Weather in Madeira

Madeira is blessed with a year-round amenable climate - it never becomes too hot and never becomes too cold.

Weather in Madeira is difficult to determine not only because it is an Island in the Atlantic but also because, due to its mountains, it has many micro climates, sometimes separated by a only few kilometres.
Generally it has a very amenable climate year round, ranging from mid day temperature lows of 18ºC in the winter to highs of 26ºC in the summer.

The southern coast has the warmer temperatures; the southwest coast in particular, benefitting from being protected by the mountains, has the greatest amount of sun hours.
The northern coast is much greener and less developed, and being more open to the prevailing climate, tends to be a little cooler.

The temperatures drop the higher you climb up the mountains, which reach up to 1,862 metres (6106 feet).
Rainfall is mainly in the mountains and more frequent on the northern slopes (which explains the abundant fresh water).

In Summer months you could expect warm weather and day time temperatures in the southern coastal areas of around 24ºC to 26ºC. Although weather in Madeira can always be variable, you can be assured of a greater number of sun hours.
Water temperature of the sea will be around 24ºC.

In Spring months it is normally very pleasant and you could expect day time temperatures in the southern coastal areas of around 21ºC to 24ºC. Weather can be variable at this time of year and it is difficult to foresee sun hours.  You may get a week of beautiful blue skies and sun shine or a mixture of cloud and sun or sometimes a period of cloudy weather.
Water temperature of the sea will be around 20ºC.

In Autumn months Madeira normally benefits from an Indian Summer with warm temperatures continuing up to Christmas. You could expect day time temperatures in the southern coastal areas of around 19ºC to 23ºC, although the odd colder spell is possible. Weather can be variable at this time of year and it is difficult to foresee sun hours.  You may get a week of beautiful blue skies and sun shine or a mixture of cloud and sun or sometimes a period of cloudy weather.
Water temperature of the sea will be around 21ºC.

In winter months you could expect normally day time temperatures in the southern coastal areas of around 18ºC to 21ºC (although night time temperatures will be significantly lower). Being more variable at this time of year is difficult to foresee sun hours.  You may get a week of beautiful blue skies and sun shine or a mixture of cloud and sun or a period of cloudy weather.
Water temperature of the sea will be around 17ºC.

The water temperature for swimming pools will vary with the amount of sun hours experienced.
Although we can never guarantee temperatures, should the prevailing weather guarantee a good amount of sun hours this will normally bring the pool temperature up to:

  • 22/24ºC in the Summer months;
  • 19/21ºC in the Spring and Autumn months;
  • 18/19ºC in the winter months;

Should the weather be overcast the pool water temperature could fall to lower values.

The information above is meant to provide a guideline of standard weather in Madeira; it does not provide a guarantee of the weather you will experience in your holiday, which will de dependant on prevailing climatic conditions and may be different from that detailed above. Technical information on Madeira weather can be found in the official Madeira Tourist Office website and the Portuguese Met Office (IPMA).