Last updated: January 18, 2025
Madeira, Portugal, exhibits a mild Mediterranean climate, categorized under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as Csb. Characterized by a comfortable temperature range, the island experiences a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in March, an inviting average of 18°C (64°F) throughout the year, and peaks at a warm 29°C (84°F) during the summer month of August. This temperate climate not only fosters a diverse array of flora and fauna but also makes Madeira an attractive destination year-round for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
In Madeira, Portugal, temperature patterns showcase a gentle progression through the seasons. The year begins with mild winter temperatures, where January and February see minimums around 9°C (49°F) and averages of 15°C (59°F). As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with March registering its lowest minimum of 8°C (47°F), followed by warmer averages and maximums peaking at 24°C (76°F). The transition into summer is marked by more pronounced warmth, with July and August experiencing the highest temperatures, reaching up to 29°C (84°F) during the latter month. Following the summer peak, a gradual cooling occurs into autumn, where October retains warm maximums of 28°C (82°F) but ushers in cooler evenings and days, dropping to around 14°C (58°F) in October. Throughout the year, Madeira maintains a predominantly mild climate, ideal for both residents and travelers alike.
Camara de Lobos, Nossa Senhora do Monte, and Funchal all experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in March and a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in August. For more detailed climate information, you can explore monthly temperatures in Camara de Lobos here, in Nossa Senhora do Monte here, and in Funchal here.
Precipitation in Madeira, Portugal, exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, with the winter months experiencing the highest levels. January and February are particularly wet, with rainfall measuring 38 mm (1.5 in) and 59 mm (2.3 in), respectively, over approximately 6 to 8 days of rain each month. This trend continues into March and April, albeit with slightly reduced amounts of 54 mm (2.1 in) and 53 mm (2.1 in), which contributes to the lush, green landscapes that characterize the island. The wet season culminates in November, where rainfall peaks at 66 mm (2.6 in), reinforcing Madeira's reputation for vibrant vegetation.
As the calendar progresses into late spring and summer, rainfall diminishes significantly, showcasing a stark contrast to the preceding months. May records only 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain over 5 days, while July and August are marked by minimal precipitation, with a mere 7 mm (0.3 in) and 8 mm (0.3 in), respectively, usually over one day. The transition back to rainfall begins in September, with 17 mm (0.7 in), but it remains significantly lower than the winter totals. Overall, Madeira's precipitation patterns reflect a clear divide between a wet winter season and a dry summer, making the island a year-round destination for various outdoor activities.
In Madeira, Portugal, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal pattern, with increasing hours of sunlight from winter to summer. January opens the year with 190 hours of sunshine, but this figure steadily ascends, reaching 244 hours in February. The progression continues into spring, where March and April bolster the sunny landscape to 300 hours and 352 hours, respectively. As May arrives, Madeira's days become even brighter, culminating in the summer months with an impressive peak of 390 hours in July, followed closely by 380 hours in August. This summer sunshine not only enhances the island's natural beauty but also attracts visitors seeking warm, outdoor experiences.
As the year transitions into autumn, sunshine hours begin to taper off, though still remaining substantial compared to winter months. September retains a generous 338 hours, while October modestly drops to 321 hours. The decline becomes more pronounced in November, with sunshine hours falling to 260, and December follows with 246 hours. Despite this decrease, the overall annual trend highlights Madeira’s reputation as a sun-kissed destination, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities across all seasons, especially during the peak sunshine months of late spring and summer.
In Madeira, Portugal, the UV Index reveals significant seasonal fluctuations, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation and the corresponding need for sun protection. Starting the year, January registers a moderate UV Index of 4, with a recommended burn time of 30 minutes. As the months progress, February sees a jump to 6, indicative of increased sun exposure, while March crosses the threshold into the very high category with a UV Index of 8 and a reduced burn time of only 15 minutes. This upward trend continues into April, peaking at 10, and reaches an extreme level in May and June with a maximum UV Index of 12, mandating vigilance in sun protection for even short periods of outdoor activity.
As summer transitions into early autumn, the UV Index remains notably high, stabilizing at 11 in both July and August, before dropping slightly to 10 in September. The beginning of fall marks a gradual reduction in UV exposure, with a return to a very high category of 8 in October. By November, the UV Index decreases to 6, and finally, December returns to a moderate 4. This seasonal pattern underscores the importance of sun safety measures, especially during the summer months when ultra-violet radiation is at its peak and the risk of sunburn increases significantly.
