Madeira is this beautiful island out in the Atlantic Ocean, often called the “Pearl of the Atlantic. The vibe here is super chill, with warm weather pretty much all year round. You’ve got these crazy green mountains, epic cliffs, and colorful flowers everywhere.
It’s a place where you can hike up the mountains one day, chill by the ocean the next, and then eat some amazing local food. The people are super friendly, and the whole island has this cool mix of nature, culture, and adventure that makes it a perfect getaway spot. Want to know more? Check out our Madeira guides to discover everything the island has to offer!
The best time to visit Madeira depends on what you want to experience, but the island is a year-round destination thanks to its mild, subtropical climate. For warm, sunny weather, plan your trip between late spring and early fall (May to September), when temperatures are usually between 20-26°C (68-79°F) — perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors.
If you’re into nature and hiking, spring (March to May) is especially beautiful, with the island in full bloom and fewer tourists around. Whale and dolphin watching is also best from April to October, when you can spot several species, including sperm whales and even the occasional humpback.
Madeira doesn’t have a heavy rainy season, but the wettest months are from November/December to February. Even then, rain usually comes in short bursts, and you can still find plenty of sunny days, but there might be a lot of fog high up in the mountains quite often. If you visit in December, you can catch Madeira’s famous Christmas lights and its epic New Year’s Eve fireworks.
So, whether you’re after sunshine, whale watching, or a festive vibe, Madeira’s got something to offer all year round!
The official currency in Madeira is the Euro (€) and you can pay by card in many places. If not, you will find an ATM in every village where you can withdraw money. It is always useful to have some cash on you, for example for parking meters where card payment is not always possible.
The official language in Madeira is Portuguese. English is also widely spoken, especially in the more touristy areas like Funchal, the capital. Additionally, some locals also speak other languages, like German or French.
You can drink tap water in Madeira. Just note that the water is treated with chlorine, so it might not be the tastiest.
Madeira is part of Portugal, which is a member of the European Union and Schengen Area, making it easy for travelers from other EU countries to visit without a visa.
Travelers from outside EU have to check if their country has a visa-free agreement with Portugal for visa requirements.
Because Madeira is part of the EU, you can enjoy the European roaming regulation. This means that if you come from another EU country, you do not need a different SIM card.
If you come from outside the EU, you must purchase a SIM. We recommend Jetpac's E-Sim!
In many public places such as restaurants and bars, you also have access to a local WiFi network.
Tipping in Madeira is not expected but it is always appreciated. If you do want to tip, you can round up or add 10% to the bill.
There are two types of power plugs: Type C and F. They operate on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
The time zone in Madeira in summer is GMT+1 and in winter GMT+0.
