What is the cheapest time to visit Madeira?
The cheapest time to visit Madeira is usually January, after the New Year week. KAYAK's prices for the past 12 months put the average return flight from the UK at £128 in January, against £200 over the whole year and £312 in December. Funchal still averages 20 °C by day in January.
When prices peak
Fares and rooms are highest in August and over Christmas and New Year, when Funchal's fireworks draw huge crowds. Prices also rise for Carnival, Easter, the Flower Festival in spring and the summer school holidays.
Good-value months
- January, after the first week: the lowest flight prices of the year from most of Europe.
- November and early December: mild, around 23 °C by day, and quieter before the Christmas rush.
- February and March, outside Carnival week: green, quieter, and still around 20 °C.
The trade-off
Winter is Madeira's wettest season (60 to 95 mm of rain a month in Funchal, against almost none in summer), the sea is cooler, and high trails can close for storms. It suits city breaks, food and lower trails more than beach days.
Save on the ground
Hiking permits cost the same all year (4.50 EUR per trail, 10.50 EUR for Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo). Booking them early avoids losing a trip day to a sold-out trail.
FAQ
- What is the cheapest month to fly to Madeira?
- January, on KAYAK's 12-month data from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and France. From Spain it is February.
- When is Madeira most expensive?
- Christmas and New Year, and August. Easter, Carnival and the spring Flower Festival also push prices up.
- Is Madeira cheap in winter?
- Flights are at their cheapest in January, and the weather is mild, but it is also the wettest time of year.