The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Madeira. 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 (9.0/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 5 out of 12 months in Madeira. Compared to April: +2°C daytime, 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 Madeira is August (9.0/10), 1.0 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 · Madeira
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Madeira
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 · 26°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 18°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 Madeira ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
PortugalTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.0 → 7.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
32.66°N · 16.92°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Madeira?
August is the best month with 26.0°C highs, 20.0°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 Madeira get in August?
Madeira averages 7.6 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.7/10.
What is the rainiest month in Madeira?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Madeira in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 20.0°C, while afternoon highs average 26.0°C.
Is Madeira good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Madeira scores 7.0/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 8.7/10.
When should you avoid Madeira?
January is the most difficult month to visit Madeira, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Madeira in May?
In May, the sea averages 21°C in Madeira: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Madeira in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Madeira (high), with about 13.7h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.