The month in detail
What to expect in January
In January, Madeira sees 64°F during the day with 5.2h of sunshine per day. Rain risk remains low (20% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. August (9.0/10) is significantly better if possible.
January ranks 10 out of 12 months in Madeira. Compared to December: −2°F daytime, 8 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
4 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
20°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
10.1h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 35
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Madeira is August (9.0/10), 1.7 pt higher than January.
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 trip.
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 · 79°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 64°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘDecember · 28%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January 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 79°F highs, 68°F 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 68°F, while afternoon highs average 79°F.
Is Madeira good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Madeira scores 7.0/10 on average — Acceptable 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 January?
In January, the sea averages 68°F in Madeira: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Madeira in January?
The average UV index reaches 4 in January in Madeira (moderate), with about 10.1h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.