Madeira Weather in December
December in Madeira is mild, with coastal highs around 20 degrees Celsius while much of Europe is cold. It is a festive month and a common winter-sun choice. Here is what the weather is like and how to plan around it.
December temperatures and conditions
Expect daytime highs of about 19 to 21 degrees Celsius on the south coast, with overnight lows around 16 degrees. The sea stays about 21 to 22 degrees. December is one of the wetter months, especially in the north and at altitude, so showers come and go and often clear quickly. Daylight is about ten hours. As always in Madeira, conditions vary by location: the south is the sunniest, the north is greener and wetter, and the high peaks are much colder, sometimes with frost.
What to do in Madeira in December
Hiking and levada walks are still possible on milder days, and the mountains can be clear above the cloud. Funchal puts up Christmas lights through the month, and the island holds a large New Year fireworks display over the bay. Whale and dolphin watching runs year-round. See things to do and what is on, and check hiking permits if you plan to walk the protected trails.
What to pack
Bring layers: t-shirts for sunny afternoons, a light jacket for evenings, and a waterproof for showers. Add walking shoes for the trails and swimwear for hotel pools and sheltered sea spots. For the high peaks, pack something warm.
Plan around the weather
Because conditions differ between the south, the north and the mountains, check the live Madeira weather before you set out, and base yourself on the south coast for the most reliable sunshine. See our Madeira in winter guide for the wider seasonal picture.
FAQ
- Is December a good time to visit Madeira?
- December is mild and festive, with highs around 20 degrees Celsius and a New Year fireworks display, so it is a reasonable winter-sun option.
- How warm is Madeira in December?
- Coastal daytime highs are usually 19 to 21 degrees Celsius, with overnight lows near 16 degrees and a sea temperature around 21 to 22 degrees.
- Does it rain a lot in Madeira in December?
- December is one of the wetter months, mostly in the north and the mountains, but showers are often short and the south stays the sunniest.
- Can you swim in Madeira in December?
- The sea stays around 21 to 22 degrees Celsius, and many hotels have heated pools, though the air is cooler than in summer.