The best time to visit Funchal is April, May, June, September and October, when average highs land in the comfortable low-to-mid 20s and the days are long and bright — May sees highs of 21.5 °C with 9 rain days and 12.1 hours of sunshine, while October holds 24.5 °C. July and August are peak season, hot and busy with school holidays despite just 3 to 4 rain days. Winter is the quiet low season: still mild at around 18.7 °C but wetter, with 10 rain days in January.
Best months AprilMayJuneSeptemberOctober
Funchal (Madeira) month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.7 °C | 14.1 °C | 10 | 8.1 h |
| February | 18.7 °C | 13.6 °C | 9 | 9.3 h |
| March | 19 °C | 13.8 °C | 13 | 10.1 h |
| April | 20.1 °C | 14.4 °C | 12 | 11 h |
| May | 21.5 °C | 15.9 °C | 9 | 12.1 h |
| June | 23.4 °C | 17.8 °C | 9 | 12.7 h |
| July | 25.8 °C | 19.5 °C | 4 | 12.8 h |
| August | 27.5 °C | 20.7 °C | 3 | 12.1 h |
| September | 25.6 °C | 19.7 °C | 9 | 11 h |
| October | 24.5 °C | 18.9 °C | 12 | 9.6 h |
| November | 21.3 °C | 16.3 °C | 12 | 8.9 h |
| December | 19.5 °C | 15 °C | 11 | 8.2 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
Ideal for walkers, levada hikes and garden lovers — one of the best windows.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is a sweet spot; peak July–August suits sun-seekers who don't mind the crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Great for warm sea swims and fewer people — September and October are top picks.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Worth it for mild escapes and festivities, less so for reliable sun.
Notable events
- Spring (April/May)
- Madeira Flower Festival (Festa da Flor)
- Late summer/early autumn (August–September)
- Madeira Wine Festival
- December (31st)
- New Year's Eve Fireworks in Funchal
- February
- Carnival
Frequently asked
Is Funchal too hot in August?
August is the warmest month, with average highs of 27.5 °C and just 3 rain days. It's hot but rarely extreme, though it's also the busiest and priciest time.
What is the rainiest month?
March records the most rain days at 13, closely followed by April, October and November with 12 each. Winter months are damp too, with 10 rain days in January.
Is winter worth visiting?
Yes, if you want mild weather over sunshine. January highs still reach 18.7 °C, but expect 10 rain days and 8.1 hours of sunshine, plus Funchal's famous New Year fireworks.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Funchal (Madeira) area guide →
Areas of Funchal (Madeira)
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Funchal (Madeira) — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.