Are you wondering what to do with your summer holidays? Well, if you haven’t yet had the pleasure, then we’d like to propose Madeira. We’ll go over a few reasons why summer is a great time to visit the island and what weather you can expect. Enjoy!
Summer weather in Madeira
Is it hot and does it rain in Madeira?
Madeira has a unique temperature situation compared to the rest of Europe. Madeira’s location means that the temperature amplitude is very small and it’s basically warm all year long, so warmer in winter but also colder in summer than on the mainland. You can expect pleasant 20-26 degrees Celsius. It rains very rarely in summer, though you may still want to pack an umbrella, just in case.
Summer activities in Madeira
What to do in Madeira?
In addition to everything else that Madeira offers all year round, you may also encounter various little events taking place only in the summer. For instance, in 2024, here’s what you can expect in June, July and August:
From 31st of May to 23rd of June you can experience the Atlantic Festival, the celebration of the arrival of summer. This includes weekly firework shows, an International Madeira Fireworks Competition, various shows (including the Circus Shows), the Summer Sunsets, the Regional Arts Week and the Funchal Lyons Club Bread Fair.
In July, you can find a short little event called Classics at Magnolia. It’s effectively a showcase of the best preserved vintage cars where dozens of old vehicles parade through the streets, some over a hundred years old.
In August, you can find the Madeira Wine Rally, a wine festival (combined with the Madeira Wine Lounge) and an European Folklore Week.
Hiking in Madeira
The best routes for a hike
Summer is also a great time for hikes in Madeira. The island is full of trekking routes along the island’s levadas. We’d recommend hiking to the highest peak of the island, Pico Ruivo, measuring 1,862 metres. Another popular route is the Verada do Areeiro, which links Pico Ruivo with Pico de Arieiro. There’s also the Verada das 25 Fontes, a route with the famous irrigation canal levadas, which starts at Rabacal and takes about 3-4 hours. Take a hat and sunscreen with you, as well as a jacket, as it gets a lot cooler higher up!
Madeira’s beaches in summer
Swimming in the ocean in Madeira
Though you may imagine that Madeira may not be that much of a beach resort given its mild temperatures, it’s actually perfectly fine for that too. Summers do get warm enough for you to be able to sunbathe comfortably. We’d recommend Seixal Beach, a sandy beach full of volcanic ash. Porto Moniz pools, natural swimming pools among volcanic rocks, are great as well. There’s also the Praia Formosa, a sandy beach near the centre of Funchal, and the Calheta beach, a popular beach with free sun loungers and umbrellas.
A perfect place for nature lovers
(and for those of you who want to see whales!)
Madeira is also a perfect island for nature lovers, with beautiful flowers, plants as well as animals. You can find plenty of unique endemic species on a random walk here. It’s also home to the famous Flower Festival where you can learn more about Madeira’s flora and see some of the most beautiful plants you’ll ever see. You can also go on a whale watching cruise here, especially in summer, to have a chance at seeing the biggest animals on earth.
Madeira in June
Temperature and weather in June
June is a warm month, with temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. It rains very little. Often, however, days can get cloudy and windy, which may make things feel colder. It’s worth taking a light jacket with you for evening walks, as temperatures drop to around 18 degrees.
Madeira in July
Temperature and weather in July
July means fewer clouds, less rain and higher average temperatures. During the day, temperatures are at a stable 23 – 25 degrees Celsius. At night, around 19 dashes above zero.
Madeira in August
Temperature and weather in August
We warned you, this is one mild place. We’re just repeating the same numbers – 23-25 degrees Celsius this month. Stable, warm, nice! It may sound boring in text, but it’s very pleasant in practice.
See also:
