Madeira's weather changes with altitude. The coast is mild year-round, but the levada trails and peaks can be cold, wet and misty, and some walks go through dark tunnels. Pack grippy shoes, a rain layer and a headlamp.
Madeira weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 27°C81°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 20°C68°F |
| Low | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 19°C66°F | 17°C63°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 7 | 15 |
Season by season
Spring
March–MayMild with showers. Highs go from 20°C (68°F) in March to 21°C (70°F) in April and 22°C (72°F) in May, with lows of 16–18°C (61–64°F). Rain days run 11, 8 and 10. Pack a rain jacket and a warm layer for the mountains.
Summer
June–AugustWarm and the driest time. Highs are 24°C (75°F) in June, 25°C (77°F) in July and 27°C (81°F) in August, with lows of 20–23°C (68–73°F). July averages 3 rain days and August 2. Bring sun protection, but still carry a layer for higher trails.
Autumn
September–NovemberWarm but wetter. Highs are 25°C (77°F) in September and October, each with 12 rain days. November is 22°C (72°F) with 7. Pack a rain jacket.
Winter
December–FebruaryMild on the coast, wet. Highs are 19–20°C (66–68°F) and lows 16–17°C (61–63°F). December averages 15 rain days, January 14 and February 9. Higher up it's much colder, so bring a warm layer and full rain gear.
What to bring to Madeira
0 of 24 packedDecember averages 15 rain days and the mountains can be wet any month.
The men's version, for misty, wet levada trails.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Levada walks are long with few refills, so carry a full bottle.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Narrow, wet trails mean slips and scrapes, so carry a small kit.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A day pack that handles rain while you hike.
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets, so US and UK visitors need an adapter.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Keeps a camera at hand on narrow levada paths where you need your hands free.
Clothing
- Quick-dry hiking tops · 4
- Hiking pants · 2Narrow, wet and muddy levada paths
- Fleece or warm mid layer · 1Mountains are colder and wetter than the coast
- Waterproof rain pants · 1Dec averages 15 rain days
- Warm hat · 1Cold peaks at altitude
- Swimwear · 1
- Neat casual outfit · 1Funchal evenings; cover shoulders in churches
Footwear
- Hiking shoes with real grip · 1 pairSteep, slippery levada and mountain trails
- Hiking socks · 4 pairs
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Headlamp · 1Dark tunnels on levadas like Caldeirão Verde
- Dry bag or pack liner · 1
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1Driest in Jul–Aug, 2–3 rain days
- Blister care
Documents and money
- Passport
Tech
- Phone charger
What shoes should you pack for Madeira?
Hiking shoes with real grip. Levada paths are narrow, wet and often muddy, and mountain trails are steep. Leave smooth soles at home.
What do people wear in Madeira?
Casual and practical. Hikers wear layers and rain gear. In Funchal, casual neat clothes work, and you should cover shoulders in churches.
What to pack for levada walks in Madeira?
Grippy shoes, a rain jacket, a warm layer and a headlamp. Some levadas, like Caldeirão Verde, run through dark tunnels. Weather changes fast with altitude, so start with layers.
What plugs does Madeira use?
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets at 230V, the same as most of mainland Europe. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers are fine at 230V.
Tours and things to do in Madeira
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Madeira.
What should you leave at home for Madeira?
Heels and an umbrella for hiking. Trails are narrow and wet, and you'll want your hands free.
Packing for Madeira: questions people ask
What should I wear in Madeira in December?
Layers and a rain jacket. Funchal averages a 20°C (68°F) high, a 17°C (63°F) low and 15 rain days in December.
Do I need a headlamp for Madeira?
Yes, for levada walks with tunnels, such as Caldeirão Verde.
Is Madeira warm year-round?
On the coast, yes. Highs range from 19°C (66°F) to 27°C (81°F), but the mountains are much colder.
When is the driest time in Madeira?
July and August, with 3 and 2 rain days.
What adapter do I need for Madeira?
Portugal uses Type C and F sockets at 230V. US and UK visitors need an adapter.
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