The Portuguese island of Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, to the west of
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January The Portuguese island of Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, to the west of Morocco. The island enjoys warm temperatures year round, similar to those of the nearby countries of Northern Africa. Even throughout January, temperatures in Madeira are high enough to give the traditional British summer a run for it’s money, ranging from a mild 13 degrees celsius to a comfortably warm 19 degrees. January is one of the wettest months in Madeira, but with only around 4 inches of rainfall spread over 12 days, it’s certainly not enough to deter travellers. January is a great time to experience a bit of Madeiran culture. Held on the 5th and 6th of the month, the Cantar os Reis, or ‘Singing of the Kings’, marks the end of the festive period and pays tribute to the songs that locals would traditionally sing at this time. Events are held all over the island, but the hub of activity is the Municipal Garden in Madeira’s capital, Funchal. Due to the amazing weather at this time of year, Madeira is truly buzzing in January, filled with travellers wanting to beat the winter blues with a splash of sunshine. Funchal especially is alive and kicking and a fantastic way to see this first hand is to head to the docks. Funchal is a hugely popular port for transatlantic cruise ships, contributing to the estimated one million tourists that descend on the tiny island each year. The MadeiraRegencyCliffHotel is an ideal base for exploring Funchal. This 4* hotel has all the luxury of the high end hotels at only a fraction of the price. Rooms start at just £56 per night and the onsite RestaurantMistral, with its views over the ocean, is a relaxing place to spend an evening or two while on holiday. February Madeira, officially a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, is actually closer to Northern Africa than Europe by over 100 miles. As such, the climate mimics that of the hot African regions and enjoys year-round warm and dry weather. February is the coldest month in Madeira but with temperatures ranging from 13 to 19 degrees celsius visitors can be excused for thinking it’s spring or summer. Around 11 days of the month are expected to be wet, but with only 3.5 inches of rainfall on average, it’s unlikely to ruin any plans. For party lovers, February is one of the best times of the year to visit the island of Madeira. An entire week is dedicated to the Madeira Carnival and the locals know how to celebrate in style. With bright and energetic parades, outrageous costumes and some of the best samba music outside of Brazil, this annual Madeiran event is often likened to the famous Rio Carnival. The celebrations take place in the capital city of Funchal so there are plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget. The 4* MonumentalLidoHotelandSpa provides luxury, but with rooms starting from a low price of £53 per night. There are plenty of less energetic activities in Madeira. The MadeiraStoryCentre is an ideal place to take things easy. This interactive museum demonstrating the history of the island is an interesting place to spend a few hours and there’s plenty to keep the children entertained too. The onsite cafe offers a range of delicious Madeiran delicacies, perfect for a light lunch in Funchal. March Madeira, lying just off the Moroccan coast, has something for everyone, whether you’re after a beach, mountain or city holiday. It’s no wonder this small Portuguese island attracts one million tourists each year. March temperatures are similar to those in January and February at around 13 to 19.5 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is low and shouldn’t deter travellers from visiting Madeira at this time. As March is still classified as winter in Madeira, the ocean is often a lot choppier than in the summer months so March provides the perfect opportunity to hit the waves. The best waves on the island are found on the north shore and the area of São Vicente is an ideal spot. If the rain does make an appearance, visitors can take a 30 minute guided tour of the underground passages of the SãoVicenteCaves, which were formed following a volcanic eruption. The caves are actually 900,000 year old lava tubes that are so large visitors can walk through without needing to bend down - a brilliant story to recount to friends and family back home. The nearby HotelSolardeBoaventura, located just six miles along the coastline in the town of Boaventura, is a true bargain with rooms from just £28 per night. The onsite minigolf keeps guests entertained before a dinner of freshly caught fish (for which Madeira is famous) is served in the hotel’s restaurant. April A short four hour flight from the UK, Madeira, an island belonging to Portugal but actually more similar to its African neighbour Morocco in terms of climate, draws in tourists from all over the world looking for a sunny getaway. The weather in Madeira in April is not too much different from the previous months. Temperatures remain a comfortable 13.5 to 19.5 degrees Celsius and rainfall drops to an almost non-existent 1.5 inches over approximately 8 days. Even though this is still spring, travellers should make sure to pack a good sun cream. April in Madeira marks the start of the 11 month long FestivaldeJardinsdoFunchal, a festival celebrating the nature of the island in which local participants create and maintain small public gardens for both natives and visitors to enjoy. The gardens, located in Funchal’s Almirante Reis park, can be visited at any time, providing a great excuse to keep popping back to Madeira to check on the progress. In keeping with this time of celebrating nature, the northern areas of Madeira island offer unique opportunities to experience nature of a different kind. Madeira’s Laurisilvaforest is the largest in the world and also one of the best preserved. As such, it’s on UNESCO’sWorldHeritageSiteList. Visitors should keep in mind that this is rainforest territory and the humidity levels are through the roof. It may be best to take a change of T-shirt. 