Is It Worth Visiting Madeira in November? What It’s Really Like
Would you believe me if I told you I was hiking in shorts and a vest top in Madeira in November, then sunbathing next to a pool on the south coast? It’s true!
November isn’t the first month I’d pick for a trip to Madeira. The weather is not always predictable, and it’s wetter and cloudier than the previous months of September or October. However, don’t write it off yet.
I spent September, October and the beginning of November in Madeira. So, I really got to experience the transition from summer to the quieter season of autumn and winter.
Here’s what to expect from Madeira in November, including the weather, hiking conditions, swimming and things to do, plus whether I’d actually recommend visiting.
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Madeira in November: At a Glance
- Temperature: 17–23°C (63–73°F)
- Sea temperature: 21–22°C (70–72°F)
- Rain: Around 7 rainy days expected in Funchal
- Crowds: One of Madeira’s quieter months
- Hiking: Good at lower altitudes; mountain conditions are less reliable
- Swimming: Still possible, particularly on warm days on the south coast
- Whale watching: Whales and dolphins can be spotted year-round
November is mild rather than cold, particularly around Funchal and the south coast.
The biggest drawback of a November trip to Madeira is that the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. If I were you, I’d keep your plans flexible and have a back-up of alternative things to do if the weather isn’t ideal for hiking.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Madeira?
November wouldn’t make my list of the absolute best times to visit Madeira, especially if hiking is your main priority. The mountain conditions become cloudier and wetter as the island moves into winter.
However, this is winter in Madeira that we’re talking about, not the UK or Canada. Average temperatures in Funchal in November still hover around 17–23°C.
As someone who grew up with cold Welsh winters, I’d hardly count it as cold… chilly, maybe.
To sum my thoughts up, I’d consider visiting Madeira in November if you want to experience fewer crowds and better accommodation availability. Just keep your plans flexible and save the mountain hikes for clear days!
My Experience Visiting Madeira in November
I stayed in Madeira for just over a week in early November, after spending all of September and October on the island.
By that point, I’d done a lot of hiking. So the fact that I only completed one hike in November wasn’t because the weather was too bad. I wanted to trade the trails for some poncha and sunbathing for once!
Some of my hikes from October in Madeira!
Temperatures were still around 20–22°C during the day, although evenings felt noticeably cooler especially if a wind was blowing.
On my north-coast hike in November, I was still comfortable in shorts and a vest top as the sun began to set.
And instead of hiking? Except for that one hike, I spent quite a bit of time sunbathing beside the pool on the south coast. November definitely didn’t feel like winter every day.
All that being said, I’d already noticed more cloud and drizzle creeping into the mountains towards the end of October.
November is when I’d start planning around the weather rather than expecting the weather to cooperate with my plans.
Planning your November trip? Where you stay can make a huge difference in Madeira. Start with my where to stay in Madeira guide, then use my Madeira packing list to prepare for all weather conditions!
Madeira Weather in November
How Warm Is Madeira in November?
In November, the temperature in Madeira hovers around 17–23°C on the south coast, including Funchal. When I was there, it stayed around 20–22°C in the afternoons.
Does It Rain a Lot in Madeira in November?
About 7 days of rain (~80 mm) are expected in Madeira in November. Not bad, considering it’s late autumn! In reality, though, the north coast and mountains can be substantially wetter.
Altitude has a big impact on rainfall, so hikes in the mountains are much more unpredictable and rainier in November than in the summer.
Can You Swim in Madeira in November?
I was happily swimming in the sea in November. But it definitely felt colder than swimming in Madeira in September or October!
Sea temperatures in November are around 21–22°C, whereas in October, they can go up to 24°C. The only thing I’d say is that the conditions themselves tend to get worse from November onwards; it’ll depend on the day.
Protected bays like Machico are always a good fallback on windier days with high swells.
Is November a Good Month For Hiking in Madeira?
I only did one hike in November, versus 7+ in October. On that hike, at coast level in the north, I was in shorts and a vest top even as the sun began to set!
What I had noticed by late October was a change in the conditions in the mountains. Trails that were warm and clear earlier in autumn were cloudier, drizzlier and noticeably cooler. It’s like the island was telling me to take a break.
