Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream and the subtropical climate, this volcanic island off the coast of Africa is also called "flower island" or "floating garden". Impressive mountain peaks and many well-marked trails invite you to a fantastic hike through the green landscape.
A car ride is also recommended. You drive across the island full of hairpin bends into the impressive interior. After a nice trip you can admire a beautiful panorama from the Pico Ruivo. This is the highest mountain in Madeira with 1861 m.
Best time to visit Madeira
Madeira's weather can be sunny and warm one day, and the next day there can be a heavy rain. This makes planning a trip to Madeira a bit tricky. However, there are certain months that are generally considered the best time to visit Madeira.
April through October are generally considered the best time to visit Madeira. The weather during the months of April, May and October is mild and pleasant, and you will find that hotel rates are very reasonable. If you are interested in hiking or other outdoor activities, this is also a great time to go as there are not too many crowds.
June through August is high season for tourism on the island, so you can expect higher prices and bigger crowds during those months. November through March is the low season in Madeira, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Keep in mind that the weather can be somewhat unpredictable at this time of year, but it's usually not bad enough to deter visitors.
In the table below you can quickly find the average weather per month in Madeira, the monthly temperatures or the most rain. Our average monthly climate data is based on data from the past 30 years.
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Madeira has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The weather here is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the African continent. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Less rain does tend to fall between May and September. These months also have longer daylight hours, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day in July and August.
But what is the weather like here throughout the year? Let's take a closer look at Madeira's climate by season.
Spring (March-May)
Spring in Madeira is lovely, with average temperatures hovering around 18-20 degrees Celsius. It gets warmer in May. Just in time for the blooming of the island's iconic flowers, which cover the mountain slopes in a rainbow of colors.
Summers in Madeira are warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. July and August are usually the hottest months on the island, so if you want to escape the heat, this is not the time to come. But if you don't mind a little heat, summer is an ideal time to enjoy all that Madeira has to offer.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn begins in September and brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain. This is considered by many to be the best time of year to visit Madeira, as the crowds have subsided but the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities. The average temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius during this time of year.
Although winters in Madeira are relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, they can still be chilly, with average temperatures dropping to 18 degrees Celsius. December and January are usually the coldest months on the island, so if you're planning a winter trip, be sure to bring your sweaters! This period also sees the most rainfall.
What is the average Madeira weather like in a given month? Let's find out! Click on a month to check all the monthly averages for sunshine, temperature highs and lows, percentage chance of rain per day, snowfall accumulation and number of rainy days.
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