Weather in Funchal

Planning a trip or already enjoying your stay in Funchal? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and useful charts to help you plan your day.

Funchal, located in Portugal, boasts a very pleasant subtropical climate characterised by mild and consistent weather throughout the year. Temperature fluctuations here are minimal, making the city an attractive destination to visit in practically any season. Funchal is not prone to stifling heat or biting cold, ensuring comfortable conditions for relaxation and exploring the city.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in Funchal, although they do not have sharp contrasts. Summer, which lasts roughly from June to September, is warm, sunny, and particularly dry. Average temperatures during this period fluctuate around 18-22°C, and rainfall is virtually non-existent in July and August. Winter, from December to March, remains mild with average temperatures around 14-16°C. During the winter months, the probability of rain is higher, and there are more days with precipitation compared to summer, although the total amount of rainfall, according to the provided data, remains low.

A key feature of Funchal's climate is its remarkable stability and the absence of weather extremes. The summer months, especially July and August, are notable for their dryness – rain becomes a great rarity at this time, creating ideal conditions for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are pleasant transitional seasons with comfortable temperatures and a moderate chance of rainfall, which is perfect for exploring the city's attractions and its picturesque surroundings.

The climate in Funchal is distinguished by its mildness and stability throughout the year, making it an appealing travel destination in any season. The annual range of average temperatures here is not very large: from approximately 14.3°C in February to 21.9°C in August. The hottest months are traditionally July and August, when the average maximum temperature reaches 23-24°C. The coolest months are January and February, with average minimum temperatures around 12-13°C, yet even at this time, the weather remains comfortable.

The summer months in Funchal, especially from June to August, are characterised by pleasantly warm weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 24°C, creating ideal conditions for walks and outdoor relaxation. Nights are also warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 16-19°C. A distinct feature of the summer period is the very low amount of rainfall, making the weather predominantly sunny and dry.

Winter in Funchal is very mild. From December to February, average daytime temperatures hover around 15-17°C, while night-time temperatures drop to 12-14°C. Frost is extremely rare here. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Funchal are generally small, usually with a difference of 3 to 5 degrees. This indicates a stable maritime climate that ensures comfortable conditions without sharp temperature spikes throughout the day all year round.

In Funchal, there is a clear division of the year into dry and wetter periods, with precipitation falling predominantly as rain. Thanks to the mild climate, snow is an extremely rare phenomenon here. The total amount of precipitation throughout the year is low, making Funchal's climate quite arid.

The driest months are July and August, when the average amount of rainfall tends towards zero (0 mm), and the number of rainy days is only about 2. This period can be described as a distinct dry season. May, June, and September are also characterised by low rainfall (about 1 mm), with the number of rainy days ranging from 7 to 9.

The wetter season falls during the autumn-winter months, peaking from October to March. At this time, the average monthly rainfall is about 2 mm. December stands out as the month with the highest number of rainy days – 13 on average. It is followed by October and November (12 rainy days each), as well as January and March (11 days each). Despite the increased frequency, the intensity of the rain, judging by the total volume of precipitation, remains low; these are likely light or moderate rains.

When planning a trip to Funchal, it is worth considering its mild subtropical climate, which makes the city attractive all year round. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Even in the warmest months (July-August, average temperature around 21-22°C), evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or cardigan will come in handy. During the cooler period, from October to March (average temperature 14-17°C), you should take a warmer jumper, sweater, or fleece, as well as a light windbreaker or waterproof jacket, since there are more days with precipitation during these months, albeit not heavy. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are essential, as Funchal is rich in picturesque streets and hilly landscapes.

In summer (from June to September), your wardrobe should include light clothing: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, swimwear, as well as a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Sunscreen with a high SPF is also necessary, even on cloudy days. For the winter and spring months (from November to April), jeans or trousers and long-sleeved t-shirts supplemented by a sweater or jacket are suitable. Although heavy downpours do not occur here, a compact umbrella or raincoat may prove useful, especially from October to March when the number of rainy days increases. Don't forget a power adaptor if required for your devices.