Funchal, Madeira Weather and Climate

Madeira Weather and Historic Climate

Madeira, a Portuguese island in the mid-Atlantic very popular with tourists, lies on the Gulf Stream west of Africa. The capital, Funchal, exhibits a very moderate climate: dry in the summer and somewhat wetter in the winter. Funchal lies on the southern rim of the island.

Winter is a very popular time to visit Madeira. Folks come for the temperatures (barely cooler than summer temperatures) and for the spectacular New Years fireworks.

Madeira - Best Times to Go

Madeira's temperatures are so stable, they really don't play a part in vacation planning. You're almost assured of a dry summer visit, and spring is the most popular time to visit Madeira, March-May, when you'll want to visit one of the world's most beautiful Botanical Gardens, the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. You can go up in a cable car from Funchal, then make the descent back to town in a wicker basket. See: Madeira: Unusual Transportation.

Funchal, Madeira historic Temperatures and Precipitation

The charts below show the historic high and low temperatures in Funchal, Madeira, and the average monthly rainfall. Imagine! 69 degree average highs in December!

It's easy to see why they call the weather on this little island in the Atlantic "eternal spring."