Want to go to Madeira in November?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, sightseeing, attractions and events.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Moving to Madeira in November: quick answers
Is the weather good in Madeira in November? Is this a good time to visit?
We think visiting Madeira in November is an excellent idea. The weather will be mild overall, with slightly lower temperatures and less rain than in winter. If you’re wondering, it’s a good time of year to enjoy the lush green countryside and outdoor activities, while avoiding the summer and off-season crowds.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Travelling to Madeira in November: summary of conditions
Temperatures
In Madeira in November, average air temperatures are fairly mild, but inevitably lower than in previous months. You’ll find that daytime highs generally oscillate between 19°C (66°F) and 22°C (72°F), while nighttime lows are around 16°C (61°F) to 18°C (64.5°F). Isn’t it a comfortable climate for exploring the island without worrying about the crowds?
Water temperatures
Madeira is surrounded by the ocean. It therefore has several beaches, some of them black sand, as well as natural pools to offer you as part of its unique natural landscape. In November, the average water temperature is around 22°C (72°F). Although it’s a few degrees cooler than in summer, it’s still great for swimming, especially if you’re used to cool waters. Your swims may be shorter, given the temperature.
Crowds and prizes
What we also like about Madeira in November is that the number of tourists drops considerably. It’s a great way to explore the island in the off-season and enjoy all its treasures without being surrounded by crowds. Tranquillity and calm will be the watchwords of your stay in Madeira in November. Prices are also more affordable, with in-between-season rates for accommodation and certain tourist activities.
Opening conditions
The good news is that most tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels are still open. As the island is a year-round tourist destination, the infrastructure operates normally, sometimes with reduced opening hours as the days get shorter. Some seasonal resorts may close certain facilities during the off-season, such as outdoor pools, or suspend bookings.
Length of day
In November, daylight on the Flower Island averages 11 hours.
This gives you plenty of time to explore the region, even if it’s more limited in autumn.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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Best attractions in Madeira in November
Think you won’t have much to do in Madeira if you go in November? On the contrary! We’re very fond of this destination, as everything is still practicable, with a few points of caution, such as the risk of fog when hiking, occasional rain or the need for a wetsuit for swimming. The climate remains mild but cool, so you’ll be able to make the most of it! Museums, towns and villages, hiking, gourmet meals, swimming and nature are all on your list. A good time for:
- Take a stroll through the village of Santana
- Marvel at Madeira’s magical waterfalls
- See the sunrise from Pico do Areiro
- Discover Porto Santo
- Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
- Walking along a levada like 25 Fontes
- Surveying Porto Moniz
- Enjoy the contrast at Ponta de Sao Louranço
- Nature activities: canyoning, kayaking, hiking…
- Discover the 2 islands of the Madeira archipelago or Porto Santo
- See more and more species-specific dolphins and whales
- Driving and admiring sublime views
- Strolling the beaches of Porto Santo
- Explore Funchal and its many museums
- Explore other towns and villages: Camara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol…
- Visit botanical gardens in bloom such as the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- And many more unsuspected wonders to discover…
Discover our tips on the best things to do in Madeira.
And lots of activities like these:
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Climate in Madeira in November – weather forecast
If you’re considering Madeira as a vacation destination in November, that’s a great idea! The climate remains mild, and as it is subtropical, it is relatively stable all year round, with more or less rainy days. In November, you’ll have an average of just 4 in a month. Conditions remain ideal for strolling, discovering and enjoying nature and the island’s sublime landscapes. Be aware that Madeira’s microclimate can lead to local variations. So it’s not unusual to experience different weather conditions as you move from one part of the island to another. In our opinion, this climatic diversity contributes to Madeira’s charm!
On the coast
Near the ocean, the atmosphere is often sunny and temperate, with a light sea breeze. Enjoy clear days, and be prepared for occasional showers.
In the heights
At higher altitudes, the weather can be more changeable and slightly cooler. Sometimes you’ll catch glimpses of peaks shrouded in mist or low clouds, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Rain is more frequent in the higher elevations, but is generally short-lived. Take something to cover up, like a light sweater. Madeira’s weather in November is relatively stable, with moderate variations between day and night. The days are often sunny and mild, ideal for outdoor activities and hiking. Evenings can be cooler, especially at higher altitudes, requiring a light sweater.
November temperatures in Madeira
Weather in Funchal
- Average daytime temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 17°C (62.5°F)
Temperature in Porto Moniz
- Average daytime temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 17°C (62.5°F)
Temperature in Porto Santo
- Average daytime temperature: 20.5°C (69°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 16°C (61°F)
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Rain and Wind
In autumn in Madeira, you’ll find that the amount of rain starts to increase. Expect occasional showers, often of short duration and low intensity. Rainfall is more frequent than in summer, but much less abundant than in winter, with only 4 days on average in November.
