Therefore, the best months to hike in Madeira are in the shoulder seasons – May, June, September, and October, unless you want to see the waterfalls in full force.
People Also Ask
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.
Madeira's climate is characterized by its subtropical and Mediterranean influences, creating a pleasant year-round environment and some of the best conditions for hiking we have found anywhere. The island experiences mild winters and warm summers, thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean.
Madeira has excellent walking temperatures all year round. Even in October and November, you can enjoy over 10 hours of sunshine and pleasant temperatures in the low 20s.
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.
Madeira is a pretty small island, and so luckily you don't need very long to see all of the incredible things that this destination has to offer. If you're looking to experience the must-dos then a short four-day break would be fine. However, a week is the perfect amount of time to really make the most of the island.
Famous for it's year-round warmth and sunshine – choosing the best time to visit Madeira all depends on the type of holiday you're looking for… Let's start at the beginning of the year – January through to March is the coolest time of the year, but it's also the quietest and the cheapest.
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 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.
Santana – Perfect place to stay in Madeira for hiking. The area of and around Santana is an ideal place to stay in Madeira if you want to go hiking in that area! There are a ton of spectacular hiking trails really close by and this small town is located on the East side of Northern Madeira.
Warm winds occasionally blow over from the Sahara Desert, which can make things really hot in Madeira. The average high temperature during October is 23ºC, which is perfectly warm enough to chill out on the beach or by the pool.
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!
A quick summary of when to visit MadeiraNote for June: The typical weather for June is for dense cloud, but it varies yearly. If you come expecting full sun and sunbathing weather (as with the rest of Portugal), you will be disappointed, but if you come for a sightseeing holiday, you will have a great time.
In Madeira, there are fewer sandy beaches, but more beaches with pebbles or stones. To access the water, we strongly recommend water shoes. If you are interested in exploring a variety of sandy beaches, the winner is Tenerife ??.
The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Madeira's economy boosted with the emergence of its world-famous wine. In fact, Madeira's fortified wine has not only accompanied many great meals, but also some of the world's most historically significant moments.
With both rent and restaurant prices being around 25% cheaper than in Lisbon, Funchal allows you to live your island dream without paying the more expensive prices of mainland Portugal.
From June to September, Madeira trip would be especially warm and sweet with a tart taste of Madeira wine festival in August. But these months are also the busiest with hotel rates at their peak, so plan fast and book early.
Wind in Madeira Island is usually extremely calm. The windiest month is December, followed by February and March. December's average wind speed of around 3.9 knots (4.5 MPH or 7.2 KPH) is considered “light air”.