84% of the Porto Moniz region on the north coast of Madeira island is a protected environment and as such it’s a top choice for accommodation if you want to explore the area. At only £18 per night, the PensaoSalgueiro hotel is an ideal option. Rooms have fantastic views over the surrounding natural environment and the onsite restaurant boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. May Madeira, a small island off the south west coast of Portugal, is a popular holiday destination with travellers from all four corners of the globe, and especially with British tourists wanting to escape the rainy summers back home. Madeira is easily accessible from the UK, with cheap flights available. Madeira boasts year round warm temperatures that the British Isles can only dream of, but May is when things really start to heat up. May typically sees the first temperature spike of the year and a reading of 21 degrees celsius isn’t unusual. Temperatures below 14 degrees are practically unheard of at this time of year and although rainfall is a low 0.5 inches, with the added heat comes added humidity so travellers may still find themselves a little damp. There is no better way to cool down in the heat than with an ice cold lemonade. And the best place to get one? At Madeira’s annual lemon festival of course! The Festa do Limão is held in the town of Santana on the north shore of the island and not only entertains locals and visitors alike with traditional folk music but also offers many delicious lemon-based delicacies for all to try. The ColmoHotel in Santana is a top choice for those wanting to enjoy the festival. The nearby location and low price tag (rooms start from just £32 per night) make this hotel both convenient and great value for guests on a budget. The hotel’s piano bar is a relaxing place to spend an evening in in Santana. The treats at the festival are bound to have visitors wanting more, so a quick trip down to Funchal on the south coast is needed. The TeaTerrace at Funchal’s most extravagant hotel, Reid’sPalace, is thought to serve the absolute best Bolo de Mel on the whole island. This sweet honey cake is a traditional local Madeiran speciality. June The Portuguese island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean is heaven for those who enjoy the sun, heat and the great outdoors. The island keeps constant warm temperatures year round, and June is no exception. Summer arrives in Madeira is June and temperatures jump significantly, with daily highs of around 22.5 degrees Celsius and lows of 16.5 degrees. With an average of just 0.5 inches of rain, there is no need to pack the wellies. Sun worshippers will be hard pressed to find anywhere better than Prainha Beach. Situated on the easternmost point of the island, on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula overlooking the Atlantic and Morocco, this quiet haven is perfect for relaxing while working on your tan. For visitors who want to enjoy the wonderful weather away from the beach, the PalheiroGolfCourse in Funchal is ranked among Europe’s most beautiful courses and, at 500 metres above sea level, the views are amazing. While in Funchal, the annual June fireworks competition is not to be missed. As part of the multicultural Atlantic Festival, every Saturday night in Madeira in June sees competitors from different countries attempt to outdo each other with spectacular fireworks displays. The sundeck perched high upon the roof of the HotelOrquidea in Funchal is the perfect viewing spot to witness these bright lights and loud bangs. Rates start at just £36 per night and while rooms may be basic, there really is no better location from which to relax with a glass of Madeira wine and watch the sky light up. July Situated in the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Portugal and Morocco, the island of Madeira draws in an estimated one million tourists each year who flock upon the tiny island to enjoy the relaxed pace of life, the year round sunshine, the local food and drink and the stunning nature. July’s local claim to fame is that it is the driest month of the year is Madeira; although rainfall in the area is usually low, July only sees one wet day during the month on average. Temperatures range from a comfortable 18 degrees celsius to a toasty 24.5 degrees so July is definitely one of the best times for being out in the open air. Animal lovers may want to visit the QuintaDoRiacho in Funchal. These horse riding stables are located in the mountains and overlook the island’s capital. Whether visitors want to simply admire the animals or head out into the countryside for a relaxing trek, everyone is welcome here. In the evening, the annual Funchal Jazz Festival rocks the city for a long July weekend. The place to be is the Santa Catarina Park. The nearby RestauranteOTapassol offers outdoor balcony seating and is a great place to unwind. Travellers should book into the Jardinsd’AjudaSuiteHotel in Funchal. This 4* complex boasts swimming pools, restaurants, bars, fitness centres and even resident entertainers. Rooms cost from just £28 per night and many offer kitchenettes, making them ideal for families or for couples who don’t wish to dine out every night. August Situated closer to Africa than to Europe, Madeira enjoys all the benefits of its location when it comes to the weather, with the heat of the western Mediterranean and the never ending Moroccan sunshine. August sees temperatures rise further to between 19 and 25.5 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is a 1 inch over the entire month but the proximity to the sea means humidity is high, so visitors may find it can be a little uncomfortable at times. Thrill seekers should check out MadeiraAdventureKingdom. This activity organiser arranges a vast variety of different adventures for locals and visitors, with one of the most popular activities being canyoning. Lead by a team of professionals, this activity is full of excitement and thrills and involves swimming and jumping through waterfalls. Taking place at Ribeiro Frio in central Madeira, this once in a lifetime opportunity costs just £48 per person. August is also a fantastic time for music lovers to visit Madeira. The FunchalMusicFest takes place in the capital each year and really draws the crowds. For one weekend only, the Santa Catarina park in Funchal hosts popular local musicians. SabordaIndia has a huge choice of curries incorporating everything from mild kormas to mouth-burning vindaloos so will appeal to all tastes and palates. The £32 rooms at the nearby ResidencialParque hotel are ideal