Madeira · January
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.
January in Madeira at 19°C (66°F) is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June, July, August, September, and October.
Daytime highs average 19°C (66°F), cooling to 15°C (59°F) at night (daily average: 17°C (63°F)). Peaks reach around 21°C (70°F), the coldest nights around 12°C (54°F). With 5 sunshine hours per day and 6 rain days (66 mm (2.6 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. The sea is 19°C (66°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.
Packing list for Madeira in January
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Madeira?
- January is not an optimal month for Madeira (Score: 55/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in Madeira in January?
- In January, Madeira sees daily highs of 19°C (66°F). Nights cool to 15°C (59°F), with a daily average of 17°C (63°F). Peaks reach around 21°C (70°F), the coldest nights around 12°C (54°F).
- How much rain falls in Madeira in January?
- In January, Madeira receives an average of 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain over 6 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Madeira get in January?
- Madeira averages 5 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Madeira in January?
- Water temperature in Madeira in January averages 19°C (66°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.