What’s The Weather Like In Madeira?

Madeira is famous for having “four seasons in one day,” and honestly… it’s true. But the real answer depends on two things: which part of the island you’re talking about and what time of year you’re visiting.

Let’s break it down.

The North: Wild, Wet & Beautiful

The north side of Madeira takes the impact of the Atlantic trade winds. These winds collide with the mountains, bringing cooler temperatures, rain, mist and dramatic cloud formations.
This is why the north feels raw, lush and incredibly green — it’s nature at its best.

Villages like Santana, Porto da Cruz, Arco de São Jorge and Porto Moniz offer peace, stunning scenery and an authentic Madeira experience. But expect:

• More rain

• Cooler temperatures

• Higher taxi/transport costs

• Longer drives through mountain roads

It’s magical — just pack layers.

The South: Sunny, Sheltered & Popular

The high mountains shield the south from the harsh weather, creating a much sunnier and drier microclimate.
That’s why:

• 90% of locals live here

• Most agriculture thrives here

• Most hotels and resorts are built here

• Almost all tourists stay here

If you’re chasing sunshine, the south is your safest bet.

The Sunniest Spots in Madeira

For the most reliable sunshine, head to the southwest.
The warmest, driest areas are:

• Ponta do Sol (literally “Point of the Sun”)

• Ribeira Brava

• Calheta

Next best:

• Funchal

• Câmara de Lobos

• Machico

Funchal remains the favourite because it balances good weather, restaurants, nightlife, and easy access to everything.

Altitude Changes Everything

Madeira is a mountain in the middle of the ocean — so temperature changes fast as you climb.

For every 100 meters you go up, you can feel the temperature drop.

Above 1,500m, especially in winter:

• You may see frost

• Ice on the ground

• Even snow

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Madeira was –9.5°C at Bica da Cana (1,580m), in March 1993.
Meanwhile, the coast below was completely normal!

This is why you might hike in sun, fog, rain and clear skies… all in the same morning.

Typical Temperatures Throughout the Year

To keep it simple:

• Winter (Dec–Feb): 15–21°C on the south coast

• Spring (Mar–May): 18–24°C

• Summer (Jun–Sep): 23–28°C

• Autumn (Oct–Nov): 20–26°C

Madeira rarely gets very cold — and rarely gets very hot. Even heatwaves brought by the “Leste” winds (from the Sahara) only push the thermometer into the low-to-mid 30s.

Sea Temperature

Good news: Madeira’s ocean is swimmable almost all year.

• Coldest: ~17°C (March)

• Warmest: ~22–23°C (August–September)

• Usual range: 17–22°C

If you want guaranteed swimming weather every day, stick to the south coast — especially the Lido area of Funchal.

Conclusion: Don’t Trust the Forecast

Madeira’s weather changes fast — faster than any app can keep up with.

You can literally enter a tunnel in sunshine and exit into rain.

The best strategy?

• Bring layers

• Wear proper footwear

• Pack sunscreen AND a waterproof

• Stay flexible with your itinerary

• Enjoy whatever weather comes — it’s part of the adventure

We even made a full video guide explaining Madeira’s weather in detail (and showing real examples).
Check it out here:

👉 YouTube Video: Everything You Need to Know About Madeira Weather

If you need help planning your trip or choosing the best area to stay based on the season — just ask.
And of course…

Let’s Hit The Road!

— Jeff