Steal My Madeira Packing List: What to Wear in Madeira for a Comfortable Trip

If you don’t want to forget any essentials, you should start by making a Madeira packing list.

Over the last couple of years, I have visited Madeira twice – at different times of the year – so I know first-hand that it pays off to arrive prepared… especially if you’re planning on exploring the island’s radiant, green mountains.

Located just off the north coast of Africa, Madeira has a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

However, with 70 – 80% of the island being covered in mountains, it also has rapidly changing weather conditions and 20+ microclimates.

In the following blog post, I’ll give you the chance to steal my complete Madeira packing list.

I’ll also talk about what to wear in Madeira depending on the time of year and the activities you have planned.

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.

What Are the Seasons in Madeira?

Although Madeira is an island in Portugal, it’s located just off the west coast of North Africa. Therefore, it has a sub-tropical climate.

In summertime (June to August), temperatures usually hover around 26°C – hot and sunny. However, in the winter (December to February), they drop to 16°C or lower.

The sunny south of the island is typically warmer than the north, as it spends more time in the sun.

Last year, I visited Madeira between February and April. It was cold and windy, with some periods of sun.

Where I was staying in Garajau, a windy part of the island, the temperature typically hovered around 14 – 15°C.

This year, the island was hit by a storm in February and March, so the same period was unexpectedly cold, windy and rainy with very little sun.

Let me quickly summarise the main seasons… use them as a rough guide only.

One week prior to your trip, I recommend that you download the Windy app for a more detailed look at the weather conditions for your trip.

This will help you to plan your Madeira packing list better.

Spring (March to May) has an average temperature of 18 – 22 °C (64 – 72°F). The island is usually mostly sunny, but the area is also prone to storms. It can be a bit chilly at times, especially in the mountains.

Summer (June to August) has an average temperature of 23 – 26°C (73 – 79°F). It’s a busy time on the island because the weather is typically warm, sunny and mostly rain-free.

Autumn (September to November) has an average temperature of 24 – 26°C (75–79°F). I loved visiting at this time of year; it was consistently warm and sunny, but less busy than summer. Of course, if you get unlucky, it may rain or storm, especially towards November…

Winter (December to February) has an average temperature of 16 – 20°C (61–68°F). This period is colder and rainier than the rest of the year. The island is more prone to rain and storms, so hiking trails are often closed.

What is the Temperature in the Mountains in Madeira?

It’s always worth remembering that the higher the altitude, the colder the temperature.

This is especially true if you’re visiting the island’s two tallest mountains, Pico do Arieiro (1,818 metres above sea level) or Pico Ruivo (1,862 metres).

The average temperature in the mountains hovers between 8 – 16°C, so make sure to wrap up warm.

The Pico Grande hike

In general, layers are a great idea because you can add or remove them depending on the temperature. On very hot days, I have been able to wear shorts and a crop top in the mountains.

However, most of the time, I wear sports gear topped with a warm jumper and a windbreaker (or waterproof).

Steal My Complete Madeira Packing List

Here’s my complete guide to what to pack for Madeira:

My Top Tips on What to Wear in Madeira

• Layer up – In Madeira, the more layers you wear, the better. The weather can change very quickly, especially in the mountains. It’s better to be adaptable.
• Always carry a waterproof – Even on days with sun forecasted, I’ve been surprised by a raincloud. Now, I always carry a waterproof coat in my backpack just in case.
• Remember that the mountains are colder! The higher the altitude, the colder the temperature.
• Pack some nice evening wear: Even if you’re planning on doing lots of hiking, there are so many gorgeous bars in Funchal (like Three House) – not to mention poncha bars.

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I hope you have a great trip to Madeira! I adore this island, so please make sure not to leave any rubbish behind on the trails, and travel respectfully.