The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Funchal. Temperatures rise (21°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain risk remains low (11% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if August (9.1/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 5 out of 12 months in Funchal. Compared to April: 5 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
14°
Sea
21°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
13.7h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 26
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Funchal is August (9.1/10), 1.1 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Funchal
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Funchal
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Portugal
🗣️LanguagePortuguese
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 27°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 19°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘDecember · 28%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Funchal ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
PortugalTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.1 → 7.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
32.65°N · 16.91°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Funchal?
August is the best month with 27.0°C highs, 21.0°C lows, 7.6h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of August & July offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Funchal get in August?
Funchal averages 7.6 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in Funchal?
December is the most unfavourable month with December has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Funchal in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 21.0°C, while afternoon highs average 27.0°C.
Is Funchal good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Funchal scores 7.1/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 8.8/10.
When should you avoid Funchal?
December is the most difficult month to visit Funchal, with December has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Funchal in May?
In May, the sea averages 21°C in Funchal: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Funchal in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Funchal (high), with about 13.7h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.