Fancy a trip to Madeira in May?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, nature, 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.
Go to Madeira in May: quick answers
Is the weather fine in Madeira in May? Is this a good time to visit?
As the 2nd month of spring on the Flower Island, May is a great month to visit Madeira! The climate is pleasant and sunny, with mild temperatures and very little rain. Note that the tourist season starts in April with the famous Madeira garden blooms. Tourist numbers are slightly higher than in winter, without reaching the peaks of the summer months. All cultural, artistic and natural sites are open and easily accessible.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Travelling to Madeira in May: summary of conditions
Temperatures
In May, temperatures are really pleasant. The thermometer reads an average of 19°C (66°F). The “calima”, an occasional episode of warm wind, can add a few degrees, but it’s not as frequent as on islands like the Canaries, for example.
Water temperatures
In May, water temperatures are around 20°C (68°F), whether in natural pools or in the ocean on beaches. These temperatures are fairly stable throughout the year, with a slight rise in May, without reaching those of warmer waters in more tropical zones.
Crowds and prizes
Tourists are most numerous in Madeira in May. With spring in full bloom, there’s a plethora of things to see and do on the island. As a result, prices are higher than in winter, but not as high as in the summer months. If you book your accommodation, flights and activities well in advance, you’ll have plenty of choice and fairly affordable prices.
Opening conditions
At this time in May, most places, restaurants and hotels in Madeira are open. You’ll find that in Funchal, the capital, or in Porto Moniz or Porto Santo, you’ll enjoy a wide variety ofaccommodation and restaurants with entertainment, especially on the seafront. With the crowds a little heavier, you may have a few more options as seasonal establishments start to reopen.
Length of day
At the height of spring, the days are getting longer and longer, with stable sunshine! In May, Madeira’s sun rises at around 7.10am and sets at around 9pm, leaving you over 13 hours to explore the island and its treasures. The number of hours of sunshine is around 7 per day, just like in April.
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Best attractions in Madeira in May
In May in Madeira, do as you please! Cultural visits, hikes, culinary discoveries, swimming and nature activities are all on the agenda. Everything is accessible and feasible for:
- Visit botanical gardens in bloom such as the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Explore Funchal and its many museums
- See more and more species-specific dolphins and whales
- 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…
- Driving and admiring sublime views
- Walking along a levada like 25 Fontes
- 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.
Climate in Madeira in May – weather forecast
Just as its landscapes are varied, Madeira’s climate is always mild and sunny in May, with some fluctuations depending on whether you’re inland, on the coast or in a specific region of the island.
On the coast
Particularly in the south of the island, the weather was mild and sunny. The days are generally clear, with clear blue skies. Even if the climate is relatively stable, there may be a few small but temporary variations. The sea breeze brings a slight, bearable freshness, making the atmosphere very pleasant for outdoor activities such as walks along the beach or visits to towns and villages.
In the mountains
In mountainous areas, as always, temperatures are cooler than on the coast, and the weather remains changeable.. We advise you to bring warm clothing for high-altitude hikes, even in May. Check the weather forecast for your destination. At altitude, conditions can be different from those in the valley, and can change rapidly.
In the north of Madeira
Conditions are wetter and cooler than in the south, even in May. The prevailing winds, coming from the ocean, will bring you fog (sometimes humid) and clouds. Keep this in mind if you plan to explore this area.
In the south of Madeira
If you opt for the south of Madeira, especially around Funchal, you’ll enjoy a warm, dry climate. Average temperatures hover around 18°C (64.5°F). You’ll find that the risk of precipitation is minimal, with virtually no rainy days at this time of year.
Although it rarely rains in May in Madeira, the wind does blow a little! The island is exposed to several types of wind, from the east of the African coast, down from the mountains or laden with moisture from the ocean.
May temperatures in Madeira
Weather in Funchal
- 18.5°C (6(.5°F) on average
Temperature in Porto Moniz
- 18.5°C (6(.5°F) on average
Temperature in Porto Santo
- 18.5°C (6(.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
Overall, the risk of precipitation and windy exposures is low in Madeira in May, particularly in Funchal on the south coast. The island of Porto Santo, north-east of Madeira, also has a dry climate with moderate winds. However, in Porto Moniz, you’ll probably have a slightly higher risk of rainy spells that don’t last long. You’ll also be more exposed to north and northeast winds.
- Amount of rain in Funchal: 0mm
(over 0 days on average) - Rainfall in Porto Moniz: 16mm
(in less than 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Porto Santo: 0mm
(over 0 days on average)
In May, it snows nowhere in Madeira.
