Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a year-round destination on the shores of theAtlantic Ocean. In winter, we were pleasantly surprised by the mild climate and the tranquility of the city, far from the hustle and bustle of summer. Its rich historical heritage, museums and generous gastronomy make it an ideal getaway during the colder months of the year.
Here are our tips for visiting Funchal in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… Plus, information on how to spend Christmas or New Year in this city of contrasts!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Visiting Funchal in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Yes, visiting Funchal in winter is absolutely worth it! Madeira’s capital enjoys a mild climate all year round, making it a particularly pleasant destination during the cold season. We enjoyed discovering the old town, its cobbled streets and colorful azulejos, without the pressure of the summer crowds. Monuments remain accessible, gardens green and restaurants open. The Christmas period also brings a particularly festive atmosphere to Funchal, with its illuminations and animations that dress the city in light.
Benefits
- The climate is mild, even in winter, with daytime temperatures around 19°C.
- There are fewer tourists, so there’s less waiting around and more space to enjoy the sites.
- Accommodation rates are reduced in low season.
- Almost all attractions remain open.
- Funchal has a festive Christmas atmosphere.
- Gardens and green spaces are kept green by the mild Atlantic climate.
- Gourmet restaurants are more available.
Disadvantages
- Shorter days mean less time for outdoor exploration.
- Madeira is a windy island: the wind can be particularly strong in winter.
- Summer water sports such as surfing and diving are less practicable, depending on conditions.
- It can rain, sometimes quite heavily, especially in December and January.
- Some sea excursions may be cancelled in the event of heavy swells.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Funchal enjoys a mild subtropical climate all year round. In winter, temperatures hover around 19°C during the day and rarely fall below 14°C at night. It’s one of the mildest winters in Europe, making Madeira a popular destination for travelers escaping the continental cold. The sun is often out, although showers can occur, especially in December and January. We advise you to bring a light raincoat and a little wool for the evenings. The wind, frequent on the island, can also make some days cooler than they appear. When the weather’s fine, it’s not unusual to see locals enjoying the terraces of open-air cafés as early as January.
OUR ADVICE 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.
What to do in Funchal in winter
Funchal is full of activities available all year round. In winter, the city lends itself particularly well to cultural visits, garden walks and gastronomic discoveries. Here are our suggestions for making the most of your stay.
Stroll through the old town
Funchal’s old town is the historic heart of the Madeiran capital. We loved wandering through the cobbled streets, discovering the azulejo-adorned facades and lively squares like Praça do Município, whose black-and-white floor has become one of the city’s symbols. The architecture blends Manueline and Baroque influences, reflecting Portuguese heritage. You’ll also find Rua Santa Maria, a long pedestrian street transformed into an open-air museum where local artists have decorated doors and facades with a variety of compositions, from trompe-l’œil to street art. In winter, the crowds are much quieter, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and details of each building without being rushed. Book a guided walking tour of Old Funchal.
Take the cable car to visit Monte Palace Madeira
For a must-see experience in Funchal, we recommend taking the Monte cable car from the seafront. The climb offers a remarkable view of the bay and the roofs of the capital. Once you’ve arrived in Monte, the Monte Palace Madeira Tropical Garden welcomes you with its lush vegetation, walking trails, sculptures and museums. In winter, the garden retains all its appeal as the subtropical vegetation remains green and dense. We were impressed by the botanical wealth of the site, which is one of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens. The cable car is open from 9am to 5pm. Admission to the garden is €15, open from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Book a private guided tour of the gardens.
Traditional tobogganing from Monte
After visiting the garden, we recommend you try one of the island’s most unique experiences: a traditional toboggan ride with the Carreiros do Monte. Seated in a wicker basket mounted on skates, you’ll be guided and pushed by two men in traditional costume through Monte’s steep streets. They use only their feet to steer and brake the sled, with impressive mastery. This mode of locomotion, which has existed since the 19th century, is an integral part of the island’s heritage. We found the experience both original and fun. The descent takes about 10 minutes and costs around €35 for two people. Departure is from the Monte Church, open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Try tobogganing as part of a guided tour of Funchal.
Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores
The Mercado dos Lavradores, literally the Farmers’ Market, is a must when visiting Funchal. We enjoyed wandering between the stalls of exotic fruits, colorful flowers and local produce, with some vendors still dressed in traditional costumes. The lower part of the market is home to the fish market, where Madeira tuna reigns supreme. In winter, the crowds are more reasonable, making for a more pleasant visit. Allow 30min to 1h to explore the entire market. Open all day Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings. Enjoy a guided gastronomic tour including the market.
