Weather in Madeira in February travel guide

February in Madeira offers a mild winter climate when the island enjoys a comfortable chill, often buffeted by a soft Atlantic breeze. The pleasant weather in Madeira in February creates the perfect conditions for exploring the stunning mountains, beautiful gardens, and picturesque villages. The mild temperatures and friendly atmosphere are ideal for walking in the levadas, enjoying the local cuisine, and relaxing on the quiet beaches, which are pleasantly cool and offer a peaceful retreat.

Highlights Madeira weather in February

The weather in Madeira in February is characterized by a mild winter climate, maintaining the island's reputation for year-round pleasant temperatures. Here are the highlights:

• Moderate temperatures: In February, average temperatures range from cool to comfortably mild, making it ideal for those who prefer a cooler climate without extreme cold.
• Rainfall: This month is part of the wetter season in Madeira, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. However, the rains often come in quick bursts and are usually interspersed with periods of clear skies, allowing for time to spend outdoors and explore the surrounding area.
• Sunshine: Despite the increased chance of rain, February also has many clear and bright days, with an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine daily. This provides ample opportunity for sightseeing and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
• Sea temperature: The sea remains relatively cool, with an average sea temperature of around 18°C (64°F), which can be a little bracing for swimming but still pleasant for those used to cooler water.
• Atmosphere: There are fewer tourists in Madeira in February than during the peak season, allowing for a more relaxed and peaceful experience of the island's attractions, from its charming towns to its natural wonders.

Keen to visit Madeira? Talk to our local Portugal experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. And to ensure you're well-equipped for your trip explore our list of tips for traveling in Portugal.

Is February a good time to visit Madeira?

February in Madeira has a mild winter climate, offering a unique combination of weather conditions that can nevertheless affect travel plans. The island tends to be cooler at this time of year, with sunny and rainy days alternating. 

While you can still count on a few hours of sunshine each day, February is also part of Madeira's wetter season, which means the likelihood of occasional downpours. This variability in the weather in Madeira in February can be a two-pronged stick: on the one hand, the rain feeds the island's lush landscapes, making outdoor activities such as hiking in the levadas particularly scenic. On the other hand, heavy downpours can sometimes disrupt vacation or transportation plans.

February falls during Madeira's low tourism season, primarily due to the cooler and wetter weather. This means less crowding at popular attractions and potentially lower accommodation and flight prices, making for a more relaxed trip.

Overall, February can be a great time to visit Madeira if you prefer mild weather and fewer tourists. The combination of cooler temperatures, moderate tourist numbers, and the possibility of both sunny and rainy days creates an attractive environment for exploring the island's natural beauty. If your Portugal islands trip includes Madeira, just keep in mind that February’s weather can be unpredictable: great for walking and sightseeing, but less ideal if you're chasing constant sunshine.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Portugal.

Average temperatures in Madeira in February

In February, Madeira enjoys a mild winter climate characterized by average high temperatures of 16-19°C (61-66°F) and average lows of 11-13°C (52-55°F). With these temperatures, February is one of the coolest months on the island, but still quite mild compared to winter conditions in mainland Europe.

Variations between day and night can be noticeable, but not extreme. Temperatures are cooler in the evening and early morning, allowing you to sleep without heavy bedding. During the day, it's warm enough for outdoor activities, although a light jacket or sweater may not be unreasonable, especially when exploring coastal or mountainous areas where the weather can be more changeable.

When comparing February temperatures to other times of the year, it is cooler than the summer months, when temperatures can climb into the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F) or higher, but marginally warmer than the coldest months such as December and January. February's climate is a refreshing contrast to the warm, dry summers, offering cooler and more varied weather, but still comfortable for exploring all that Madeira has to offer.

Want even more inspiration for your Portugal adventure? Discover the best places to visit in Portugal.

What about the crowd & cost?

February is the low tourist season in Madeira, which means less crowding at popular attractions and sites. This reduced tourist flow provides a quieter vacation, allowing you to experience the beauty of the island without the hustle and bustle of the high season, such as July and August. Due to the reduced demand, February also offers the advantage of lower accommodation prices and possibly airfares, making it a cost-effective time to travel.