Sunshine
On this island with its unique landscapes, you’ll enjoy an average of 7 hours of sunshine every day in May, just as in April. The sun rises at around 7.10 am and sets 13 hours later. You’ll be able to plan a full day’s sightseeing, enjoy leisurely hikes and discover all Madeira has to offer, without forgetting to allow yourself a few days of rest to recuperate.
Water temperature – swimming in Madeira in May
In May, you’ll experience an average water temperature in Madeira’s ocean or natural pools of around 19°C. The island is actually better known for the beauty of its natural pools than for its beaches. These lava-surrounded pools with views of the lush cliffs are the perfect place for a swim. This temperature can be considered cool for swimming, but acceptable for some swimmers. The ocean remains relatively stable throughout the year, with moderate variations as the area is not tropical. Be careful when swimming, and don’t stay in the water too long if you can stand the cold. Some people may find the water comfortable, while others may find it too cold, depending on their personal sensitivities. You can bring a light wetsuit for swimming if you’re worried about getting cold.
In these conditions, May is a good month to swim in Madeira.
- Water temperature in Funchal: 19°C (66°F) on average
- Porto Moniz water temperature: 19°C (66°F) on average
- Porto Santo water temperature: 20°C (68°F) on average
Crowds and other conditions
The Isle of Flowers is attracting a growing number of tourists, but in the middle of spring, the number of visitors remains moderate compared to the summer months. It’s an ideal time to enjoy the flower-filled landscapes and mild climate, with mild temperatures. Fares are competitive with other destinations in the northern hemisphere. Note, however, that accommodation prices can be higher in very touristy towns like Funchal. To discover the island’s authentic culture in May, bear in mind that more and more visitors are traveling off-season, especially as this location offers ideal, stable conditions all year round. To avoid price hikes and to have a choice of spring activities, book in advance.
Nature activities: kayaking, canoeing, hiking, canyoning…
May is the ideal month to visit Madeira and enjoy outdoor activities. The days are getting longer, precipitation is becoming rarer and winds are very moderate. It’s a great time for canyoning, canoeing, kayaking and especially hiking. If you love outdoor activities and nature, Madeira is the place for you! Consult our recommendations for choosing and organizing your hikes and outdoor outings in Madeira.
Natural pools and beaches
May is also a good time to swim in Madeira, not in very warm waters because you won’t be in the tropics, but on beaches and, above all, in natural pools! A must-see on the island, these pools are surrounded by lava and overlook lush cliffs. A landscape like no other! Those built around lava rocks are in Porto Moniz, Seixal and Poças do Gomes. Many have also been designed on the basis of human intervention at the ocean’s edge. Another of Madeira’s sights is its famous black sand beaches, a legacy of the island’s volcanic activity.
Gardens in bloom
If, like us, you love flowers and beautiful trees and would like to visit Madeira, don’t hesitate and go there in May too! We marveled at the many colorful, fragrant flower gardens. Known as the island of flowers and eternal springtime, Madeira will fascinate you with its nature decked out in its most beautiful colors and fragrances at the height of spring in May! Our favorite garden is without a doubt the Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal, where you’ll discover many unique species of flowers.
Dolphins and whales to watch
In May, boat excursions are in full swing for whale and dolphin watching! As the days get longer, the number of species frequenting the waters around the island multiplies. In addition to common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins and blue and white dolphins, you may be lucky enough to see rough-toothed dolphins or Risso’s dolphins, which usually move in groups. Sperm whales and short-finned pilot whales also enjoy these clear waters in spring. We loved our excursion at this time of year. Read our article on the subject.
May events in Madeira
May may not be Madeira’s busiest month, but there are a few events:
- Festa da Flor: depending on the year, in April or May, this is 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 blossoming of the island’s lush gardens and sublime landscapes. On the program: costumed parades, floral displays, flower carpet creation, concerts and open-air shows.
- The Onion Festival: held in the municipality of Caniço in the south of Madeira, with a parade of decorated cars, an onion market and musical entertainment.
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May prices
As everywhere, you’ll find that prices vary depending on what you’re looking for. You’ll have a wide choice of accommodation in Madeira, especially as seasonal establishments reopen in May. Not as busy as in July or August, but more tourists than in winter. Prices are therefore a little higher.
Other months
When to go to Madeira, other months…
- Madeira in January
- Madeira in February
- Madeira in March
- Madeira in April
- 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