- Rainfall in Funchal: 66mm
(over 4 days on average) - Rainfall in Porto Moniz: 66mm
(over 4 days on average) - Rainfall in Porto Santo: 69mm
(over 4 days on average)
In Madeira in November, you’ll find that there’s usually no snow. The island enjoys a mild subtropical climate all year round, and temperatures, even on the high peaks, remain too high to allow snow to form just yet!
At this time of year, winds are moderate. You’ll experience frequent sea breezes, especially along the coast. In the mountains, winds can be slightly stronger. Keep this in mind when out walking and hiking. However, winds are not a disruptive factor for tourist activities at this time of year.
Sunshine
In November, daylight hours vary from 10am to 11am.
Sunrise is around 7.35am and sunset around 6.05pm. Average sunshine remains relatively good, with 5 to 6 hours a day. Unsurprisingly, the days are shorter than in summer. But the skies are often clear, offering beautiful sunny spells. A few clouds may also be hanging over your head during your stay! As the days get shorter, remember not to overload your daily schedule and avoid visiting nature sites at times close to sunset.
Water temperature – bathing in Madeira in November
In Madeira in November, the average ocean temperature is around 22°C (71.5°F). This temperature is relatively uniform all around the island, with slight variations depending on sea currents. Note that it remains pleasant for swimming, especially if you’re used to cool waters. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, as this is not a tropical destination. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast or just curious, it’s the perfect time of year! A shorty or light wetsuit is more comfortable if you’re a more cold-sensitive swimmer.
For all these reasons, November is a good month to swim in Madeira.
- Average water temperature in Funchal: 23°C (73.5°F)
- Porto Moniz water temperature: 22°C (71.5°F) on average
- Porto Santo water temperature: 23°C (73.5°F) on average
Crowds and other conditions
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, skip the queues and visit Madeira on your own, November is a good choice. The crowds are much smaller than in the high summer season. Tourist sites, restaurants and beaches are less crowded, offering a more authentic and relaxing experience. Prices are generally more affordable, with in-between-season rates for accommodation and some activities! If you’re looking for good value for money and a more serene atmosphere, now’s the time to take a vacation in Madeira.
Gardens in bloom
Known as the island of flowers and eternal spring, we can confirm that this is not a myth, but a reality in Madeira all year round! Admittedly, November is not the peak of flowering, which is in April and May, but you’ll still see some beautiful gardens in bloom. Despite the autumnal season, let yourself be enchanted by the fragrance and sublime colors of the island’s emblematic strelitzias, which really do bloom all year round. You will also see poinsettias that have just begun their winter bloom. Agapanthus, bougainvillea, orchids and aloe arborescens with red flowers can also be seen at this time of year.
Dolphins and whales in Madeira’s waters
Did you know that Madeira is one of the best cetacean-watching areas in Europe? Although November is not the time when you’ll see the greatest diversity of species, some of them are still roaming the island’s waters. You can observe bottlenose dolphins, present all year round.. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot striped dolphins and short-finned pilot whales.. Although less frequent, other species such as sperm whales and short-finned pilot whales may show up during your boat tour. We know that the period is less favourable than the summer, but observation is still possible with a good chance of encounters! Read our tips here
November events in Madeira
Madeira is an island we also love for its year-round liveliness. Several events are held in November, such as:
- Madeira Street Arts Festival: At the beginning of the month, Funchal hosts the Madeira Street Arts Festival with a series of artistic demonstrations based on street and circus arts, bringing together artists from all over the world.
- The Madeira Legend Rally: organized by the Club Sports da Madeira, this mid-month race is for Historic, Spirit and Legend Show cars and is a new variant of the “Volta à Ilha da Madeira – Historic Rally”.
- Madeira International Mandolin Festival: the Madeira Mandolin Association promotes the Madeira International Mandolin Festival, at the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias.
- The start of the Christmas lights in Funchal: the festivities begin towards the end of November, marking the start of the festive winter atmosphere.
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November prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. Madeira offers a wide range of accommodation, from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give you even an approximate budget. In November, however, there are far fewer tourists, so prices are much lower. The island’s mild, stable climate, its many events and its beauty attract visitors all year round. So remember to plan your bookings in advance, no matter which month of the year you stay.
Other months
When to go to Madeira, other months…
- Madeira in January
- Madeira in February
- Madeira in March
- Madeira in April
- Madeira in May
- Madeira in June
- Madeira in July
- Madeira in August
- Madeira in September
- Madeira in October
- Madeira in December
Or read our article on when to go to Madeira.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