Moreover, the benefits of visiting Madeira in February go beyond just financial savings and more relaxed sightseeing opportunities. This time of year features unique events such as the Madeira Carnival, one of the island's most colorful celebrations, providing guests with a great opportunity to experience the local culture and festivities. 

Compared to the summer months, when prices peak and places become crowded, February offers a balance of mild weather, cultural experiences, and value for money, making it an attractive option if you want to enjoy Madeira's charms at a more relaxed pace.

Looking for even more options for your winter getaway? Explore our guide to the best places for a February holiday.

Unforgettable and customizable Portugal itineraries

Are you ready to plan your dream trip to Portugal? The local experts at Rough Guides can help you create curated travel experiences. Here are three tantalizing travel options you should consider:

• Azores Adventure (6 days): Discover the traditions and natural beauty that San Miguel Island has to offer you - exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking through picturesque hills and valleys, the thrill of canyoning and much more.
• The Wines of Portugal (9 days): This unforgettable journey takes you to some of Portugal's best wine regions, including the Douro Valley. Taste the best local varieties and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complete with guided tours of their historic old towns.
• Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures (9 days): Visit Portugal's two autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as it is known, and São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided tours will introduce you to the highlights of both islands, with plenty of time to explore on your own or simply relax.
• Discover more of our Portugal itineraries.

What to do and see in Madeira in February?

In February, Madeira offers a combination of cultural festivals, natural beauty, and serene relaxation, making it a great destination for those who want to explore the island's diverse attractions at a leisurely pace.

• Madeira Carnival: Experience the vibrant festivities of one of Madeira's biggest annual events. The streets come alive with colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and lively music, offering a unique glimpse into the island's rich cultural tapestry.
• Visit Festa dos Compadres: Kick off the carnival season in the quaint town of Santana with this traditional event that marks the beginning of pre-holiday festivities in Madeira. Satirical skits, costumed parades, and burning of effigies offer a unique take on local customs and humor.
• Watch the almond blossoms at Quinta do Arco: In late winter, the almond trees bloom, covering parts of the island in a delicate white and pink blanket of flowers. In the garden of Quinta do Arco, you can observe the stunning almond blossom, the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography.
• Visit the thermal baths in Ponta do Sol: To relax, visit the natural thermal pools in Ponta do Sol. These warm, mineral-rich waters are ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation in a serene setting, especially appealing during the chilly month of February.
• Wine tasting in Funchal: February's chilly evenings are perfect for cozying up with a glass of Madeira wine. Visit several historic wine houses in Funchal for a tasting where you will learn about the wine making process and taste different varieties of this world famous fortified wine.

Madeira offers only a fraction of the unique experiences that Portugal has to offer. For even more ideas for your vacation, see our guide to the best things to do in Portugal.

Visit Madeira in different months

A year-round paradise, Madeira offers unique experiences every month to suit a variety of travelers' preferences. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events, or just a relaxing vacation in nature, Madeira's diverse climate and activities ensure that there is always something special to do here.

• March: Spring awakens with blooming flowers and ideal temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities.
• April:  Delight in the Madeira Flower Festival, where the island explodes with color and fragrant displays.
• May: Enjoy comfortable temperatures and the start of the season of outdoor activities, including the Madeira Island Ultra Trail.
• June:  Take part in the Atlantic Festival with fireworks and music, which marks the beginning of the summer festivities.
• July: Enjoy the summer heat, ideal for beach walks and water sports in Madeira's crystal clear waters.
• August: Experience the peak of summer with lively street festivals, including the popular Madeira Wine Festival.
• September: Take advantage of warm seas and less crowded attractions as the high season comes to an end.
• October: Watch the leaves change and enjoy the mild weather, ideal for exploring the island's natural landscapes.
• November: Enjoy the quieter side of Madeira and the wine harvest festivities, ideal for food lovers.
• December: Get into the festive spirit with Madeira's famous Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks.
• January: Experience the tranquility of post-holiday Madeira, ideal for enjoying its natural beauty without the crowds of tourists.