Madeira in Winter (Sun, Things to do, Christmas…)

Should you visit Madeira in Winter?
Absolutely! Below is my guide to help you decide and plan your trip:

• Madeira Winter Sun, temperature and weather,
• Reasons the visit Madeira between December and March,
• Tips & Things to do in Madeira during Winter,
• Christmas and New Year's Eve special times.

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#7 - Surfing

If you want to surf or learn to surf, Winter is considered one of the best times to surf in Madeira.
The water temperature is ideal and the waves are here.

#8 - Tours don't shut down

Since it is a year-round destination, you can enjoy most of the tours and activities in Winter too.
Canyoning, whale watching... some tours are less frequent, but you can do in Winter pretty much all that you can do in Summer.
See great activities in Madeira

#9 - Locals are less stressed out

This is very true on most touristy islands. During peak season, the locals get frustrated by the crowds and the demands of tourists.
In lower season, they do enjoy the tourists more.

Best time

Some attractions can be crowded in Summer with carparks filling up very quickly.
In Summer, I recommend starting hikes and other activities as early as possible.
However, in Winter (out of Christmas time), crowd levels are more comfortable and you can start your day later.

How to get around the island of Madeira in Winter

In Winter as in Summer, I think renting a car is the best way to explore the island.
It gives you freedom to go see the most beautiful viewpoints and stop whenever you want.
There are busses, but the frequency is not ideal.
Nothing special to think about the car for Winter. The same applies as in Summer, choose one with enough power for the steep roads.

How long to stay in Madeira in Winter?

It depends on what you want to do.
I still think Madeira is not a great destination for long weekends. It is too short, considering the flight. 

To explore the entire island 10 days to 2 weeks is ideal.
But if you just want to enjoy the Winter Sun, 5 days to a week will give you the boost you need to go through the rest of the Winter.

Be ready to change plans

The weather is even less predictable in Winter than in Summer.
Therefore, make sure to plan flexibility in your planning.
The island is not big, so it is easy to switch to another destination when you look at the current weather over the island.

Especially if you are hiking, make sure to check the most recent weather forecast!

Best place to stay in Madeira during Winter

I do love the North coast more than the South one in terms of landscapes.
But if it is the sun and warmth you are looking for, then it is best to choose a location on the South side for your stay. It counts more hours of sun and less wind.

• Ponta do Sol is considered the sunniest place on the island - see best rated accommodations
• Funchal is a practical place if you want to join group tours - See best rated accommodations in Funchal
• Funchal is also great to enjoy the Christmas and New Year's festivities

Dolphin and Whale watching

One of the major activities you can enjoy in Madeira is a boat tour for whale and dolphin watching.
The best period is May to September in terms of quantity, but tours run all year-round because they are around the island all year round.
Plus in Winter, you could see special species!

There is a wide variety of tours, with different boats and services - Check out the tour options & book
With most of them, you can enjoy a swim just under the giant cliffs of Cabo Girao (589m tall!). This is a great experience!
There is even one where you can swim with dolphins (if they find a pod with specific species) - learn more and book

Natural pools

Many people visit Porto Moniz for the volcanic natural pools. They are the most famous on the island.
There are 2 areas: the ones that have been made smoother for public use and the more natural ones, near the fort.
I recommend first enjoying them on foot: the long strips of lava, the shades of blue and green, the island in the background.

But then, make sure to get into the water (seawater). The place is ideal for those who love swimming and the views are mesmerizing. Such a relaxing place to swim.

Location  - North-West Coast -
Funchal to Porto Moniz = 1h drive

Madeira Beaches in Winter

Enjoy on the of the beaches around the island.
Most of them have pebbles, but if you are looking for sand, for your kids to play, here are your options:

• Machico has imported golden sand
• Calheta has imported golden sand
• Seixal has natural black sand
• Praia da Prainha / Caniçal has natural black sand

In Winter, they are a lot less crowded and can be enjoyed fully.
Learn more about the Madeira beaches in this article.

Hiking

Madeira is a paradise for those who enjoy day hikes.
There are many routes:

• on top of the mountains,
• along levadas,
• around the cliffs.

Check out my article about the best hikes on the island.

In Winter, make sure you bring plenty of layers to be able to adapt to the weather conditions - for rain, wind and cooler temperartures (especially in the mountains).
The lush vegetation along the levadas is even more special when wet!

Collecting Viewpoints

Simply driving around and stopping at all the incredible viewpoints "Miradouros" is a great use of your time.
The views are stunning with valleys, edgy mountain peaks, forest, impressive cliffs...
Check out my favorite viewpoints on the island.

And you can find my complete selection in my travel guide eBook, to easily plan your exploration:

Surfing

Thanks to the island’s topography, the waves are fantastic, clear and with characteristic “point breaks”.
The average ripple is 2 meters.
There is high frequency throughout the year but the best season is between September and May.

Things to do

And many other things to do...
Check out my full article on the 35 best things to do in Madeira.

How is Christmas in Madeira?

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 hot in December for Christmas?

The weather is not hot, but it is warm. You can be in t-shirt during the day.
You just have to carry a jumper in case clouds roll in. Average is 5 hours of sunshine over the 10 hours of daylight, on average.
There is a chance of rain, but nothing like in northern Europe...

Christmas decorations

Because of the mild climate, you won't find many traditional pine trees, but mostly artificial trees.
They are traditionally decorated with balls, Christmas Lights, snowflakes, bows, wreaths, etc. 

Madeirans love decorating for every festival and events.

If you walk around, you will also see many Nativity scenes in the form of a staircase or in a rock-shaped form (like a cave). Locals call them “lapinha”.
It is often a small altar of three hauls, covered with a red and a white lace tablecloths. At the top is a small statue of the Baby Jesus, and on the other steps the shepherd, other figures and fruits.

Christmas Events

Madeira has several traditions around Christmas:

• The Childbirth masses, a set of nine religious ceremonies (called “novenas”), taking place at dawn in parishes throughout the island. They happen between December, 16th and Christmas Eve. They are often followed by singing gatherings.
• On December 23rd, there is a Market night in Funchal at the Mercado dos Lavradores - where people shop for fruits and flowers
• On December 31st, there is a special fireworks show that entered the Guinness book of records as the largest show in the world (from 2006 to 2012)
• Looking at nativity scenes all around the island

Christmas Food

Of course, no tradition is complete without food specialities:

• Madeira Honey cake - can be bought all year round, but linked to Christmas
• Christmas in Madeira is filled with sweets and the cookies
• “Carne Vinha D’Alhos”
• ...

Madeira for New Year's Eve

Madeira is also famous for its New Year's Eve.
It used to hold the Guinness book of records title of the largest show in the world (from 2006 to 2012).
It is not the largest in the World anymore, but it is still a fantastic show to enjoy if you like fireworks.

Best places to watch fireworks in Funchal?

• From a boat, of course... -  book a special New Year's eve boat tour
• Funchal Bay,
• Santa Catarina Park,
• Miradouro das Neves,
• Nazaré viewpoint,
• ...

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