The water temperature remains very pleasant all year round, ranging between 19°C/66°F (winter) and 24°C/75°F (summer). The best month to swim in the sea is in September, when the average sea temperature is 24°C (75°F).
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So you can swim all year round in Madeira if you are not cold. If you want to sunbathe and swim, the months of May to September are obviously the best. The island of Porto Santo and its 7 km long beach should interest you, even if the influence of tourists is impressive in high season!
Considered one of the best beaches in Europe and enjoying the unique characteristics of the north coast, Seixal Beach is a paradise for all kinds of swimmers: from beginners to the most experienced ones. Calheta Beach is one of the island of Madeira's few yellow sandy beaches.
The temperature, visibility and transparency of the water, as well as the immensity and variety of marine life, make this a unique place for swimming. On the north coast, the deep blue sea is lively and dynamic, while on the south coast you can discover a calm, transparent sea with gentle waves.
The southwest is the place to be for more guaranteed sun; Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta boast the best climates on the island followed by Funchal, Camera de lobos and Machico.
The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.7°F / 23.7°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 64°F / 17.8°C.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Madeira Beach water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 86.7°F / 30.4°C. The coldest month is January with an average water temperature of 63.9°F / 17.7°C.
Amazing and stable weather denotes April through November as the best time to visit Madeira. April to mid-June is known for price cuts and moderate crowds. This period can offer you unforgettable hiking among lush green vegetation, and you can join famous Madeira Flower Festival.
Water: There is plenty of water of an excellent drinking standard. The tap water in Madeira conforms with all EU regulations and it is safe to drink. The water is treated with Chlorine and therefore may taste a little different.
If you're heading to Madeira to sunbathe, swim and explore the island in the sunshine, August is the best month to visit. On average, August tends to be the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures of around 23°C.
Located in Funchal, the Complexo Balnear do Lido, open year round, is a place for swimming enthusiasts, either in the sea or in a saltwater pool. Formosa Beach - A long beach that combines pebble and sandy areas, offering a complete swimming experience along the coast of Funchal.
MADEIRA AND THE ETERNAL SPRING!The warm ocean currents influence the climate and mean an absence of extreme hot or cold temperatures, determining a pleasant, mild climate all year long. In general, April to September is mostly dry, whilst October to March is fairly wet.
Madeira weather AprilNorth easterly winds mean you'll be warmest and driest in the south, while the Sahara Desert can make things really hot when it sends winds over to Madeira. The average high is 19ºC in April, which is perfectly warm enough for you to relax on the beach or by the pool.
The southern coast has the warmer temperatures; the southwest coast in particular, benefitting from being protected by the mountains, has the greatest amount of sun hours. The northern coast is much greener and less developed, and being more open to the prevailing climate, tends to be a little cooler.
The north side of the island takes all the punishment. The trade winds travel down the Atlantic and hit the north coast brining with them rain and cool air. The high mountains act as a barrier to the more densely populated, “sunnier” side of the island, the south side.
A warmer winterMadeiran winters are usually very pleasant: in December and January, Funchal enjoys five times as much sunshine hours than London. Daytime temperatures hover just under 20C: mild enough to swim in the sea or a heated outdoor pool, though there's always the possibility of rain.
Just a few minutes from the centre of Funchal, there is an irresistible sandy beach that offers relaxing and fun moments to all those who visit it. For those who love sandy beaches, the east coast is perfect for swimming. Check out our suggestions.