If I’d stayed longer into November, I would have definitely focused more on lower-altitude levada and coastal trails.
Big mountain hikes are best saved for clear, dry days because heavy rain can make trails slippery and increase the risk of closures and landslides, so always check the official trail status before setting out (as I recommend in my guide to the best hikes in Madeira).
Also, start hiking early in the day, because in November, the days are getting shorter with sunset expected around 6 – 6.20 pm.
best Hikes To Do in Madeira In November
These are the hikes I’d do in Madeira in November! Only attempt these trails when conditions are suitable and they’re officially open. Some classified PR trails also require advance booking through SIMplifica.
1. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
One of Madeira’s most iconic hikes, the PR8 stays close to sea level, making it a good option if it’s cloudy in the mountains!
It’s extremely exposed, though, so I wouldn’t choose it in heavy rain or strong winds.
Check availability for a PR8 hike transfer.
2. Levada dos Tornos
This one you can do on a drizzly November day. There aren’t steep drop-offs, although expect puddles and slippery sections in wet weather.
I’ve done it in light rain a couple of times, and it was great!
Read my Levada Dos Tornos guide for more details on this Funchal hike.
3. Vereda do Larano
Vereda do Larano is one of my favourite lower-altitude hikes, along the east coast.
I’d still save it for a dry day because parts of the trail are exposed, and slippery coastal paths aren’t something I’d mess around with.
4. Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is much lower than Madeira’s major mountain hikes, so it’s a good one to choose if the higher mountains are looking cloudy.
However, it’s steep. I’ve climbed it in drizzle without problems, but I wouldn’t attempt it after prolonged heavy rain when the ground is saturated.
Other Things to Do in Madeira in November
1. Go Cafe-Hopping
A cloudy November day is basically my excuse to work my way through the best cafés in Madeira.
Funchal has plenty to choose from (my favourite is Maia!), or head into the mountains to somewhere cosy and wood cabin-esque like Forest Food & Coffee.
2. Explore Funchal Old Town
Save Funchal Old Town for a day when the mountains aren’t cooperating. You can look at the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria, stop for poncha or Madeira wine and take advantage of any sunny spells along the waterfront.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Funchal, you can also take the cable car up to Monte if it’s not too windy, and take the Monte toboggan ride partway down.
3. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
November isn’t peak whale-watching season in Madeira, but trips run year-round. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are residents all year. Plus, Atlantic spotted dolphins can also be seen in November!
On the Magic Dolphin Eco boat tour, my top recommendation, I spotted several pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
For more advice on whale watching in Madeira, check out my dedicated blog post!
4. Visit Santana and The North Coast
November’s extra rainfall makes Madeira’s already-green north coast feel particularly wild! I’d make a road trip (like the route in my Madeira north coast guide), including Santana, Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente, checking the weather as you go.
If you’re not planning on driving in Madeira, you can see the north coast by Jeep. This tour is super popular! I get fear of missing out every time I see their Jeeps cruising around the bends.
5. Visit Curral das Freiras
Early November is chestnut season in Curral das Freiras (the Valley of the Nuns), where chestnuts find their way into everything from cakes to liqueurs.
It’s worth visiting even if you miss the festival (it runs until the 1st November!) and it’s one of my favourite day trips from Funchal.
FAQs
Yes, you can still get warm enough weather for sunbathing in November. I spent several afternoons sunbathing beside a pool on Madeira’s south coast in early November, although sunny weather isn’t guaranteed.
Yes! The sea is typically around 21–22°C (70–72°F) in November, so swimming is still very possible. I’d prioritise the south coast and choose days when the sea conditions are calm.
Pack T-shirts, shorts and other summer clothes, but bring layers and a waterproof jacket too. I was still hiking in shorts and a vest top in early November, but evenings and the mountains were noticeably cooler.
November is one of Madeira’s quieter months, especially compared with summer and the Christmas period. Expect quieter trails and attractions and generally better accommodation availability.
The south coast is generally warmer and sunnier than the north coast and mountains. Funchal, Ponta do Sol and Calheta are good areas to consider if warmer weather is a priority.
I’d choose October for hiking and more reliable warm weather. November is quieter and can still have beautiful sunny days, but there’s a greater chance of rain and cloud, particularly in the mountains.
