 ºC at sea level. While the north and east tend to be slightly cooler and wetter since they don’t have the same protection. This variable weather causes locals to joke “that you can experience all four seasons just by moving around the island”.
March, April and May, temperatures average in the lows 20 rising slightly and especially towards the end of the season, though there is the risk of heavy rain now and again. The foliage is especially vivid in spring. You’ll also see plenty of colour in Funchal during the Flower Festival, a popular event in April / May.
The weather is warm but not incredibly hot as with much of southern Europe. Daytime temperatures are typically around 24°C but between June and August the leste, a dry, hot wind blowing west from the Sahara, can raise them as high as 33°C. Early mornings in June and July often see the island blanketed with cloud, which gradually dissipates over the day.
The autumn months of September, October and November tend to be a lot quieter on Madeira, but it’s still pleasantly sunny and the sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming. Rainfall is beginning to pick up, but temperatures are stable. You can expect it to be around a balmy 22°C, perfect for walking as there is plenty of shade around.
If you’re looking for winter sun you won’t have much trouble finding it in Madeira. In December, January and February daytime temperatures can be 20°C in the lower parts of the island below what’s called the ‘banana line’, where it’s best for cultivating, er, bananas. Yet take a look at the mountaintops from Funchal and you may well see snow glittering in the sunlight. The island’s famous Carnival celebrations begin on the Friday before Lent and run to Shrove Tuesday, so if you plan to travel on these dates you’ll want to book early.
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