Madeira in winter: a good idea?
Absolutely! Here’s our guide to help you decide and plan your trip:
- Madeira’s winter sun, temperature and weather,
- Reasons to visit Madeira between December and March,
- Attractions in Madeira in winter,
- Christmas and New Year in Madeira
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Madeira a winter destination? Short answers
What can you expect when you visit Madeira in winter?
Madeira has a lot to offer all year round. The Isle of Flowers is famous for its climate, known as eternal spring, because you’ll find that it’s mild and pleasant all year round.
When it comes to winter, you can expect the following:
- The days are long
the shortest day of the year still has 9 hours of sunshine (including 5 to 7 hours of sunshine), which is higher than the average for the northern hemisphere. - It’s a subtropical Mediterranean climate, sunny with a few days of rain and windy spells.
- The winter sun is good – it’s not hot like in summer, but it’s very mild. Especially when the sun is out. Daytime temperatures between 16°C (61°F) and 20°C 568°F)
- Sea temperature between 18°C (64.5°F) and 20°C (68°F)
- Beautiful beaches composed mainly of pebbles (a few beaches of natural black sand or imported golden sand)
- Magnificent landscapes with lush vegetation
- Cooler mountain peaks with a little more humidity
- The island is always bustling with locals – not just tourists.
- Activities are always possible – for example, canyoning, hiking, dolphin and whale watching…
So, is Madeira a good winter destination?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking to escape the cold of winter, enjoy a little warmth and breathtaking scenery, traveling to Madeira at this time of year is an excellent idea.
However, note that this is not a tropical destination – many beaches are pebbled, not sandy, and temperatures are more spring-like than warm. Also, the water temperature does not rise and remains stable as the ocean is quite deep all around the island.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
8 reasons to visit Madeira Island in winter
#1. Climate
Madeira offers a warm climate in winter, ideal for escaping the cold.
Temperatures are similar to spring – around 19°C (66°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day and 13°C (55.5°F) to 14°(57°F) at night (on the coast).
There are a few rainy days during the season, but not as many as in northern countries. The mountains in the middle of the island allow you to discover a different climate elsewhere in Madeira and enjoy a different kind of weather.
#2 – Fewer people
The airport is also limited in size, and so is the number of tourists. However, Madeira is becoming increasingly popular, especially in summer.
But in winter, it’s still not the 1st destination that comes to mind. So, with the exception of Christmas and the winter vacations for Portuguese schools, tourist numbers are lower.
#3 – The tours and activities don’t stop
As a year-round destination, you can enjoy most visits and activities in winter too.
Boat tours, canyoning, surfing, hiking…
See all Madeira activities
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
#4 – Lush vegetation and magnificent landscapes
The vegetation remains lush, not quite as vibrant and colorful, but as stunning as ever. The scenery is equally impressive. Some flowers, such as strelitzias, emblematic of the island, bloom all year round.
#5 – Lower prices
Madeira is not the cheapest island in Europe, due to its special landing and isolation.
In winter, when tourist numbers are lower, prices can be lower. No matter when you plan to travel, remember to book in advance. The same goes for accommodation and activities, for greater choice and better value for money.
#6 – Whale and dolphin watching
Summer is the best time to visit Madeira for whales and dolphins in terms of numbers.
But if you’re looking to spot specific species, winter is the best time.
#7 – Waterfalls, levadas and hikes
Madeira is famous for its levada rides along the traditional irrigation systems that bring water to the plantations on the south side.
These hikes take you to waterfalls.
In summer, these waterfalls can be quiet, with only a small drop of water. Winter is the best time to see them in full flow.
#8 – Water sports: surfing, diving, kayaking…
If you want to surf or learn to surf, winter is considered one of the best times to surf in Madeira.
The water temperature is ideal and the waves are there.
Want to discover the island’s best surf spots? – See prices, photos and availability.
If you’re keen on water sports, you can also try your hand at diving, kayaking and snorkeling, not to mention coasteering.
Madeira in winter – Sun, heat, weather
Is it warm in Madeira in winter?
Madeira enjoys warm (but not stifling) weather all year round.
The temperatures you can expect along the coast are..:
- around 19°C (66°F) to 20°C 568°F° during the day
- 13°C (55.5°F) to 14° (57°F) overnight.
This makes it one of the warmest places in Europe in winter.
However, if you decide to explore the mountains, such as Pico do Arieiro at 1818m, remember to take a light sweater, as temperatures will be lower.
Winter sun in Madeira – how much sun can you expect?
With the climate, nothing is guaranteed.
But because of the island’s geography, clouds come and go.
It may rain, but not as much as in the rest of Europe.