Visit Sé Cathedral and the Jesuit College Church
Sé Cathedral, listed as a national monument since 1910, is the archipelago’s most important religious building. Its two-tone facade, juxtaposing white limestone and brown brick, is striking. Inside, the elaborate ceiling, altarpiece and carved woodwork bear witness to a rich heritage of craftsmanship. A few steps away, on the Praça do Município, theChurch of St. John the Evangelist, also known as the Church of the Jesuit College, offers a pleasant surprise: the 17th-century Baroque interior contrasts sharply with the sleek facade. We ended our visit with a view of the city and the ocean. These two monuments can easily be visited one after the other, as the square joins them together. Visit Sé Cathedral and other sites on a guided tuk-tuk tour.
Discover Funchal’s museums
Rainy days or simply cooler afternoons are the perfect opportunity to explore Funchal’s many and varied museums. The Museum of Sacred Art, housed in the former episcopal palace on the Praça do Município, features sacred paintings, sculptures and silverware. Its azulejo-decorated terrace overlooks the city’s rooftops. We also fell in love with the Madeira Museum of Photography – Atelier Vincente’s, housed in one of Portugal’s oldest photographic studios, founded in 1865. It exhibits photographs, old cameras and reconstructed pieces tracing the history of photography on the island. The CR7 Museum traces the career of Madeira-born footballer Cristiano Ronaldo through his trophies, shirts and personal objects. Finally, the Frederico de Freitas Museum, housed in a 17th-century property, displays a remarkable collection of antique furniture, azulejos and decorative objects assembled by a 20th-century Madeiran lawyer-collector. Last but not least, don’t miss out on the Fun Art 3D Museum or theIMOM immersive museum!
Find out more about the best museums here.
Taste Madeira’s culinary specialties and wine
Funchal is an excellent base for exploring Madeiran gastronomy. We were seduced by the richness and generosity of the local cuisine: bolo do caco, a crusty garlic bread, is a must as a starter; bacalhau, cod prepared according to traditional recipes inherited from Portugal, is a delight at every table; and poncha, a typical aperitif made with cane brandy, is worth trying at least once. Restaurants are well represented in the city, from family-run to gourmet establishments. We particularly recommend Restaurant Desarma, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the 11th floor ofThe Views Baia Hotel, whose menu revisits the island’s traditional dishes with originality. Also, if you’re a wine enthusiast, Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Musée du Vin, will help you discover the special characteristics of Madeira’s vineyards. Book a wine and food tour.
You can also find our selection of the best restaurants in Funchal here.
Dolphin and whale watching
Even in winter, dolphins and whales can be seen off Funchal. Madeira welcomes migratory species every year, and no fewer than 28 of the 78 known cetacean species can be spotted in these waters. While dolphins are still the most common sight, whales can also be seen, depending on the season. We were struck by the beauty of the ocean and the island’s coastline as seen from the open sea. Trips generally last 3 hours and depart from the port of Funchal. Please note that excursions may be cancelled in heavy swell. Book your sea excursion to see dolphins and whales.
You can also read our article on the subject here.
To find out more about all the activities available in Funchal, check out our full article on what to do in Funchal!
How do I get to Funchal?
The fastest way to reach Funchal from continental Europe is by plane. Madeira International Airport is about 25km east of the town. Numerous airlines serve the island from major European cities.
Search now for your flights to Funchal.
Once at the airport, you can reach the city center by bus or shuttle. Visit the airport website here.
You can also opt for a cab or private transport booked in advance. The most comfortable in our opinion.
Car rental is also a practical option if you want to explore the rest of the island at your own pace.
If you’re coming from Porto Santo, the other island in the Madeira archipelago, the ferry is the solution. The crossing takes an average of 2h30. See available ferry options.
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Christmas in Funchal
Christmas in Funchal is an experience well worth the detour. The city is renowned throughout Europe for its end-of-year illuminations, some of the most spectacular on the continent. Thousands of lights adorn the streets, facades and waterfront in a festive decor that lasts from late November to early January. We were surprised by the scale and quality of the lighting scheme, which is truly transforming the city. Christmas markets are set up in various neighborhoods, offering local crafts, sweets and winter specialties. The city also organizes concerts, parades and entertainment in public spaces. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to dine in a gourmet restaurant and let yourself be carried away by the warm atmosphere of the local tables. Visit the official website for more info here.
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New Year in Funchal
New Year’s Eve in Funchal is an international event. Every year, the city organizes one of the world’s largest fireworks displays, fired from the heights surrounding the bay and visible from the waterfront and the cruise ships parked offshore for the occasion. We recommend setting up early on the waterfront to enjoy the show in the best possible conditions. The atmosphere is festive and convivial, with concerts and entertainment in the central streets. For a more intimate New Year’s Eve, many restaurants offer special menus on the evening of December 31st. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Funchal to choose the address that’s right for you. The next day, we recommend a leisurely breakfast in one of the old town cafés before resuming your explorations.
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
