Madeira · December
Low seasonPortugal · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 19° (66°)16– (61–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)30 (86) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)27 (81) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 20° (68°)17– (63–)23 (73) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 15° (59°)12– (54–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)12– (54–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)12– (54–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)18 (64) | 17° (63°)14– (57–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)21 (70) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)19– (66–)23 (73) | 20° (68°)17– (63–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)21 (70) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)19 (66) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h | 5h | 6h | 6h | 7h | 6h | 7h | 8h | 5h | 5h | 4h | 4h |
🌊Water Temp | 19° (66°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 19° (66°) | 20° (68°) | 21° (70°) | 22° (72°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 23° (73°) | 22° (72°) | 20° (68°) |
🌧Rain Days | 6d66mm (2.6") | 6d78mm (3.1") | 5d69mm (2.7") | 4d54mm (2.1") | 2d14mm (0.5") | 2d25mm (1.0") | 0d4mm (0.2") | 0d4mm (0.1") | 3d28mm (1.1") | 5d86mm (3.4") | 7d94mm (3.7") | 6d83mm (3.3") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
December in Madeira offers acceptable conditions — but it's not among the top travel months. Those looking for ideal weather should visit in June, July, August, September, and October.
Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F), cooling to 17°C (63°F) at night (daily average: 18°C (64°F)). Peaks reach around 23°C (73°F), the coldest nights around 13°C (55°F). With 4 sunshine hours per day and 6 rain days (83 mm (3.3 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. The sea is 20°C (68°F) — refreshing and manageable for confident swimmers.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
New Year's Eve in Funchal is a global spectacle: one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world lights up the whole mountain backdrop around the harbour. In December the island is green and mild — perfect for levada walks in the mist of the highlands.
Events & Festivals
- New Year's Eve in Funchal31 December
Funchal's New Year's Eve once held the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display in the world. From the waterfront, the entire mountain backdrop lights up at once — a unique panoramic experience.
Packing list for Madeira in December
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Swimwear (the water is still a little fresh)
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Madeira?
- December is not an optimal month for Madeira (Score: 52/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in Madeira in December?
- In December, Madeira sees daily highs of 20°C (68°F). Nights cool to 17°C (63°F), with a daily average of 18°C (64°F). Peaks reach around 23°C (73°F), the coldest nights around 13°C (55°F).
- How much rain falls in Madeira in December?
- In December, Madeira receives an average of 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain over 6 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Madeira get in December?
- Madeira averages 4 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Madeira in December?
- Water temperature in Madeira in December averages 20°C (68°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.