- Coasts & Islands
- Portugal
- Madeira
- Travel Advice
- Travel Tips
Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
Book securely with money-back guarantee
Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 03.06.2024
February in Madeira offers a mild winter climate when the island enjoys a comfortable chill, often buffeted by a soft Atlantic breeze. The pleasant weather in Madeira in February creates the perfect conditions for exploring the stunning mountains, beautiful gardens, and picturesque villages. The mild temperatures and friendly atmosphere are ideal for walking in the levadas, enjoying the local cuisine, and relaxing on the quiet beaches, which are pleasantly cool and offer a peaceful retreat.
Created by local experts
The weather in Madeira in February is characterized by a mild winter climate, maintaining the island's reputation for year-round pleasant temperatures. Here are the highlights:
Keen to visit Madeira? Talk to our local Portugal experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. And to ensure you're well-equipped for your trip explore our list of tips for traveling in Portugal.
February in Madeira has a mild winter climate, offering a unique combination of weather conditions that can nevertheless affect travel plans. The island tends to be cooler at this time of year, with sunny and rainy days alternating.
While you can still count on a few hours of sunshine each day, February is also part of Madeira's wetter season, which means the likelihood of occasional downpours. This variability in the weather in Madeira in February can be a two-pronged stick: on the one hand, the rain feeds the island's lush landscapes, making outdoor activities such as hiking in the levadas particularly scenic. On the other hand, heavy downpours can sometimes disrupt vacation or transportation plans.
February falls during Madeira's low tourism season, primarily due to the cooler and wetter weather. This means less crowding at popular attractions and potentially lower accommodation and flight prices, making for a more relaxed trip.
Overall, February can be a great time to visit Madeira if you prefer mild weather and fewer tourists. The combination of cooler temperatures, moderate tourist numbers and the possibility of both sunny and rainy days creates an attractive environment for exploring the island's natural beauty. However, if your travel plans rely heavily on guaranteed sunshine and outdoor activities, you may find the unpredictability of February's weather a bit challenging.
Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Portugal.
In February, Madeira enjoys a mild winter climate characterized by average high temperatures of 16-19°C (61-66°F) and average lows of 11-13°C (52-55°F). With these temperatures, February is one of the coolest months on the island, but still quite mild compared to winter conditions in mainland Europe.
Variations between day and night can be noticeable, but not extreme. Temperatures are cooler in the evening and early morning, allowing you to sleep without heavy bedding. During the day, it's warm enough for outdoor activities, although a light jacket or sweater may not be unreasonable, especially when exploring coastal or mountainous areas where the weather can be more changeable.
When comparing February temperatures to other times of the year, it is cooler than the summer months, when temperatures can climb into the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F) or higher, but marginally warmer than the coldest months such as December and January. February's climate is a refreshing contrast to the warm, dry summers, offering cooler and more varied weather, but still comfortable for exploring all that Madeira has to offer.
Want even more inspiration for your Portugal adventure? Discover the best places to visit in Portugal.
February is the low tourist season in Madeira, which means less crowding at popular attractions and sites. This reduced tourist flow provides a quieter vacation, allowing you to experience the beauty of the island without the hustle and bustle of the high season, such as July and August. Due to the reduced demand, February also offers the advantage of lower accommodation prices and possibly airfares, making it a cost-effective time to travel.
Moreover, the benefits of visiting Madeira in February go beyond just financial savings and more relaxed sightseeing opportunities. This time of year features unique events such as the Madeira Carnival, one of the island's most colorful celebrations, providing guests with a great opportunity to experience the local culture and festivities.
Compared to the summer months, when prices peak and places become crowded, February offers a balance of mild weather, cultural experiences, and value for money, making it an attractive option if you want to enjoy Madeira's charms at a more relaxed pace.
Looking for even more options for your winter getaway? Explore our guide to the best places for a February holiday.
Are you ready to plan your dream trip to Portugal? The local experts at Rough Guides can help you create a fully customized and unforgettable itinerary tailored to your preferences. Here are three tantalizing travel options you should consider:
In February, Madeira offers a combination of cultural festivals, natural beauty, and serene relaxation, making it a great destination for those who want to explore the island's diverse attractions at a leisurely pace.
Madeira offers only a fraction of the unique experiences that Portugal has to offer. For even more ideas for your vacation, see our guide to the best things to do in Portugal.
A year-round paradise, Madeira offers unique experiences every month to suit a variety of travelers' preferences. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events, or just a relaxing vacation in nature, Madeira's diverse climate and activities ensure that there is always something special to do here.
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 03.06.2024
Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Portugal
Discover Portugal's most captivating stories
Your gateway to Portugal - local insights and expert tips for your perfect trip!
Unlock Portugal like a local!