Fancy a trip to Madeira in April?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, outdoor activities, boat trips, 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.
Going to Madeira in April: quick answers
Is the weather fine in Madeira in April? Is this a good time to visit?
April is an excellent month to visit Madeira! We loved the mild climate, mild temperatures, little rain and lots of sunshine. Note that this is the start of the tourist season, but also of the flowering season on the Isle of Flowers! We were overwhelmed by the particularly flowery gardens. You can take part in the famous Flower Festival. All places, whether cultural, artistic or natural, are open and accessible.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Travelling to Madeira in April: summary of conditions
Temperatures
We experienced pleasant temperatures for this time of year. The thermometer reads an average of 18°C (64.5°F). The “calima”, an occasional episode of warm wind, can add a few degrees, but this is quite rare and more frequent on islands like the Canaries, for example.
Water temperatures
In April, the water temperature is around 19°C (66°F). Which is neither too hot nor too cold. Remember that Madeira has relatively stable air and water temperatures all year round, as it is not a tropical destination.
Crowds and prizes
April is the start of the tourist season in Madeira, and the flowering of the gardens! Visitors arrive slowly. For our part, we were able to visit the island’s must-see sites without too many queues or crowds. As tourist numbers rise, so do prices. If, like us, you’re opting for a trip to the island of flowers and “eternal spring” in April, book as early as possible for affordable rates and plenty of choice!
Opening conditions
It’s the beginning of spring, and Madeira usually opens in April! Opening times may vary from place to place, and some seasonal establishments may restrict access to certain facilities, such as outdoor pools. For our part, we had access to all the places and facilities we were looking for.
Length of day
Spring means longer days and more sunshine! The sun rises at around 7.15am and sets at around 8.30pm, leaving us almost 13 hours to explore the island and its wonders. The number of hours of sunshine is around 7 per day.
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Best attractions in Madeira in April
In April, we had planned many visits, hikes, culinary discoveries and nature activities. Everything was open and we enjoyed a wide range of activities:
- Explore Funchal and its many museums
- Discover Porto Santo
- Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
- Enjoy the contrast at Ponta de Sao Louranço
- Surveying Porto Moniz
- See the sunrise from Pico do Areiro
- Nature activities: canyoning, kayaking, hiking…
- Walking along a levada like 25 Fontes
- Driving and admiring sublime views
- Visit botanical gardens such as the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which are just beginning to blossom.
- Observe specific species of dolphins and whales
- Explore other towns and villages: Camara de Lobos, Ponto do Sol…
- And many more unsuspected wonders to discover…
See our article 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.
Madeira in April – weather forecast
In April, the weather was very mild in Madeira during our stay. Pleasant and spring-like, it enabled us to enjoy the different corners of the island under slightly changing weather conditions, with different characteristics in different parts of the island.
Along the coast
On the coast, especially in the south of the island, the weather was mild and sunny. The days were generally clear, with clear blue skies. Although the climate is relatively stable, we have experienced a few small, sudden variations. The sea breeze gave us a pleasant coolness, making the atmosphere very pleasant for our outdoor activities such as walks along the beach or visits to towns and villages.
At altitude
As always, whatever the time of year, the weather is more variable and changeable at higher altitudes. We felt it was a little cooler than at the seaside, with the occasional fog or low cloud. Rain was more frequent than on the coast, but generally did not last long. Still, it’s worth noting if, like us, you enjoy exploring Madeira’s many levadas on foot.
In the north of the island
Conditions are quite pleasant in northern Madeira in April, but the atmosphere is a little wetter and foggier.
In the south of the island
In the south of Madeira, you’ll love the drier, sunnier climate. However, as the island is not in a tropical zone, temperatures remain fairly stable. We didn’t feel any extreme heat. This was a great help in organizing our various activities throughout our stay and at any time of the day.
Depending on the region of the island, Madeira’s April winds have different characteristics. To the north and east, you’ll find that they’re stronger and, above all, more frequent. The north-easterly trade winds bring more humid air to the area. Protected by the mountains, the south is drier and less prone to windy spells. Finally, in the west, weather conditions are intermediate, with winds stabilizing overall compared with previous months.
April temperatures in Madeira
Weather in Funchal
- 17.5°C (63.5°F) on average
Temperature in Porto Moniz
- 17.5°C (63.5°F) on average
Temperature in Porto Santo
- 17.5°C (63.5°F) on average
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 April, we experienced moderate rainfall in Madeira, especially on the north coast where it is more frequent. In the south, towards Funchal in particular, conditions were drier and sunnier.
- Rainfall in Funchal: 31mm
(on average 2 days) - Rainfall in Porto Moniz: 31mm
(on average 2 days) - Rainfall in Porto Santo: 34mm
(on average 2 days)
At this time of year, it doesn’t snow on Madeira’s heights or along the coast. Snowfall at higher altitudes tends to occur in winter rather than spring, mainly due to the island’s subtropical climate.
