Do you need a jacket in Madeira?

Do you need a jacket in Madeira? A thin, light waterproof and windproof jacket will be very handy to take for hiking in Madeira because, being a coastal nation with a mountain range right in the centre, the wind can often be quite aggressive here!

Can you swim in Madeira in winter?

The sea is still warm enough to swim in and the long hours of sunshine will give you plenty of opportunity to work on that tan, too.

What to wear to the beach in Madeira?

If you plan to soak up some sun on the beach and play in the surf, you are going to need at least one swimsuit or swim trunks. Some guys wear board shorts. Whatever you feel most comfortable wearing on the beach that covers your body (no nude sunbathing allowed!).

Is Madeira always warm?

Generally it has a very amenable climate year round, ranging from mid day temperature lows of 18ºC in the winter to highs of 26ºC in the summer. The southern coast has the warmer temperatures; the southwest coast in particular, benefitting from being protected by the mountains, has the greatest amount of sun hours.

How many days in Madeira is enough?

Madeira is a pretty small island, and so luckily you don't need very long to see all of the incredible things that this destination has to offer. If you're looking to experience the must-dos then a short four-day break would be fine. However, a week is the perfect amount of time to really make the most of the island.

What do you wear to walk in Madeira?

Throughout Madeira dress is casual. Shorts, t-shirts and camisoles are perfectly acceptable; team with a sunhat, sunglasses and beach bag for a perfect daytime look. Jeans are very popular everywhere but in the hottest months may be too uncomfortable; opt instead for lightweight natural fabrics.

Is it safe to walk around Madeira?

Violent crime involving tourists is extremely rare in Madeira and so you have little to worry about with regard to personal safety. But as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic travel safety precautions such as keeping your valuables close by and/or hidden, especially at night.

What time do people eat dinner in Funchal?

The Portuguese have three meals a day, between 7:30 and 10 a.m. we have breakfast, consisting of drinking coffee or fruit juice with toast or a sandwich. The main meals are lunch, between 12:00 and 2:30 p.m., and dinner between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.

What is the best month to go to Madeira?

Amazing and stable weather denotes April through November as the best time to visit Madeira. April to mid-June is known for price cuts and moderate crowds. This period can offer you unforgettable hiking among lush green vegetation, and you can join famous Madeira Flower Festival.

Do I need walking boots in Madeira?

On some walks you will also find a torch useful, as some of the levada walks pass through tunnels. You may also need to carry sun cream. It is essential that walking boots are worn for all walks.

Which side of Madeira is warmest?

The southwest is the place to be for more guaranteed sun; Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and Calheta boast the best climates on the island followed by Funchal, Camera de lobos and Machico.

Can I drink the tap water in Funchal?

Tap water is absolutely fine to drink in Madeira, and we often don't even bother with bottled water in restaurants and just ask for a jug or glass of tap water. I think your husband may be in for quite a big surprise when he returns to the island after 35 years - mostly changes for the better but not all.

What is the rainy month in Madeira?

The rainy season is between November and February, during which time rolling clouds and frequent rainstorms are typical. Most days during this time will have at least one rainstorm passing through. The months between May and August are the driest of the year.

Can you swim in Madeira in December?

Madeira is a popular destination for Christmas. It is a big even with festivities, decorations, delicious food… Temperatures are sea level are very pleasant, around 19/20°C during the day. Water temperature is lower (around 17°C), so it is not the best time for swimming but it is still possible to enjoy a swim.

Is Madeira cheap or expensive?

Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

Can you swim in the sea in Funchal?

Located in Funchal, the Complexo Balnear do Lido, open year round, is a place for swimming enthusiasts, either in the sea or in a saltwater pool. Formosa Beach - A long beach that combines pebble and sandy areas, offering a complete swimming experience along the coast of Funchal.

Does it rain a lot in Madeira?

The weather in Madeira remains warm through both spring and autumn, although there are increased chances of rain and storms. The average monthly rainfall is about 40 mm in the spring and significantly higher in autumn at around 90 mm.

What months can you swim in Madeira?

So you can swim all year round in Madeira if you are not cold. If you want to sunbathe and swim, the months of May to September are obviously the best. The island of Porto Santo and its 7 km long beach should interest you, even if the influence of tourists is impressive in high season!

Is Funchal safe to walk at night?

Funchal is generally considered safe for female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate. Women should still take the usual precautions when traveling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

What is the difference between Madeira and Funchal?

If you don't already know, Funchal is the capital city of a magical Portuguese island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic known as Madeira.

Does it get cold in Madeira?

It rarely gets cold, however, from January to March there can be cool days, with highs around 15 °C (59 °F). The coldest record in Funchal is 7.5 °C (45.5 °F), recorded in March 2011, when snowfalls above 500 meters (1,650 feet) occurred in inland areas.

Why is Madeira so cheap?

The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.