Want to go to Madeira in September?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, 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 September: quick answers
Is the weather fine in Madeira in September? Is this a good time to visit?
September is an excellent time to visit Madeira, with temperatures hovering around 23°C (73.5°F). The weather is very pleasant, with little precipitation and plenty of sunshine. In fact, you can expect very few rainy spells on an average of 1 day per month. You’re making a good choice for experiencing outdoor activities, hiking and beaches, while avoiding the heat and crowds of summer. We also enjoy cultural visits to towns and villages, which are obviously still possible in this season.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Travelling to Madeira in September: summary of conditions
Temperatures
Average temperatures in Madeira in September are still mild and stable. You’ll see that the thermometer reads an average of 23°C (73.5°F). You’ll enjoy warm but not sweltering days, while nights remain comfortable with moderate humidity.
Water temperatures
Given the island’s mild climate at this time of year, Madeira’s water is ideal for swimming in September. As this is not a tropical destination, the good news is that the temperature of the ocean and natural pools varies little. It hovers around 24°C (75°F).
Crowds and prizes
We love the month of September in Madeira, as the island has an average tourist influx compared to the 2 other summer months that precede it. Prices are therefore more affordable than in the high summer season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan ahead. So remember to book as early as possible, even if you’re planning to leave in September, to ensure you have plenty of choice. It’s a balanced period when you can enjoy the island without the summer crowds, while benefiting from more attractive rates for accommodation and activities.
Opening conditions
In September, most of Madeira’s museums, restaurants and hotels are open. It’s still an active time for tourism, so you’ll find a wide range of services and activities available. Although many establishments are seasonal, they don’t usually start closing for the off-season until later in the autumn.
Length of day
Daylight hours average 13 hours. As you can see, it’s shorter than the summer months, but that still gives you plenty of time to explore the region by day. In fact, we advise you to visit most nature sites during the day, or to find out as much as you can about the conditions before you set off.
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Best attractions in Madeira in September
The great thing about Madeira is that no matter what month of the year it is, we always have plenty to do and visit! The end of summer doesn’t have to mean closure! As you plan your stay, you’ll find that very few activities become inaccessible. In September, as the weather is still mild, you can still enjoy all the things to do without worrying about the temperature rising! Museums, towns and villages, hiking, gourmet meals, swimming and nature are all on your list. A great program for:
- Explore Funchal and its many museums
- Marvel at Madeira’s magical waterfalls
- Walking along a levada like 25 Fontes
- Surveying Porto Moniz
- Explore other towns and villages: Camara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol…
- 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 the sunrise from Pico do Areiro
- Discover Porto Santo
- Swimming in the natural pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal
- Driving and admiring sublime views
- Strolling the beaches of Porto Santo
- See more and more species-specific dolphins and whales
- 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 September – weather forecast
In Madeira in September, the weather is always stable and mild. Precipitation may pick up slightly, with an average of 1 day of rain over the whole month, but it’s still a pleasant period if you’re planning a holiday at this time.
Along the coast
By the sea, look forward to warm, sunny days with a refreshing sea breeze. The atmosphere is often clear, with beautiful ocean views. Temperatures may drop somewhat compared with the previous 2 months, but this can vary from year to year.
In the heights
In the mountains, cover up when hiking or exploring the heights! The weather can be slightly cooler and sometimes more changeable. You may encounter a few clouds or fogs, especially at higher altitudes, but this will add charm to the sublime landscapes you’ll marvel at. Precipitation is still low at this time of year.
September temperatures in Madeira
Weather in Funchal
- Average daytime temperature: 22.5°C (72.5°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 19°C (66°F)
Temperature in Porto Moniz
- Average daytime temperature: 22.5°C (72.5°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Temperature in Porto Santo
- Average daytime temperature: 23°C (73.5°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 21°C (70°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 September in Madeira, rainfall can pick up very occasionally, with 1 day of rain on average in the month. When it does rain, it’s often short, light showers that don’t last long. These light rains do not generally affect tourist activities.
- Rainfall in Funchal: 22mm
(on average 1 day) - Rainfall in Porto Moniz: 22mm
(in less than 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Porto Santo: 0mm
(over 0 days on average)
There’s no snow in Madeira in September. The island enjoys a mild subtropical climate all year round, and snow is extremely rare, even in winter on the highest peaks.
As with all destinations with lots of vegetation and windy spells, when the climate becomes drier and temperatures rise, note that there may be fire hazards. However, this is still very rare in Madeira.