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In Madeira, Portugal, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal progression, reflecting the island's geographical position and the time of year. January begins with 10 hours of daylight, a figure that gradually increases through February and March, maintaining 11 hours in both months. As spring arrives in April, daylight expands to 13 hours, and this pattern continues into May, allowing for ample time to enjoy outdoor activities. The peak of daylight duration occurs in June and July, when the island basks in 14 hours of sunshine, providing nearly half the day filled with bright light and making it a prime time for exploration.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to wane gradually, with August still enjoying 13 hours, but September brings a reduction to 12 hours. The descent continues through October at 11 hours, signaling the approach of winter. By November and December, daylight returns to 10 hours, mirroring the conditions observed at the year's start. This cyclical pattern highlights Madeira's generous sunshine throughout the year, although it naturally diminishes during the winter months, offering a varied, yet consistently pleasant climate for both residents and visitors alike.
Arco da Calheta, Portugal experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in March to 22°C (72°F) in August, with minimal extremes. The region sees the most rainfall during late autumn and winter, particularly in November and December, while summer months are notably dry. Sunshine hours peak in June and July, providing ample sunny days for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Arco da Calheta climate.
Calheta, Portugal, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in July, while precipitation is highest during the winter months, peaking at 77 mm (3.0 in) in December. Sunshine is abundant, with hours peaking at 391 in July and generally exceeding 300 hours from March to October. This combination of warm temperatures and ample sunshine makes Calheta a charming destination year-round. For more details on the climate, visit Calheta climate.
Camara de Lobos, Portugal enjoys a mild maritime climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in March to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in August. The region sees variable rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being February and November, averaging 60 mm and 67 mm respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer, with July boasting up to 391 hours of sunlight. Overall, the pleasant climate makes Camara de Lobos an appealing destination year-round. For more details, check out the Camara de Lobos climate.
Campanario, Portugal, experiences a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 9°C (49°F) in January to a high of 29°C (84°F) in August, with July being the warmest month. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in the fall and winter months, particularly November with 67 mm (2.6 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially from May to July, with peak hours reaching 391 in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Campanario climate.
Canico, Portugal enjoys a mild climate characterized by warm summers and cooler winters. Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 25°C (78°F) in August, with minimal variation throughout the year. Precipitation is most significant during winter months, with January and February experiencing around 42-54 mm, while summers are relatively dry, especially in July and August with only 12-13 mm. The region boasts substantial sunshine, peaking in July with 388 hours, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers. For more detailed climate information, visit Canico climate.
Curral das Freiras, located in Portugal, experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 9°C (49°F) in January to 17°C (63°F) in November. The warmest months are July and August, peaking at 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is more frequent in winter, with February and November recording up to 60 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall, while summers are relatively dry, particularly in July and August, with only around 7-8 mm (0.3 in) of rain. The area enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, particularly in May and June, averaging over 370 hours of sunshine monthly. For more detailed climate information, visit Curral das Freiras climate.
Faial, Portugal experiences a mild maritime climate throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in March to a maximum of 26°C (78°F) in October. Rainfall is more frequent in winter months, with January seeing 42 mm (1.7 in) and November 61 mm (2.4 in), while the summer months are notably drier. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with 388 hours, making it an attractive destination for those seeking warm, sunny weather. For more details, visit Faial climate.
Funchal, Portugal, boasts a mild climate characterized by warm summers and temperate winters. Average temperatures range from 14°C (58°F) in February to 21°C (70°F) in August, with July and August being the warmest months. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, peaking in November with 67 mm (2.6 in), while summer sees significantly less precipitation, with July averaging only 7 mm (0.3 in). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July recording 391 hours of sun. Discover more about the weather throughout the year at Funchal climate.
Machico, Portugal enjoys a mild coastal climate characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 21°C (70°F) during the warmer months. Precipitation peaks in the winter months, notably in November and December, while summer sees significantly less rain, particularly in July and August. With an abundance of sunshine, especially from May to July, Machico offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities. For more detailed climate information, visit Machico climate.
Madalena do Mar, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by warm summers and cooler winters. Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in July, with minimal temperature fluctuation throughout the year. Precipitation peaks in November and February, while the summer months of July and August are notably dry, receiving just 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain. The area benefits from abundant sunshine, with July having the most hours at 391. For more detailed information, visit Madalena do Mar climate.
Nossa Senhora do Monte, Portugal experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), while August peaks at 29°C (84°F). The region receives most rainfall from November (67 mm) to February (60 mm), with a significant drop in precipitation during the summer months. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from May to July, averaging around 373 to 391 hours. For more detailed information, visit Nossa Senhora do Monte climate.
