All about Madeira Island
Because of its geographic position (longitude about 17º west and latitude about 33º north, 450km from the Canary islands, 600km from the coast of Africa, 900km from the coast of continental Portugal) Madeira is an island of eternal spring, with a mild climate without large variation in temperature.
The lowest temperatures, in January / February, are 18ºC water temperature and 20ºC air temperature. The highest temperatures are 24ºC in the water and 27ºC in the air, in August / September.
For mountain walks we recommend bringing a light rain coat and good shoes, as it can rain in the mountains (up to 1860m) even in summer and it is slightly cooler there. As there are no sandy beaches on Madeira, the hotels have constructed their own concrete-made spaces by the sea, so-called Lidos, that allow easy access to the sea.
More info for your vacation:
- Madeira belongs to Portugal (EU) – the Euro is the valid currency here!
- All popular credit cards are accepted as well in restaurants and hotels
- Free entry and exit for EU-Citizens
- Time difference: Central European Time (CET) minus 1 hour
- Electricity: 220 volts
- Understanding: in almost all hotels, the staff speak English and / or German
We are closed the 25th Dezember and 1st of January!
Our recommendation
The months of November and December! Of course we cannot guarantee good weather; there can be rainy and stormy days!
But this time, the months of November and December are the “quiet months” on Madeira, with a mild climate during the day, air temperatures around 22° and water temperatures of still 19° – 20°!
Off-season means fewer people – small groups – individual attention during the diving course – mild water temperatures – good visibility – pleasant air temperatures…do you need more?!
Christmas season transforms Madeira’s capital, that lies in a valley, by the traditionally, beautifully decorated roads and harbour area in an unforgettable view, especially at night.
The legendary and world-famous fireworks of Madeira at the end of the year (since 2007 in the Guinness Book of records!), which has Funchal close to „exploding“!
Many large cruise ships make sure they are in Funchal harbour at this moment to experience this enormous New Year’s spectacle.
It is a time with a very special flair.