In winter, you have:
- about 9 to 10 hours of daylight,
- an average of 5 to 7 hours of sunshine on winter days over these 9 to 10 hours
But you can also set off in search of the sun. In the mountains, it can be cloudy at one location and sunny at another. Check out the weather map and webcams!
Can you sunbathe in Madeira in winter?
Yes, you can sunbathe in Madeira in winter.
As previously written, in December, January and February, daytime temperatures at beach level are around 19°C (66°F) to 20°C (68°F).
When the sun is out, due to the island’s low latitude, it’s quite warm.
However, the sun is never fully guaranteed and clouds come and go. There’s little chance of spending the whole day sunbathing…
See Madeira’s most beautiful beaches and natural pools
Does it snow in Madeira?
There isn’t much or any, but on the mountain tops it’s possible to get a little snow. At this time of year, snow is rare, but you may catch a glimpse of it on the island’s highest points, such as Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro. However, you’ll notice that it usually only lasts a few hours. As a result, the traditional white layer doesn’t have time to form. On the coast, like Funchal, it never snows, with mild temperatures typical of the famous “eternal spring”, Madeira’s promise.
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Visiting Madeira during the winter months – Tips
All our usual Madeira tips also apply to winter.
But here are a few special tips to keep in mind.
Best moment
Some attractions can get crowded in summer, as parking lots fill up very quickly.
In summer, I recommend starting hiking and other activities as early as possible.
However, in winter (excluding Christmas), the crowds are smaller and you can start your day later…
Getting around Madeira in winter
In winter as in summer, we believe that renting a car is the best way to explore the island.
This gives you the freedom to see the most beautiful sights and stop whenever you like.
There are buses, but the frequency is not ideal.
Nothing special to think about when driving in winter. The same applies as in summer.
The roads are in good condition.
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.
How long can I stay?
It depends on what you want to do.
We still don’t think Madeira is an ideal destination for long weekends. It’s too short, given the flight time.
To explore the whole island, allow 10 days to 2 weeks.
But if you just want to enjoy the winter sun, 5 days to a week will give you the energy and resources you need to get through the rest of winter. A breath of fresh air amid lush vegetation in the sunshine is always a tempting way to escape the winter chill!
Where to stay in winter
The weather is less predictable in winter than in summer. So be sure to build some flexibility into your schedule.
You’ll find that the island isn’t large, so it’s easy to change your destination by watching the weather live on the island. Especially if you’re hiking, be sure to check the latest weather forecast! Along the coast, sunshine and a temperate climate are the order of the day during your winter holiday! At higher altitudes, the weather can be more changeable and slightly cooler, with mist and low clouds.
To discover Madeira’s treasures, you can choose to sleep in the capital, in a village, near a beach or near natural pools.
- Funchal – see our hotel selection
- Porto Santo – see our hotel selection
- Ponta do Sol – see our hotel selection
- Or at the water’s edge – see our selection of hotels
See our article on where to stay in Madeira
Winter activities in Madeira
What is there to do in Madeira in winter?
Almost the same things as in summer. See our full article on the island’s top attractions.
Here are just some of the highlights.
Whale and dolphin watching
Did you know that Madeira is one of the best cetacean-watching areas in Europe? In December, even though this is not the time when you’ll see a great diversity of species, some 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 and common dolphins.. Although less frequent, other species such as sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, short-finned pilot whales, pilot whales and fin whales may show up during your boat tour. We know that winter is less favourable than summer, but observation is still possible with a good chance of encounters! These dolphin- and whale-watching excursions will add a magical touch to your stay.
Natural pools
Of course, Madeira is no beach paradise. But you can still have exceptional swimming experiences, thanks to the natural pools formed from lava rocks cooled by the sea.
You’ll find them in Seixal and Porto Santo. The best known are in Porto Moniz. They’re easy to access, with several arms for easy swimming. The views from the pools are breathtaking: an island, green mountains and the sea!
If you don’t want to drive, organized tours take you to see these pools, in the middle of a tour of the island – see program and availability.
Remember to avoid visiting between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when most tourists are there. You’ll have a better experience outside these hours.
Find out more about Madeira’s natural pools
Beaches in Madeira
Madeira isn’t exactly a beach destination.
The mountains drop precipitously into the ocean, the water is deep all around the island and a little cool compared to tropical islands.
You’ll find Seixal’s black sand beach, 2 imported golden sand beaches (Calheta and Machico) and a few pebble beaches.
If you’re looking for a long, sandy beach, you’ll have to go to the nearby island of Porto Santo. Its beach is 9km long!
Find out more about Madeira’s beaches
Visit Porto Santo Island
Porto Santo is a surprising island!
