The best time to visit Madeira may not be when you expect. While the most popular time to visit Madeira is from June to August, that’s also the busiest period. So, what are the alternatives?
As I look forward to my fourth trip, I’ve learned first-hand that you can’t always perfectly predict when to visit Madeira.
The seasons shift from year to year, so if you only have a one-week window for your trip, it’s often a roll of the dice whether it’ll rain or shine.
In this post, I’ll break down the best time to visit Madeira depending on what you’re looking for, including hiking conditions, ocean temperature and annual fiestas. I’ll also share my own experiences with the weather in Madeira.
Looking for more practical tips? Check out my guides to getting around Madeira and an expected budget for Madeira, as well as my Madeira packing list for all seasons.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support.
The Best Time to Visit Madeira: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
Many people think that the best time to visit Madeira is from June to August. However, what they don’t realise is that summers in Madeira are incredibly crowded.
The best months to visit Madeira are actually April to May and September to October, the ‘shoulder seasons’. These periods offer predominantly warm and dry weather paired with fewer crowds.
September to October is my favourite time to go to Madeira. Why? The summer crowds have already dissipated, the ocean temperature is warm (24°C / 75°F), and there are some incredible local fiestas.
📌 My Experience in Madeira
My first trip was from September to November 2023. The weather was practically perfect, sunny and dry, and the ocean was warm.
There was hardly any traffic or tourists to compete with. It set the bar incredibly high…
My second visit was from February to April 2024. The weather started out cold and rainy (15-18°C / 59-64°F), but as time progressed, it became warmer and pleasant for hiking.
Finally, my third visit was from May to June 2025. The island was too busy for my liking, but the weather was predominantly warm and sunny.
Let’s jump into the full breakdown…
1. June to August – hot and sunny, but crowded!
💡 Highlights: Warm, sunny weather and a lively atmosphere.
❗ Warnings: Peak season results in crowds and a higher risk of forest fires.
🌡️ Average temperature: 23 – 26°C (73 – 79 °F)
Summer in Madeira is predictably warm and mostly dry, with daytime temperatures sitting in the mid to high 20s (°C). If you’re after sunshine, you’ll find it. However, you won’t be alone.
This is also the busiest time of the year, particularly during the European school summer holidays.
On an island so small, the impact is noticeable: prices soar, and accommodation, tours and car hire can be fully booked weeks in advance.
That’s not to mention the traffic conditions; queues can easily form on the roads.
When conditions stay dry for too long, the risk of forest fires also increases. A forest fire can result in trail closures, which is not good news if you’re visiting Madeira for the mountains.
That being said, if you plan ahead and you consider crowds as just adding to the atmosphere, summer is a good time for swimming; the average ocean temperature is 22 – 23°C (72 – 73 °F).
📅 Key events from June to August
5th – 28th June: Atlantic Festival – weekly firework displays.
5th – 7th June: Machico’s 16th Century Market – re-enactments.
31st – 2nd August: Madeira Rally – Annual motor racing.
24th August: Funchal Regatta – features traditional canoes.
24th August – 14th September: Wine Festival
2. September to November – the best time to visit overall
💡 Highlights: Less crowds, warm ocean and predominantly sunny weather
❗ Warnings: Risk of forest fires.
🌡️ Average temperature: 21 – 26°C (70 – 79 °F)
My opinion is that September to November is the best time to visit Madeira
These shoulder months often get overlooked, but they are predominantly warm and sunny, with fewer crowds and temperatures mostly hovering in the mid 20s (°C).
When I spent two months in Madeira from September to November, I hiked every weekend in clear, sunny conditions, then cooled off in the ocean, which is warm at this time of year after soaking up the summer heat.
The risk of forest fires doesn’t disappear completely. I experienced one during my visit, so it’s worthwhile keeping an eye on local news and trail updates.
One standout fiesta during this period is Fiesta de Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Caniçal. Every third weekend of September, on Saturday, you can board decorated heavy-duty fishing boats to escort the patron saint around the bay.
It’s a day-long celebration with loud music and dancing, and remains one of my favourite experiences in Madeira to date.
📅 Key events from September to November:
24th August – 14th September: Wine Festival
18th – 21st September: Columbus Festival (celebrates Columbus’ stay in Madeira)
20th September: Fiesta de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Caniçal
31st October – 1st November: Chestnut Festival, Nun’s Valley
3. December to March – colder and rainier, but excellent celebrations
💡 Highlights: Cooler temperature for hiking and hardly any crowds.
❗ Warnings: Rain and wind are expected; mountain views might be obscured.
🌡️ Average temperature: 16 – 20 °C (61 – 68 °F)
Winter is Madeira’s quietest season, which is a plus if you’re looking for solitude on the trails. However, it comes with caveats.
The island is prone to winter storms; wind and rain can often roll in and out for several months. The clouds tend to cling to the mountains, obscuring many of the island’s best viewpoints.
While the cooler temperatures make hiking comfortable, the cloud cover can be frustrating if you’re wanting to hike or enjoy the views. It’s often best to stick to the lower coastal trails to avoid disappointment.
Storms can also disrupt travel plans, occasionally affecting flights in and out of Funchal. It’s not common, but it’s something to factor in if you’re visiting during this time.
📅 Key events from December to March
December 1st – 5th January: Christmas and New Year’s Eve Fireworks
11th – 22nd February: Carnival
4. April to June – a good, reliable choice
💡 Highlights: Mostly sunny, mild weather with fewer tourists.
❗ Warnings: Higher chance of rain; the ocean is still on the cool side.
🌡️ Average temperature: 20 – 24°C (68 – 75 °F)
The summer crowds are only just starting up from April to June. Weather may be slightly on the chilly side in late spring, but the rain and clouds have already begun to be taken over by sunshine and warmer weather.
April to June is a fantastic time for hiking, as long as you remember to bring a jacket for the mountains.
The ocean hasn’t quite warmed up yet; temperatures hover just below ideal swimming levels. However, you can still have a nice time at the natural pools and beaches.
This period also marks the start of the island’s flower festival events, which last for almost the entire month of May.
📅 Key events from April to June:
25th – 26th April: MIUT (Madeira Island Ultra Trail) – Trail running event
30th April – 24th May – Flower Festival
I hope you found this blog post handy! If you’re looking for more tips for visiting Madeira, continue reading…
- Getting around Madeira: complete guide
- Driving in Madeira: important tips
- Budget for Madeira: How much money do you need?
- Steal my Madeira packing list
FAQ
Yes, you can sunbathe in Madeira in May if you find a sunny spot. The average temperature hovers around 17 to 22°C (63 to 72°F), so it may not be as warm as you’re used to.
Madeira is worth visiting in November, as average temperatures sit around 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) but can be warmer depending upon the year. The shoulder season is less busy, resulting in fewer crowds and more choices for accommodation and tours.