Month guide · Madeira · Portugal
Madeira in October
What October is really like in Madeira: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Madeira. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 11.3 hours of daylight. Warm with the first autumn showers; a good balance of swimming and walking weather.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 22°C (72°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 4th-warmest month in Madeira: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with September (26°C (79°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 22°C (72°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 08:12
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 19:35
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Sea
- 22°C (72°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm seas and the wine harvest in September, with showers returning in October and November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 for crowds (the peak is August at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in August). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in October
October has no major recurring festival in Madeira, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Funchal
Whale and dolphin watching
Atlantic spotted, bottlenose and common dolphins are seen regularly off Madeira, and sperm, Bryde's and pilot whales pass at different times of year.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Couples
Park · Funchal
Santa Catarina Park
Visit at sunset with a drink from the park's café terrace.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Outdoors
Market · Funchal Old Town
Mercado dos Lavradores
Funchal's 1940 Art Deco market hall has azulejo tile panels at its entrance, a courtyard of flower sellers in traditional dress, stalls of tropical fruit such as custard apple and passion-fruit varieties, and a fish hall where black scabbardfish and tuna are laid out each morning.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Food
- Photo spot
- Shopping
Street · Funchal Old Town
Rua de Santa Maria and the Old Town
Walk it in the morning to see the doors, then come back at night for dinner and poncha.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Photo spot
- After dark
- Food
The sea averages 22°C (72°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Madeira.
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 18°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Madeira?
One of the best months to visit Madeira. The other best months are April–June and September. Compare every month.
Madeira in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Madeira?
It is one of the best months to visit Madeira. Warm with the first autumn showers; a good balance of swimming and walking weather.
+How warm is Madeira in October?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Madeira in October?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.