The winter in Madeira is very mild, thanks to its mountainous microclimate and currents from the ocean. The average of 95 mm of rainfall in the winter means that you are likely to experience some sort of precipitation during your holiday.
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Madeira is the perfect winter sun holiday destination – the weather is fantastic all year round, so the island isn't any less lively. The main difference you'll notice is the lack of crowds!
From November through December, January, February and into March it can be cool and wet, so pack a lightweight raincoat and small travel umbrella. Dressing in layers will help you with the temperature changes. Heavy downpours are common in the afternoons – you can almost set your watch by them.
A Portuguese archipelago that's closer to Africa than mainland Portugal, January's the wettest month of the year but you'll still get lots of winter sun if you plan your Madeira holidays at this time.
Madeira is 967.7 kilometers (601.3 miles) away and has the same time zone with Lisboa, Portugal. Madeira's climate is classified as Mediterranean, warm summer (Köppen climate classification: Csb) while Lisboa has a Mediterranean, hot summer climate (Csa). Madeira generally has warmer weather than Lisboa.
The Canary Islands are probably a safer bet if your top priority is hot weather but that of course can't be guaranteed and the weather in Madeira is generally good too. Madeira is much more beautiful though with lots of things to do.
Madeira's unique geographic location and mountainous terrain lend itself to its marvelously mild climate, ranging from 25°C (77°F) in the summer to 17°C (62°F) in the winter, with moderate humidity and mild average temperatures no matter the time of year.
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.
I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.
Madeira's national currency is Euro (EUR), which comes in denominations of 5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€ notes. Coins come in 1, 2,5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two euros denominations. Banks are open from 8:30 am to 15:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
The rainy season is between November and February, during which time rolling clouds and frequent rainstorms are typical. Most days during this time will have at least one rainstorm passing through. The months between May and August are the driest of the year.
Calheta Beach is one of the island of Madeira's few yellow sandy beaches. A peaceful swimming experience is guaranteed by two piers, so you can exercise in the sea all year round.
From 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024Madeira is an amazing destination all year, but if you are looking for a special place to celebrate Christmas, visit Madeira. The traditions of this island, the climate, the local gastronomy and the main events of this festivity, will surely surprise you.
From 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024Madeira, a Portuguese island, celebrates to the fullest the arrival of Christmas season, with a traditional Christmas market, held in Avenida Arriaga central walkways, at the heart of its main capital – Funchal.
Where is the warmest place in Europe for a winter holiday? The hottest place in Europe in December is probably the Canary Islands. For a warm winter holiday in Europe, the Canary Islands in Spain offer a haven of sunshine and warmth.
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.
There are many restaurants open on Christmas Day. Never ever had a problem finding somewhere to eat over the whole Christmas/New Year period, although on Christmas Eve some restaurants that are open may close early in the evening to allow their staff to enjoy an evening with their family.