What’s Madeira Best Time to Travel?

Seeking the ideal European getaway with year-round sun, beautiful mountains, and stunning coastline? If you are asking yourself when is best time to visit Madeira, you are on the right page. This little Portuguese gem of an island has been enjoying greater attention from British holidaymakers over recent years and with good reason. Be it hiking trails, laid-back beach days or lively festivals you’re after Madeira has it all. But the time you schedule your trip can have a huge effect based on your budget, interests and weather.

Let’s break down the best time to go to Madeira, season by season.

What is best month to go to Madeira?

If there is only one month in which to visit Madeira then it would have to be May. The weather is warm but not sweltering, the flowers are in full bloom thanks to Madeira’s famous “Flower Festival,” and the crowds are still perfectly manageable. It’s in the low 70s, around 21°C to 24°C, which is perfect for everything from things like levada walks (Madeira’s canal irrigation walking trails), mountain hiking and visiting the great capital, Funchal.

Alternatively, September is another favourite. The sea is at its warmest after summer, and the summer crowds have started to thin. Flights from the UK tend to be more affordable outside the July–August peak, too.

What is the rainy season in Madeira?

Madeira is famous for its greenery and with that, of course, occasional rain showers. The wet season usually lasts from November to February, particularly in the mountainous north off the island. But never mind that! Rain in Madeira can fall in short showers and the island receives just over 1,800 hours of sunshine a year.

Look at staying on the south coast as if you’ll be travelling during this period it is drier there. Particularly Funchal gets more sun as opposed to inland or the north.

What is the busy season in Madeira?

Madeira’s high season is from July to early September, which means that island is flooded with tourists during school holidays in UK and elsewhere in Europe. Flights and hotels are at their costliest, and well-known sights such as Cabo Girão skywalk or Monte Palace Gardens can be mobbed.

New Year’s Eve is another peak time. The Madeira Funchal firework show even has a Guinness World Record and and is a big draw for people visiting from all around the world.

If you want fewer crowds but reasonable weather, then consider “shoulder” seasons, April through June or September through October.

What is cheapest time to go to Madeira?

The best time to visit to travel to Madeira inexpensively is during these times: Late January-early March If you want to visit Madeira on a budget, the cheapest time to visit, is from late January until early March! Flights from the UK are at their cheapest in this low season and there are often discount packages on offer for hotels to attract visitors.

Just be warned, as much as the prices are improved, the weather is a bit more hit or miss so pack a light rain coat and plan a few indoor activities like touring Madeira’s wine cellars or doing a little shopping at the local markets.

When not to visit Madeira?

There is no truly “off” time to visit Madeira, but there are periods during which it might not be for everyone. Mid-winter (December through February) can be a little wet and chilly for beach enthusiasts. And while the island is just as beautiful, you might not be able to enjoy the highlights of the outdoors because the mountains will be doused in rain or mist.

Also, don’t travel in late December and early January if you’re on a budget or looking to avoid the crowds the New Year celebrations on Madeira are absolutely bonkers but also extremely crowded and expensive.

Is Madeira, Portugal expensive?

Madeira is, in general, cheaper than the more touristy sections of mainland Portugal, such as the Algarve or Lisbon. But, of course, prices can vary wildly depending on the time of year and where you’re going.

• A good budget for mid-range meal in Funchal is around £12–£15, with local wine sometimes pricier than water.
  
• Public transport is very cheap, and car hire is very good value for money compared to UK prices.
  
• A number of upscale resorts can be found, but there are plenty of low-cost guesthouses and Airbnbs as well.

So, though not the least expensive place in Europe, you still get a lot for your money in Madeira.

What’s the coldest month in Madeira?

Madeira’s coolest month is typically January, cool being relative. Anticipate normal daytime temperatures of approximately 16°C to 18°C with relatively cool nights around 12°C. It’s very rare for it to snow, and for the most part every day gets some sunlight.

For UK travellers wanting to escape winter without heading to the far east, the Portuguese archipelago delivers a gentle climate – at least in January.

What is Madeira famous for?

Things that Madeira is known for:

• Levada walks: trails following the island’s antiquated irrigation channels.
• Madeira wine: sweet and robust and dating back over the centuries.
• Stunning landscapes: from steep cliffs to volcanic peaks and lush forests.
• Cristiano Ronaldo: A professional footballer you’ve probably heard of was born on this very island – you can even pay a visit to his museum in Funchal.

It’s also a land of hospitality, delicious seafood, and fields bedecked with flowers.

Is Madeira a luxury holiday?

Absolutely! Luxury travel to Madeira is on the rise. The island has many five star resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end wellness retreats. The likes of Belmond Reid’s Palace are about old-world charm while Savoy Palace is old-world slick.

But what’s so wonderful is that Madeira is for everyone, no matter your budget. You can get luxury or you can get simple and close to nature and avoid breaking the bank.

Where not to stay in Madeira?

Most of Madeira is very safe and the locals are friendly, but of course your experiences will be different depending on your style of travel.

• Stay clear of any very remote inland village unless you are traveling by car, such isolation can be daunting.
  
• If you’re into the nightlife, don’t stay in peaceful, agricultural places such as Ponta do Sol or São Vicente.
  
• In terms of convenience, Funchal is best, particularly if you’re visiting for the first time.

And be wary of booking very cheap accommodation that is not by the coast as much a deal as it might seem it to be, you could be spending a lot on transportation in getting there.

Is Madeira cheap for tourists?

I would say Madeira is cheaper than other Western European islands or destinations. You can eat out inexpensively, especially if you stick with local dishes like espada com banana (black scabbardfish with banana) or bolo do caco garlic bread.

You can also save money because public buses in the archipelago are cheap, and a lot of the best experiences hiking or natural swimming pools are two examples are low cost or free.

Is Madeira worth it?

Try by all means Madeira is 100% worth the visit. For Brits after some sunshine, a bit of scenery and something a bit different, it’s the full package.

It offers:

• A mild climate year-round
• Adventure and Rejuvenation in Equal Measures
• Genuine culture with warm welcome

Somehow, for lovers, or the happily solitary single, or the hapless group of sightseers, Madeira will cling on somewhere between the brain and the imagination.

Final Thoughts

So, when deciding about Madeira best time to visit, think about type of experience that you want. The best of all worlds —nice weather, thinner crowds, and decent prices come in spring and early autumn. But whenever you go, you can expect stunning scenery, mouthwatering food and an easygoing island vibe unlike anywhere else in the country.

Scroll down for your next unmissable trip from the UK. Madeira is calling.