Famous for it’s year-round warmth and sunshine – choosing the best time to visit Madeira all depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for…
Let’s start at the beginning of the year – January through to March is the coolest time of the year, but it’s also the quietest and the cheapest. If you’re looking for a great deal, temperatures around 18-20⁰C and your pick of the island’s hotels, these are the ideal months for you. Also, Madeira’s Carnival normally lands at the end of February/beginning of March – celebrated over the three days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. It’s not as frenetic as Rio’s carnival but it’s an exciting, colourful time to be in the capital and our Seven Night Holiday in Funchal puts you right in the heart of the city.
Another colour-filled time to visit is April through to May, when Funchal’s Flower Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with flower-bedecked floats and flower-themed murals. It’s also the beginning of the main whale and dolphin watching season which continues right through to November.
If you’re looking for the hottest and driest months, the best time to visit Madeira is from June through August, with temperatures in the high twenties/early thirties. The main island has some amazing natural swimming spots, whilst the neighbouring island of Porto Santo has one of the best (and quietest) beaches in Portugal. Our Madeira Beach Holiday is the perfect way to split your stay between both islands.
Madeira’s Wine Festival is in late August/September, coinciding with the grape harvest across the island’s vineyards. It’s also a chance for the island to show-off it’s wonderful local produce and seasonal cuisine.
As the temperature gradually lowers in November and December, it’s an excellent time to walk the island’s extensive network of walking trails. Our Classic Guided Walking Holiday includes the best of Madeira’s famous Levada trails, whilst our Walking with Locals Holidays takes you into the high mountains for the most magnificent views.
Christmas and New Year are extremely popular with the visitors from mainland Portugal, particularly for Funchal’s record-breaking New Year fireworks display. There’s always a wonderfully friendly and festive atmosphere across the whole city but be warned: mainlanders book their hotels very early in the year. You’ll need to book your New Year trip to Madeira early too !
