Best Time to Visit Madeira

There is no bad month, but there are noticeably better ones depending on what you want.

By Madeira.Vacations · 6 min read · Last checked 1 August 2026

Atlantic light over the cliffs at Ponta de São Lourenço
Photo: Josep M. Gracia · CC BY-SA 4.0

The short answer

April to June and September to October. Warm but not hot, sea still swimmable, trails in good condition and flights cheaper than midsummer.

Winter

Daytime highs around 19–20°C on the south coast. Excellent for walking, poor for swimming outside heated pools, and the mountains can close in snow for a few days a year.

Prices, opening hours and trail access change often. We last checked this on 1 August 2026 — confirm before you set off.

Events worth planning around

The Flower Festival in spring, the Atlantic Festival's fireworks in June, the wine harvest from late August, and New Year's Eve — for which accommodation is booked a year ahead.

Prices, opening hours and trail access change often. We last checked this on 1 August 2026 — confirm before you set off.

Do it guided

Tours that cover this

Booked through Viator — the price is the same as going direct.

  • Catamaran sailing along the Madeira coast at sunset
    3 hours Funchal Marina

    Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.

  • Levada footpath winding through misty Madeiran laurel forest
    4.5 hours Rabaçal

    Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk

    The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.

  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

  • Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(103)

    Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico

    Discover Madeira’s most iconic side on a journey through the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, featuring the magical Fanal Forest and the famous Porto Moniz natural pools.

  • Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)

    Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.

  • Open 4x4 jeep on a mountain track above green Madeiran valleys
    Full day Island-wide pickup

    West Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari

    Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.

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