Madeira in the Spring: Planning a Trip for March, April or May
Spring in Madeira runs from March through May and is one of the best times to visit the island. The weather is mild, the landscapes are lush and green from winter rains, and the tourist crowds are much smaller than in summer.
Weather’s always a factor when trip planning, and spring in Madeira can mean dealing with a few rain showers, but temperatures are moderate and mild.
Madeira’s Spring Temperatures:
- March: Average highs range 63 – 68°F
- April: Average highs range 64 – 71°F
- May: Average highs range 68 – 75°F
The higher elevations in Central Madeira, like Pico do Areeiro, are colder, so bring layers if you plan to hike in the spring!
The Sites I Use for Every Trip
– For tours: Viator
– For rental cars: Discover Cars
Renting a Car & Driving in Spring
Spring is a great time to rent a car in Madeira. With fewer tourists than in the peak summer months, you’ll find less traffic on a road trip around the island.
Plus, you’ll find it easier to park at the popular viewpoints, like Cascata dos Anjos, and trailheads, like Pico Grande.
In Europe, I use Discover Cars to book rentals. Their search function includes well-known international rental car companies, along with locally-owned options.
🚙 Click to Book: Madeira Rental Cars
Where to Stay in the Spring
It’s worth spending a couple of days in Funchal, the main city, and then spending a few more days on a different part of the island. This interactive map includes the lowest prices from Expedia, Hotels, VRBO, Booking, and other trusted sites.
It’s centered on Funchal, but you can move it around (easiest to do on a desktop or laptop, rather than a phone). Just plug in your dates:
I’ll recommend one of the beautiful Savoy properties, like Saccharum or the iconic Savoy Palace in Funchal:
The Pros & Cons to a Spring Visit to Madeira
The pros far outweigh the cons!
On the pro side, you’ll find:
- Fewer tourists than summer (especially in March and April)
- Lush green scenery from recent rains
- Mild hiking weather—cool enough for steep trails, without summer heat
- Longer daylight as the season progresses
- Cheaper accommodation and flights in early spring
As For the cons:
- The weather in the mountains can be foggy, windy, and rainy (but you’re bound to have sunny days too).
- The ocean and Madeira’s famous natural pools may still be too cold to swim, with temperatures in the lower 60s.
Madeira Weather in Spring
- Mild and pleasant: Daytime highs typically range from 18–24°C (64–75°F) depending on the month and elevation.
- Cooler in the mountains: At Pico do Areeiro or Paul da Serra, temperatures can be 5–10°C lower than at sea level. Always bring layers.
- Occasional rain: March can still be wet, especially in the north and highlands. By late April and May, the weather is drier and sunnier.
- Bloom season: The landscape is lush and green, with wildflowers and botanical gardens bursting with color.
Video: Driving around Madeira in the Spring
Hiking Madeira in March, April & May
Spring is the perfect season for hiking in Madeira. The trails are green and fresh, waterfalls are flowing, and temperatures are ideal for long walks in March, April, and May.
Pico do Areeiro is arguably Madeira’s most famous trek (pictured below), and São Lourenço is a gorgeos preserve with amazing viewpoints on the eastern tip of the island.
Consider these, too:
A Favorite Spring Levada Walk
Levada Faja do Rodrigues can also be found on a map by looking for PR16, its trail name.
You’ll follow a well-marked but uncrowded trail along a levada, through tunnels and past several waterfalls.
Bring a flashlight or at least make sure your cellphone battery is charged enough to shine your flash, since the tunnels are dark!
This trail begins at Ginjas in Sao Vicente, one of my favorite towns on Madeira. It ends at the source of the levada in Ribeira do Inferno. The water is used for irrigation of the farm fields in Sao Vicente.
A Favorite Hike to a Peak in Spring
Pico Grande is up in the mountains of Madeira, northwest of Funchal. It’s about a 25-minute drive to the Boca da Corrida Trailhead from the center part of the city.
It’s a far less-crowded hike than Pico do Areeiro, though both are worth a visit on any trip to Madeira.
The Pico Grande hike is about 7-mies, round trip, which takes most people 5 hours.
You’ll follow an old royal footpath between villages, which eventually leads to a steep, nearly mile-long rocky climb at the end to the peak.
Other Things to Do on Madeira in Spring
The list is endless, but here are a few of our favorites:
Visit Madeira’s Botanical Gardens
Madeira Botanical Garden and Palheiro Gardens are in full bloom with camellias, orchids, proteas, and jacarandas.
One of the most famous events on the island, the Festa da Flor (Flower Festival), typically takes place in late April or early May.
Even the regular vegetable gardens are fun to check out, like the chef’s garden at Saccharum on the southern coast.
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Whale & Dolphin Watching
Spring marks the start of the season (April to October) to spot sperm whales, pilot whales, and dolphins.
- Tours depart from Funchal and Calheta.
Visit a Winery
Blandy’s, Madeira’s famous winery in Funchal, is a popular spot, but the island is dotted with other wineries, like Quinta da Barbusano.
As their popularity has grown, they’ve expanded their tasting facility and tours.
It’s even more special, since their bottles of red, white, and rose can only be purchased on Madeira.
Packing for a Spring Trip to Madeira
Madeira is mild, but at higher elevations in the mountains it’ll be cold and windy in March, Apri, and May.
For a spring visit, I pack a mix:
- Lightweight clothes for Funchal and coastal areas.
- Warm layers and a rain jacket for mountain hikes.
- Hiking boots or sturdy walking sneakers.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen—UV can be strong, even if it’s cool.
Wrap: Is Spring a Good Time to Visit Madeira?
Absolutely! March, April, and May are kind a great “shoulder season” travel idea for Madeira. The weather is mild (though chilly in the mountains) and the crowds are smaller.
You’ll see the lush landscapes start to bloom, and also enjoy lower prices on hotels and rental cars.
While I’d visit Madeira any month of the year, the lure of slightly smaller crowds at the trailheads and nice cool hiking weather make the spring months, especially April and May, excellent times to plan a trip.