It’s not big, but it offers a varied selection of places and activities: beach, dunes, cliffs, natural pools, hiking… You’ll also find a plethora of things to do if you visit in winter.
The long, golden sandy beach is undoubtedly our favorite spot on the island. It stretches majestically for 9 kilometers!
Its fine, soft sand is ideal for relaxing, playing and taking long walks with your feet in the water.
We find it particularly beautiful at its southern end, on the Ponta da Calheta side, with its view over the island of Ilhéu da Cal.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of landscapes and geological wonders Porto Santo has to offer! Dunes, sandy beaches, basalt columns, extraordinary viewpoints (miradouros) and natural pools make up the island’s topography.
More about Porto Santo
Nature adventure activities
Set off on an adventure along Madeira’s levadas: an unforgettable experience in the heart of lush nature. The levadas, centuries-old irrigation canals that criss-cross the island, offer hikers picturesque trails through breathtaking scenery. Walk along towering cliffs, through lush forests and discover breathtaking panoramic views as you explore the island at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge or a lover of leisurely strolls, Madeira’s levadas promise unforgettable adventures for all skill levels. Get ready to marvel at the island’s natural beauty and create memories that will last a lifetime on these enchanting trails.
If you prefer more leisurely but equally enchanting walks, read our article on easy walks in Madeira.
Admire the magnificent panoramas
On a trip to Madeira, you’ll be transformed by the scenery.
Nature here is so impressive and lush that all you need to do is drive a little and open your eyes for an unforgettable vacation.
Yes, the roads are winding and sometimes narrow, but they’re worth the effort. Take your time, admire the scenery and stop off at all the viewpoints known as Miradouros.
See our articles on Madeira’s most beautiful roads and viewpoints (miradouros).
And much more…
There’s plenty to see and do in Madeira.
See the best activities in Madeira(in this article) or my selection of hidden gems or “secret” places on the island(in this article).
Christmas in Madeira
What’s Christmas like in Madeira?
December means the start of the festive season! You’ll see that Madeira is a magical, must-see destination for celebrating Christmas with unique fervor. Watch the streets of Funchal light up with a thousand lights. You’ll be treated to lots of decorations, especially in the capital. Christian traditions mingle with cultural events such as giant nativity scenes and folk music concerts. Throughout the month, the capital hosts a sublime Christmas market and free workshops to make and share local products, in keeping with Madeira’s authentic traditions.
What are the official vacation dates around Christmas?
In Madeira, you can enjoy the..:
- 2nd fortnight of December – Mass of Childbirth
- December 23 – Traditional Christmas nights
- December 25 – Christmas
- January 1 – New Year
- January 5 and 6 – Epiphany
On these days, some businesses may close.
Is it warm in Madeira this Christmas?
The weather’s not warm, but it’s very nice. You can wear a t-shirt during the day.
All you need is a sweater for the evening.
Temperatures are very pleasant, around 20°C (68°F) during the day. The water temperature is lower, so it’s not the best time for a swim, but it’s still possible to enjoy a dip. You’ll enjoy 5 to 7 hours of sunshine a day, over 1 day of around 9 to 10 hours.
Christmas decorations
Because of the mild climate, you won’t find many traditional fir trees, but mostly artificial ones. They’re usually decorated with baubles, Christmas lights, snowflakes, bows, wreaths… so the Christmas atmosphere is very much present.
You’ll hear Christmas music. If you go for a walk, you’ll also see some nativity scenes.
Christmas events – Epiphany
In Madeira, you’ll be pleased to know that the Christmas festivities run right through to January 6, Epiphany Day. This festival commemorates the visit of the 3 Wise Men to Jesus with gifts. On the 5th of the month, they parade through the island’s towns. At night, the locals sing the songs of the Three Wise Men. To perpetuate this tradition, a number of associations in Funchal organize a musical show to round off the end-of-year festivities.
Food
Of course, no tradition is complete without culinary specialties:
- Madeira honey cake – can be bought all year round, but linked to the Christmas season
- Christmas in Madeira means sweets and cookies
- “Carne Vinha D’Alhos
- …
New Year’s Eve in Madeira
New Year’s Eve in Madeira
If you’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve here, you’ll want to know that it’s marked by a spectacular fireworks display, recognized as one of the biggest in the world. In Funchal, the New Year’s Eve Show will leave you speechless! The magic happens when you see the famous fireworks display, one of the largest in the world, on the city’s old quay, with a musical show to celebrate the New Year.
Finally, adopt local customs and take a dip in the sea on January 1st, a symbol of new beginnings.
The best places to party
You’ll find Christmas and New Year entertainment all over the island, but especially in Funchal, the capital. Restaurants and bars are lively, and street markets create a festive and cheerful atmosphere.
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