As for the wind in Madeira in April, a light breeze from time to time brought us a bit of freshness, which wasn’t unpleasant during our days of sightseeing. Of course, winds vary from one part of the island to another. As mentioned above, the north and east are more exposed to the northeast trade winds, bringing humidity and stronger winds. The south, protected by the mountains, is quieter and drier. Conditions in the west are intermediate. Overall, winds are stabilizing compared with the winter sequence, marking a transition to milder conditions.
Sunshine
In Madeira in April, we enjoyed an average of 7 hours of sunshine every day! The sun rises around 7.15am and sets around 1pm later. The days continue to lengthen at this time of year in early spring. It really was the ideal climate for us to take a leisurely swim, go for a walk and visit the island’s many attractions. Boat trips can also last longer as the day gets longer.
Water temperature – bathing in Madeira in April
Completely! April is one of the best months for swimming in Madeira. It’s spring, and above all, temperatures are fairly stable. We didn’t enjoy the warm waters of the tropics, but we did enjoy cooling off in the natural pools or on thebeaches. We highly recommend these must-see attractions, which also bear witness to Madeira’s natural beauty.
- Water temperature in Funchal: 20°C (68°F) on average
- Porto Moniz water temperature: 18°C (64.5°F) on average
- Porto Santo water temperature: 19°C (66°F) on average
Crowds and other conditions
April is not yet peak tourist season, so you’ll avoid the crowds of summer visitors. On the other hand, there are more and more people like us who like to visit out of season, and April is a perfect time to explore Madeira. This has a slight impact on rates, which are higher than in winter but not as high as in summer. Booking in advance remains the watchword. Fans of flower shows also flock to the site at this time of year. It’s one of the best times of year, along with May, to enjoy lush gardens with a wide variety of plants and flowers. As for restaurants, most of them are open (and not only in tourist areas!), some of them by reservation, with a menu adapted to seasonal produce. Take a look at our suggestions for Funchal or Porto Santo, for example!
Gardens in bloom in April
If, like us, you love flowers and beautiful trees and would like to visit Madeira, don’t hesitate and go there in April! We marveled at the many colorful flower gardens everywhere. Known as the island of flowers and eternal spring, Madeira will fascinate you with its natural beauty, decked out in its most beautiful colors and fragrances in April! Our favorite garden is without a doubt the Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal.
Whale and dolphin watching
In April, organizers of whale- and dolphin-watching boat trips add a few extra slots. As the days lengthen, the number of species frequenting the waters around the island multiplies. In addition to common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins, you may be lucky enough to see blue and white dolphins. Sperm whales and pilot whales also enjoy these clear waters in early spring. We loved our excursion at this time of year. Read our article on the subject.
Canyoning, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and nature activities…
With longer days, less rain and moderate winds, April is a great month to plan your trip to Madeira if you love outdoor activities! Our canyoning experience was truly unforgettable, albeit offbeat once. Mild conditions in April meant that we were able to quickly organize another excursion in a different time slot before our departure. There’s also a growing choice of on-site activities. You can go canoeing or kayaking at various points on the island.
As for your hikes, they can last a little longer as the day sets later and there’s less risk of sudden weather changes. From picturesque levadas to soaring peaks, wild coastlines and lush forests, not forgetting its spellbinding volcanic landscapes, read our tips for organizing your hikes and choosing from the best in Madeira.
April events in Madeira
April marks the beginning of spring, a time of great importance not only for nature in Madeira, but also for the island’s culture. The main events you can attend during this period are
- The Lemon Festival: held in the village of Santana in mid-April, this is a major cultural event on the island. Local lemon production is showcased at a market featuring traditional entertainment, concerts and an improvised singing competition (called Despique).
- Festa da Flor: one of Madeira’s most important and colorful flower-honoring events. This festival takes place every year around the end of April to celebrate the arrival of spring and the magical flowering of the island’s verdant gardens and sublime landscapes. On the program: costumed parades, floral displays, flower carpet creation, concerts and open-air shows.
- The Regional Sugar Cane Fair: every year in Ponta do Sol, exhibitions are held on sugar production, as well as tastings and traditional entertainment.
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April prices
As in all destinations, prices vary depending on what you’re looking for. Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget. In Madeira in April, spring is not considered high season, but visitors are more numerous than in winter. Flower lovers also come to admire the beautiful gardens and landscapes in bloom at this time of year. Fares and attendance are therefore logically impacted, without being at their peak as in the summer months.
Other months
When to go to Madeira, other months…
- Madeira in January
- Madeira in February
- Madeira in March
- Madeira in May
- Madeira in June
- Madeira in July
- Madeira in August
- Madeira in September
- Madeira in October
- Madeira in November
- 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