You’ll find that wind conditions in Madeira this month are generally calm. The sea breeze brings a pleasant coolness, especially along the coast. On the whole, wind will not be a factor in your outdoor activities at this time of year.
Sunshine
In September, the days get even shorter, with daylight hours ranging from 12 to 1 pm. Sunrise averages around 7.50am and sunset around 8.20pm. However, note that Madeira still enjoys excellent sunshine at this time of year. In Funchal, for example, there is an average of 9 hours of sunshine a day. The days are generally bright and clear, allowing you to take full advantage of the scenery and outdoor activities.
Water temperature – swimming in Madeira in September
We consider September to be a good time for water sports in Madeira, as the ocean has had time to warm up a little over the summer. Conditions are often suitable if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling or other water sports. All the more reason to take a dip on the island’s beaches and in its natural pools!
September is therefore a good month for swimming.
- Water temperature in Funchal: 25°C (77°F) on average
- Water temperature in Porto Moniz: 24°C (75°F) on average
- Porto Santo water temperature: 25°C (77°F) average
Crowds and other conditions
In September, you’ll find that Madeira is experiencing average tourist numbers compared with the previous 2 months. It’s a balanced period when you can enjoy the island without the summer crowds as the new school year approaches, while benefiting from slightly more attractive rates. Prices are generally more affordable than in the high summer season, whether for accommodation or activities. You’ll find a good compromise between a lively atmosphere and a certain tranquility, the perfect combo for exploring the island at your own pace. Bear in mind that certain events and mild temperatures can still attract visitors at this time of year.
Garden flowers
In September, Madeira’s gardens are still in full bloom, although not as spectacular as in spring. Although less abundant than in spring, September is still an interesting time for flowering, with many floral wonders such as hydrangeas, strelitzias (also known as birds of paradise), hibiscus, bougainvillea and agapanthus.
Other plants such as tree ferns, palms and various tropical plants contribute to the lush appearance of the gardens, even if they are not necessarily in bloom. Discover our tips on the most beautiful gardens to visit in Madeira.
Cetacean watching by boat
September is part of Madeira’s optimal whale-watching season, which generally runs from April to September.. So you’ve made the right choice! At this time of year, you can observe a wide variety of species in the waters around the island. 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. Dolphins congregate in shallower waters close to the coast, making it easier to observe them on boat trips. As for the whales, they are present but dive deeper into the ocean, which can make them less easy to observe than the dolphins.
At this time of year, however, you can see sperm whales, pilot whales, fin whales, sei whales and Bryde’s whales, also known as tropical whales. And let’s not forget the famous humpback whales, the slightly rarer beaked whales and the false killer whales. Read more
Outdoor and nature activities
In September, Madeira promises ideal conditions for your outdoor activities. You’ll love the mild temperatures and dry weather if you plan to go hiking, especially on the levada trails or climb Pico Ruivo.. Canyoning in Ribeira das Cales and surfing on the west coast are also popular. Are you a thrill-seeker? Discover the cable car and glass platform of Cap Girão with spectacular views! The pleasant climate also allows you to enjoy botanical gardens and natural pools such as those at Porto Moniz.
September events in Madeira
Madeira is a destination renowned for its exceptional wine. In September, a number of wine-themed events take place between August and September:
- Madeira Wine Festival: this wine festival, held during the harvest season, is a tribute to this regional product, known the world over for its excellent quality. On the program: tastings, visits to cellars and vineyards, musical entertainment
- The Madeira Wine Lounge: located in Funchal’s Praça do Povo, this is the place to go for wine and food tastings in a lively, musical atmosphere.
- Blandy’s Wine Cellars harvest: tastings, vineyard tours, activities around the production stages of Madeira wine
But also sporting events such as:
- The Madeira Island Ultra Swim: part of the XVth National Open Water Circuit organized by the Madeira Swimming Association (ANM), in partnership with the Portuguese Swimming Federation (FPN) – see the official website here
- The TransMadeira: enduro race for a Madeira mountain bike adventure, as part of the “Bike Camp Experience” where athletes will camp in beautiful locations every day – see the official website here.
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September prices
Like everywhere else, prices vary depending on what you’re looking for and how far in advance you book your stay! In September, Madeira offers a wide range of accommodation, from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. Seasonal establishments are still open. Note that in September, tourists are a little less numerous, but certain events still attract the curious, notably around the wine festival. Prices may be slightly lower than in July and August, the peak of the season, but they are still somewhat high.
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 October
- Madeira in November
- Madeira in December
Or read our article on when to go to Madeira (coming soon).
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
