Season guide · Madeira · Portugal
Madeira in autumn
September–November: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Warm seas and the wine harvest in September, with showers returning in October and November. Expect highs up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F), with about 16 rainy days across September–November. September–October are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- September–November
- Temperatures
- 16°C (61°F) to 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 16
- Sea
- 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in autumn
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 | 12.3 h | 4/5 |
| October | 24°C (75°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 6 | 11.3 h | 3/5 |
| November | 22°C (72°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 7 | 10.4 h | 2/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 24°C (75°F) against a yearly 22°C (72°F), and 16 of the year's roughly 51 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 3/5 and hotel prices 3/5 on average.
What's on in autumn
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- September: Madeira Wine Festival (usually early September)
- September: Columbus Festival on Porto Santo (usually September)
Make the most of the weather
Nature · Central mountains
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
The PR1 trail links Madeira's third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 metres, with the highest, Pico Ruivo at 1,862 metres, along a dramatic ridge of stairs, tunnels and narrow ledges.
- Time needed
- 5–6 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Nature · Santana
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Take a torch or headlamp for the tunnels and waterproof clothing; the path is narrow and slippery in places.
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
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Nature · Paul da Serra
Fanal laurel forest
On the north-western edge of the Paul da Serra plateau, Fanal's centuries-old twisted laurel trees, often wrapped in drifting mist, are among the most atmospheric parts of Madeira's Laurisilva, a UNESCO World Heritage forest of a type that once covered much of southern Europe.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Nature · Caniçal
Ponta de São Lourenço
There is no shade; set off early with water and sun protection, and expect strong winds.
- Time needed
- 3 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
Beach · Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz natural pools
Volcanic lava rock forms a set of natural seawater pools at Porto Moniz, refreshed by Atlantic waves breaking over the outer rocks.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Photo spot
Day trips in autumn
- Curral das Freiras (About 30 minutes by car or bus) — The 'Nuns' Valley' is a village in a deep, almost circular valley ringed by peaks, where nuns once sheltered from pirate raids.
- Rabaçal and the 25 Fontes (About 1 hour by car) — From the Rabaçal car park, levada paths descend into a green valley to the Risco waterfall and the 25 Fontes, a pool fed by many small cascades.
What to pack
- Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is autumn a good time to visit Madeira?
Yes: September–October are among the best months. Warm seas and the wine harvest in September, with showers returning in October and November.
+What is the weather like in Madeira in autumn?
Highs of up to 26°C (79°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F), with about 16 rainy days over the season.