Madeira Weather
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the Pressorbit weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
While the UK’s maritime climate offers mild but changeable conditions, Madeira (and its capital Funchal) delivers a subtropical stability that draws travellers year-round. The live forecast above shows today’s exact temperatures, but the island’s real draw is its narrow annual range – average highs sit near 26 °C in summer and rarely fall below 17 °C in winter.
What is the weather like in Madeira?
Madeira sits in the Atlantic, roughly 900 km south-west of mainland Portugal. Its latitude and oceanic position give it a subtropical climate with warm summers, mild winters, and very little seasonal variation compared to the UK. Funchal, on the south coast, receives more sunshine and less rain than the island’s mountainous interior. Average daily maximums range from 19 °C in January to 27 °C in August, while minimums stay above 13 °C all year. Sea temperatures follow a similar pattern: a winter low of 18 °C rising to 24 °C in late summer.
Temperature and rainfall through the year
Rainfall is heavily seasonal. The winter months (November to March) bring the highest totals – around 80–100 mm per month – while summer (June to September) is virtually dry, with monthly averages below 10 mm. Sunshine hours mirror this: Funchal enjoys 8–9 hours of sun daily in summer, dropping to 4–5 hours in December and January.
The months of April, May and October offer a balance: still plenty of sun (6–7 hours a day), lower rainfall than winter, and temperatures that are ideal for walking and sightseeing. Humidity is moderate throughout the year, rarely climbing above 75 % even in the warmest months.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
It depends on what you’re after. For beach and pool days, July to September gives the hottest temperatures and calmest seas – the live forecast above will show if a heatwave is in play. For hiking and exploring the island’s laurisilva forests, spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are ideal: cooler but still warm, with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. Winter is the quietest season and the wettest, but even then, a week of dry, sunny weather is common – just bring a raincoat for the occasional Atlantic front.
What to pack for Madeira
Lightweight clothing for summer (cotton shirts, shorts, swimwear) plus a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings. Winter visitors need a few warmer layers: jeans, long-sleeved tops, a waterproof jacket and a fleece for walking in the mountains. Good walking shoes are essential if you plan to hike the levada trails. Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are useful all year, especially above 1,000 m where UV levels are stronger.
Madeira weather: frequently asked questions
How hot is Madeira in February?
February is the tail-end of winter. Average highs in Funchal reach 19 °C, with overnight lows around 13 °C. Sea temperature sits at 18 °C – still swimmable for some, but most will prefer a wetsuit or a heated pool. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine and 8–10 rainy days in the month.
What about Madeira weather in January?
January is the coolest and wettest month, but ‘cool’ is relative: daytime highs average 19 °C, lows 13 °C. Rainfall is around 100 mm spread over 12–14 days. Sunshine hours are at their lowest (4–5 per day), but clear spells are still frequent enough for outdoor activities.
What is the weather like in Funchal today?
The live forecast above gives you the current temperature, wind, humidity and chance of rain for Funchal. Because Funchal sits in a rain shadow behind the mountains, it is often sunnier and drier than the north coast. For a 10‑day or 14‑day outlook, check our 10‑day forecast page.
Is Madeira very rainy in winter?
Winter (December to February) is the rainy season, but it rarely means all-day downpours. Rain usually comes in short, heavy showers followed by sunshine. Funchal receives about 80–100 mm per month in winter – more than the UK’s average, but the total is still moderate because summer is so dry.
How Madeira compares with other destinations
If you are weighing up a winter getaway, Madeira’s climate is noticeably more stable than the UK’s (check the UK weather hub for context). It is also milder than Marrakech in winter, where days can be warm but nights dip below 10 °C. For a hotter, drier option, Dubai offers desert heat, but Madeira wins on lush scenery and walking opportunities.
For the most reliable short-term outlook, always refer to the live conditions above. The island’s microclimates mean that the forecast for Funchal can differ from the north coast or the mountains, so a 10‑ or 14‑day view – like the one on our 10‑day forecast page – is vital for planning trips inland.