for those on a budget. September The island of Madeira, off the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic Ocean, brings in one million tourists each year, with its fantastic weather and the best of all worlds with mountains, beaches and city life. September is the hottest month of the year in Madeira with temperatures topping out at an average 26 degrees Celsius. Daily lows rarely drop below 19 degrees. Rainfall increases slightly from previous months with around 1.5 inches and approximately six wet days, but not enough to ruin plans or deter travellers. September 27th marks World Tourism Day which is celebrated throughout Madeira. Funchal is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and, perhaps best of all, out-of-towners are given free entry to a number of attractions on the island. The JardimBotanico in Funchal is one attraction that offers free entry on World Tourism Day. The garden displays over 2,500 varieties of exotic plants and flowers and is so large it even offers cable car transport in order for visitors to see it all. The garden is open daily from 9am - 6pm. If the heat of the September sun is just too much, keeping in the shade among Madeira’s many shops is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. The DolceVita shopping centre boasts more than 70 shops all under one roof, as well as a well-populated food court offering both Madeiran delicacies as well as home comforts such as Burger King. The VineHotel, situated above the shopping centre, is one of the most luxurious hotels on the entire island. October Madeira enjoys all the benefits of the nearby African climate but with a truly European feel. Lying in the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Portugal and Morocco, Madeira is a popular holiday destination for many travellers. The temperatures in October remain toasty warm, generally ranging from 17.5 to 24 degrees Celsius. The rainfall picks up slightly from previous months but there is still an acceptably low average of around 3 inches over 9 days. The first week of October marks the Madeira Nature Festival. Travellers wanting to take in the scenery of the island can participate in a Levada walk across Madeira. Levadas, or ‘mini canals’ carry rainfall throughout the mountains and provide fantastic pathways through the stunning nature on the island. MadeiraLevadaWalks provides guided walks every day of the week and visitors have the choice of half day or full day itineraries. For those who find themselves on a little north of Funchal, the MontePalaceTropicalGarden is another fantastic way for visitors to celebrate the nature festival. The nearby EstalagemQuintaMirabela offers rooms from just £52 per night and is an ideal base for those wanting to explore the capital, but stay in greener surroundings. The onsite restaurant offers continental alfresco dining overlooking the city and the relaxing Stephen’s Bar serves up some of the best cocktails on the island. November Even throughout the winter months, the Portuguese island of Madeira enjoys warmth and sunshine. Travellers seeking sun flock to the small island during this time of year. In November, temperatures are still reminiscent of the summer, with highs of 22 and lows of just 15.5 degrees Celsius expected. November marks the start of the ‘rainy season’ in Madeira, but with a very low average of 4 inches falling over 11 days, Madeira is typically a rather dry country, although humidity is high. If there’s one thing Madeira is famous for, it’s wine. Wine lovers will enjoy the Festival do Vinho do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira - translated as the festival of wine, embroidery and handicrafts - which takes place throughout Madeira in November. The festival also offers a great opportunity to browse the many arts and crafts stalls set up across Funchal. With homemade traditional Madeiran ornaments and embroidered garments, it’s a perfect chance to pick up some unique and original Christmas presents for friends and family back home. For travellers who aren’t able to visit during the festival but still want to experience the local wines, there are plenty of other opportunities on the island. The ArturdeBarroseSousaLda and the OldBlandyWineLodge, both located in Funchal, offer guided tours of the facilities and offer tasting samples to parched visitors. The RestauranteArmazémdoSal is a popular restaurant in the area tat offers traditional, local cuisne. Stay in the nearby HotelApartamentodaSé for just £28 per night.December Nestled amidst the bright blue water of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a year round suntrap. The Portuguese island, which is actually closer to Africa than Europe by over 100 miles, basks in the Mediterranean and African warmth even throughout the winter months. December is technically the wettest month of the year in Madeira, but with just 4 inches of rain expected to fall over 13 days, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Temperatures are unbelievable for a month that is usually cold, windy and even snowy in the United Kingdom. Ranging from 15.5 to 22 degrees Celsius, Madeira seems like it’s a lot further away than a short 4 hour flight from London. December is a truly magical time in Madeira. Even though the temperatures may not make it feel like Christmas, the island decorations and events sure do. Funchal, Madeira’s capital city, is a hub of activity during the festive season. Bright fairy lights bring a winter wonderland feel to the area and it is not unusual to find Christmas market stalls and traditional folk dancers lining the streets. For extra special Christmas presents, visitors should explore the ForumMadeira shopping centre in Funchal. Family and friends back home will be sure to appreciate gifts of traditional Madeira wines and cakes. Those staying in the area for New Year are in for a treat. Madeira hosts a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate and was even acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records for having the largestfireworksdisplayintheworldin 2006. One of the best ways to see the fireworks, and to have a truly memorable experience, is to take a MadeiraWindBirds midnight cruise. At £83 per person this 3 hour cruise isn’t cheap, but the sailing includes champagne, traditional chicken soup and nibbles. 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