Month guide · Madeira · Portugal
Madeira in September
What September is really like in Madeira: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Richard Bartz, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Madeira. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 20°C (68°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 12.3 hours of daylight. Still warm with the sea at its warmest; the grape harvest and wine festival bring events in Funchal and Estreito.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 2nd-warmest month in Madeira: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 22°C (72°F), and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 30 days. Compared with August (26°C (79°F)), September is about as warm; by October highs drop to around 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 07:51
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 20:14
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea
- 23°C (73°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, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is August at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in August). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Madeira Wine Festival (usually early September)
- Columbus Festival on Porto Santo (usually September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Central mountains
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike
Bring a head torch for the tunnels, warm layers and plenty of water; it is cold at dawn even in summer.
- Time needed
- 5–6 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Nature · Santana
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Starting from the Queimadas forest park above Santana, this popular levada path (PR9) follows an irrigation channel through the Laurisilva forest and several dark tunnels to the 'Green Cauldron', a waterfall dropping into a pool surrounded by moss-covered cliffs.
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
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Nature · Paul da Serra
Fanal laurel forest
Visit on a misty day for the classic spooky photographs, and bring a warm layer; it is much cooler than the coast.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Nature · Caniçal
Ponta de São Lourenço
Madeira's eastern tip is a bare, windswept volcanic peninsula of red, ochre and black rock, completely different from the green interior.
- Time needed
- 3 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
The sea averages 23°C (73°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Madeira.
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 20°C and 3 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Madeira?
One of the best months to visit Madeira, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April–June and October. Compare every month.
Madeira in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Madeira?
It is one of the best months to visit Madeira. Still warm with the sea at its warmest; the grape harvest and wine festival bring events in Funchal and Estreito.
+How warm is Madeira in September?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Madeira in September?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.