Climate and monthly weather forecast
Madeira, Portugal

Nestled in the vast sea is the island of Madeira, Portugal, classified under the Köppen climate categorization as a Mediterranean region with predominantly warm summers. The warm hues of the island's climate paint a picture of mild winters and hot summers with sunshine usually abundant all through the year.

Throughout the year, the average daytime temperature tends to fluctuate from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), evidently displaying a temperature variation of up to 6.7°C (44.1°F). This island sees its peak heat from July to September when the temperature often climbs to around 26.4°C (79.5°F). Coming to nighttime temperatures, the thermometer lowers to an average of between 13.4°C (56.1°F) and 20°C (68°F), giving the nights a comfortable chill.

Rainfall follows an interesting pattern, accumulating from 2mm (0.08") in the dry month of July to a peak of about 115mm (4.53") in December, showcasing a significantly wide range of 113mm (4.45") throughout the year. This pattern suggests a dry summer followed by a wet winter. Based on this data, daylight hours stretch from 10 hours in the shorter days of December to a lengthier 14.3 hours in June. Sunshine hours per day exhibit a narrow variation from 5.3 to 8.4 hours, with the sunniest days being in August.

Madeira, with its warm pleasant climate and sunshine, is undoubtedly welcoming for visitors all round the year. However, with the number of factors to consider, from temperature to rainfall, summertime stands out as the preferred season for most visitors. July and August specifically, characterized by clear skies, comfortable warmth with daytime temperatures peaking at around 26.4°C (79.5°F) and a scarce rainfall of around 2mm (0.08"), are recommended for those who seek to experience this destination at its best.

While Madeira largely provides a hospitable weather profile, the month of December particularly could pose certain challenges for visitors. With rainfall reaching to a high of 115mm (4.53") across the span of around 13 days and shorter daylight hours, outdoor activities could potentially be dampened. Despite this, those with a taste for the cooler climate may still find solace during this time.

Spring flushes the island of Madeira with fresh breezes and blossoming beauty. From March to May, Madeira enjoys a comfortable range of temperatures, with days warming up from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F) and nights offering a cooler respite averaging between 13.9°C (57°F) and 15.6°C (60.1°F). Rainfall dwindles to an average of 44mm (1.73") in April, marking the beginning of the drier season.

Summer in Madeira, from June to August, brings in the most generous stretch of sunshine, with daylight lasting up to 14.1 to 14.3 hours and an average of 7.9 to 8.4 hours of sunshine per day. Daytime temperatures sizzle between 23.4°C (74.1°F) and 26.4°C (79.5°F). Nights, however, provide a soothing contrast, with the thermometer showing between 17.7°C (63.9°F) and 20°C (68°F). Interestingly, rainfall is scarce in this season, paving the way for plenty of outdoor explorations.

Autumn is a transitory period in Madeira with a return of rainfall from a mere 2mm (0.08") in August to 90mm (3.54") by November. Meanwhile, temperatures during the day gradually tone down from 26.4°C (79.5°F) in September to 22.6°C (72.7°F) in November, and similar cooling happens during nights, with temperatures lowering from 20°C (68°F) to 16.6°C (61.9°F).

Winter descends upon Madeira from December to February, bringing with it the most abundant rainfall, peaking at 115mm (4.53") in December. Despite being the coldest, the winter months are mild with daytime temperatures no lower than 19.7°C (67.5°F), while nighttime temperatures drop marginally to the range of 13.4°C (56.1°F) to 15°C (59°F). Sunshine hours dwindle to around 5.3 - 5.4 hours per day, yet the island still enjoys a decent amount of daylight, averaging 10 to 11 hours.

In Madeira, Portugal, January ushers in the new year with ample rainfall. Total precipitation peaks to 115mm (4.53"), establishing the wettest month of the year. Despite its distinct rainy nature, January offers ample daylight. Temperature trends rest on the milder side, granting respite from harsh winters encountered in other regions of Europe. Weather in January »

As time transitions to February, Madeira experiences a slight reduction in rainfall from the January high. The month continues to witness substantial precipitation, retaining the wet and misty charm of the island. February bears a striking resemblance to January, with the climate remaining relatively mild and constant sunlight hours. Weather in February »

The advent of March brings subtle shifts in Madeira's weather conditions. With a decrease in precipitation witnessed from the preceding month's total, March gravitates towards drier times. Temperature ranges exhibit small increases, hinting at the forthcoming spring. Weather in March »

April, in Madeira, is characterized by a further reduction in rainfall, recording a monthly average of 44mm (1.73"). This drop in precipitation variously complements the gradual rise in temperatures and extended daylight hours. Transitioning from the moist winter, April sees the arrival of spring. Weather in April »

May ushers in an increasingly warm and dry spell in Madeira. Despite witnessing a mild boost in low temperatures, the overall climate stays agreeable. The consistent increase in daylight hours signifies the approach of summer. As the days grow longer and brighter, they provide an excellent setting for outdoor activities. Weather in May »

In Madeira, June strikes a fine balance between comfortable warmth and minimal rainfall. As the sun continues to shine bright, maintaining longer daylight hours, the onset of the summer season becomes more evident. The low precipitation characterizes the start of the dry season. Weather in June »

July registers the lowest rainfall in Madeira, a mere 2mm (0.08"), confirming the peak of the dry season. Temperatures scale up, marking a discernible presence of summer. Despite the heat, the island does not succumb to extremities, thanks to its inherent cool Mediterranean influence. Weather in July »

August persists with the warm, dry clime of Madeira, reflecting the typical summer month attributes. While the rainfall remains minimal and insignificant, hot air dominates, boosting both the high and low-temperature averages. The days grow shorter, but sunlight continues to reign supreme over most of the daytime, ensuring bright, clear days. Weather in August »

The arrival of September in Madeira signals a shift from the summer heat, evident in the slight dip in average high temperature. Still, the conditions remain sufficiently warm to sustain outdoor activities. As the rainfall begins to inch up again from August level, the season shifts gears towards autumn. Weather in September »

October, in Madeira, witnesses a prominent hike in rainfall, with a total spanning up to 90mm (3.54"). The ensuing precipitation highlights the onset of autumn, blending with the receding heat of the past summer months. The contraction of daylight hours continues, hinting at the approaching winter season. Weather in October »

November in Madeira exhibits a further rise in rainfall, keeping in line with the progression into late autumn. The temperature graph indicates a downward trend, preparing the island for the upcoming winter. Daylight becomes scarser, compelling the lit hours to retreat further. Weather in November »

Come December, Madeira plunges into the cool embrace of winter. Taking a cue from the preceding month, both high and low temperatures continue to drop. The rainfall index soars up to a significant level, although falling short of January's high. Weather in December »