There will be few destinations around the world that can boast of continuing in all their splendor at any time of the year - either because there's a rainy season or it starts to get too hot or too cold. But Madeira is unique: any month of the year is ideal for visiting.
There are only two moments that you should pay attention to: in the Summer months (July and August) and at the end of December, due to the magnificent New Year's Eve and the consequent firework display, there are more people on the island. In any case, you will always feel welcome – in the Summer with a bit more heat, and in the Winter with much milder temperatures than in mainland Portugal (there is no need to take a warm overcoat in the suitcase, but be sure to pack t-shirts and a bathing suit all the same).
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Inês Garcia was previously the food and drink editor for Time Out Lisbon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Long days in April and May that are drier and warmer (perfect for giving the summer clothes an early run). Everything is in bloom in spring – and it is time for the annual Flower Festival (Festa da Flor), a colourful extravaganza with a pleasant bouquet that takes place all over the island. Another spring event is the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT), in which trail runners from all over the world test their endurance on the island’s tallest peaks.
This is when the islands is at its busiest, with domestic and foreign tourists. The average high temperature is 24-25 ºC, with warm sunshine, and rarely falls below 17 ºC, meaning you can be sure of mild nights. This is the perfect opportunity to do a two-for-one and head over to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo (a short flight or boat trip away) to spend a few days on the beaches of golden sand. It rarely rains and there are lots of summer festivals.
Madeira in autumn is always a good bet for prolonging the summer in continental Portugal. In October and November the weather is still warm and sunny, although there is more chance of rain. The sunrise takes on more pink tones. And it is fine for swimming without the shivers.
Think of a sort of sunny autumn. Go swimming in December? We are ready. There is no real concept of winter in Madeira and it is very unusual to see Madeirans wearing these big heavy, padded winter coats (they only wear them if they’re up early to catch the sunrise). It usually rains al little, and there might also be a passing storm, but by February the sun starts shining again. Daytime air and sea temperatures hover around 18-20 ºC. Be warned, though: flights get more expensive in December because of New Year.
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