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).