Paul do Mar, Portugal experiences a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, have average temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and receive the most precipitation, peaking in November and December. Summers are warm, with July and August averaging 22-23°C (71-73°F) and minimal rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to August, when residents and visitors can expect over 370 hours of sunlight per month. For more detailed information, visit Paul do Mar climate.
Ponta do Pargo, Portugal experiences a mild maritime climate with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in March to 22°C (72°F) in August. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with January and November receiving the most rain at 37 mm and 72 mm respectively, while July and August are the driest months with only 3 mm of rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in June and July with about 391 hours per month. This combination of mild temperatures and varying rainfall contributes to a lush environment. For more detailed information, visit Ponta do Pargo climate.
Ponta do Sol, Portugal, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by warm summers and gentle winters. The average temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in March to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in August, with relatively low rainfall, peaking in November (67 mm). Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to July, where it exceeds 370 hours per month. This inviting weather makes Ponta do Sol an appealing destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Ponta do Sol climate.
Porto da Cruz, Portugal, features a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 21°C (70°F) in summer. The region experiences the most rainfall from November to February, with precipitation peaking in December at 62 mm (2.4 in). Meanwhile, sunshine is abundant, especially in July, which enjoys around 388 hours of sunlight. This combination of moderate temperatures and sunshine makes Porto da Cruz a pleasant destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Porto da Cruz climate.
Porto Moniz, Portugal, enjoys a mild coastal climate characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year. Average highs range from 15°C (60°F) in March to 26°C (79°F) in July and August, while winter months see lows around 11-12°C (52-54°F). Rainfall is most pronounced from November to February, with up to 77 mm (3.0 in) in December, while the summer months are quite dry with minimal precipitation. The area benefits from abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July enjoying up to 391 hours of sun. For more details, visit Porto Moniz climate.
Ribeira Brava, Portugal, experiences a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (58°F) in February to 27°C (81°F) in October. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July boasting the highest at 391 hours. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in February with 60 mm (2.4 in) and dropping to as low as 7 mm (0.3 in) in July. The combination of pleasant temperatures and ample sunlight makes Ribeira Brava an appealing destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Ribeira Brava climate.
Santa Cruz, Portugal offers a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 25°C (78°F) in August, with July and August being the warmest months. Precipitation is relatively low during summer, particularly in July and August, while the winter months see increased rainfall, peaking in November and December. Sunshine is abundant, with the highest hours recorded in July (388 hours) and the lowest in January (190 hours). For more detailed information, visit Santa Cruz climate.
Santana, Portugal, experiences a mild and temperate climate marked by warm summers and cooler winters. Average temperatures range from 9°C (49°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in August, while precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, peaking at 67 mm (2.6 in) in November. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer, with July enjoying around 391 hours of sun. This diverse climate makes Santana a pleasant destination year-round, ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit the Santana climate.
Sao Jorge, Portugal, experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 14°C (58°F) in February to 21°C (70°F) in October, with July and August being the warmest months, peaking at 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is moderate, with the highest amounts in February (60 mm) and November (67 mm), while summers are relatively dry, especially in July (7 mm). The region enjoys a good number of sunshine hours, peaking in June and July, with over 390 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Sao Jorge climate.
Sao Martinho, Portugal, experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (58°F) in February to 21°C (70°F) in August. The warmest months are July and August, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is highest in the winter months, particularly in November with 67 mm (2.6 in), while summers are relatively dry. Sunshine is abundant, with over 370 hours of sunlight from May to August, making it an appealing destination year-round. For more details, visit Sao Martinho climate.
Sao Vicente, Portugal, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in March to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in August, with a pleasant average around 20°C (68°F) during the summer months. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in February and November with around 60 mm (2.4 in) to 67 mm (2.6 in), while summer months like July and August experience minimal rainfall, around 7 mm (0.3 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in the summer, with July boasting up to 391 hours. For more details, visit Sao Vicente climate.
In conclusion, Madeira, Portugal, presents a captivating climate characterized by moderate temperatures, varying sunshine durations, and a distinct UV Index across the seasons. The island's mild Mediterranean climate fosters vibrant outdoor experiences, complemented by ample sunlight, particularly in the summer months, allowing visitors and residents to fully appreciate its natural beauty. While high UV indices during peak summer months necessitate sun safety precautions, the overall climate—marked by the interplay of temperature, precipitation, and daylight—creates an inviting environment year-round. This combination of factors not only enhances Madeira's allure as a travel destination but also supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, solidifying its reputation as a picturesque haven for both adventure seekers and nature lovers.