Funchal has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round, earning Madeira the nickname “Island of Eternal Spring.” The city sits on the southern coast of Madeira, protected by mountains that block northern winds, giving it more sun than the rest of the island. Daytime highs range from 19°C (66°F) in January and February to 25°C (77°F) in August and September. Annual rainfall totals about 630 mm (25 in) in Funchal proper, with most rain falling between October and March. The Atlantic Ocean stays swimmable year-round, ranging from 17°C (63°F) in late winter to 23°C (73°F) in late summer. For a complete overview, see our Funchal travel guide.
Funchal Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs) | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C (66°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 103 | 5 | 18°C (64°F) |
| February | 19°C (66°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 87 | 6 | 17°C (63°F) |
| March | 19°C (66°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 64 | 7 | 17°C (63°F) |
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 39 | 7 | 18°C (64°F) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 19 | 7 | 19°C (66°F) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 12 | 7 | 21°C (70°F) |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 | 8 | 22°C (72°F) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 3 | 8 | 23°C (73°F) |
| September | 25°C (77°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 22 | 7 | 23°C (73°F) |
| October | 23°C (73°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 80 | 6 | 22°C (72°F) |
| November | 21°C (70°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 101 | 5 | 21°C (70°F) |
| December | 20°C (68°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 | 5 | 19°C (66°F) |
Funchal Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter in Funchal is mild by European standards. December and January are the wettest months, each receiving around 100 mm (4 in) of rain spread across 10 to 12 days. Daytime highs hover at 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F) and nighttime lows drop to 13 to 14°C (55 to 57°F). You’ll get about 5 hours of sunshine per day in December and January, improving to 6 hours by February. The sea temperature falls to 17 to 18°C (63 to 64°F), still swimmable for those used to cooler water. Pack a light jacket and a rain layer for evenings and occasional showers. For more on best time to visit Funchal, see our best time to visit Funchal guide.
Funchal Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring brings noticeably drier conditions. March rainfall drops to 64 mm (2.5 in) and by May it’s down to just 19 mm (0.7 in). Daytime highs climb from 19°C (66°F) in March to 21°C (70°F) in May. Sunshine increases to 7 hours daily. Sea temperatures remain cool at 17 to 19°C (63 to 66°F) through May. This is the season when Madeira’s gardens explode with flowers, particularly April and May during the Flower Festival. March can still see occasional Atlantic fronts bringing a day or two of rain, but April and May are among the most reliably pleasant months of the year. For more on things to do in Funchal, see our things to do in Funchal guide.
Funchal Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer in Funchal is warm but rarely hot. Daytime highs reach 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F) with nighttime lows of 17 to 19°C (63 to 66°F). July and August are the driest months, averaging just 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each. You’ll get 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine. The Atlantic warms to 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F), making beach days and ocean swimming comfortable. Humidity stays moderate thanks to Atlantic breezes. Unlike mainland Portugal where summer temperatures routinely exceed 35°C (95°F), Funchal’s ocean moderation keeps things comfortable. For more on Funchal events and festivals, see our Funchal events and festivals guide.
Funchal Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September is essentially a summer month in Funchal, with highs of 25°C (77°F) and a sea temperature of 23°C (73°F), the warmest of the year. Rain picks up in October (80 mm / 3.1 in) and November (101 mm / 4 in). Sunshine drops from 7 hours in September to 5 hours by November. October and November can see tropical-style downpours from Atlantic storm systems, but these typically clear within a day. The sea stays warm at 21 to 22°C (70 to 72°F) through November. For more on Funchal neighborhoods, see our Funchal neighborhoods guide.
Funchal Weather by Month: Understanding Madeira’s Microclimates
Madeira’s mountainous terrain creates extreme microclimates across short distances. Funchal sits on the south coast at sea level and gets the best weather on the island. Drive 20 minutes north over the mountains to the north coast and you’ll often find completely different conditions: cloud, rain, and temperatures 3 to 5°C cooler. The Pico do Areeiro summit (1,818 m / 5,965 ft) can have snow in winter while Funchal basks in 19°C sunshine just 30 minutes away. When Funchal has its rare overcast “capacete” days, drive to the western or eastern ends of the island where the cloud layer doesn’t reach. For more on where to stay in Funchal, see our where to stay in Funchal guide. For more details, see our Funchal travel tips guide.
