Madeira Travel Guide
Practical tips for planning your visit using webcams and understanding Madeira's unique microclimates
Madeira's dramatic topography creates dozens of microclimates. A sunny day in Funchal can mean fog and rain in the mountains just 30 minutes away. This guide shows you how to use our webcams effectively and understand Madeira's weather patterns to plan the perfect day.
How to Use Webcams for Daily Planning
Check Multiple Locations
Don't rely on just one webcam. Check both north and south coast feeds before deciding where to go. The south coast (Funchal, Calheta) often has better weather, but the north coast (Porto Moniz, Seixal) offers stunning views when clear.
Morning Mountain Checks
Mountain webcams (Pico do Areeiro, Achada do Teixeira) are most useful in the morning. If you see clear skies at 8-9 AM, it's usually safe to plan mountain activities. Afternoon fog is common even when mornings are clear.
Compare Before You Drive
Madeira's roads are winding and can take 1-2 hours between locations. Always check the webcam at your destination before driving there. A 20-minute check can save hours of driving in fog or rain.
Bookmark Your Favorites
Bookmark the webcam locations you visit most. Quick access means you can check conditions in seconds before leaving your hotel or starting your hike.
Understanding Madeira's Weather Patterns
Madeira has a subtropical climate, but elevation and location create dramatic differences.
South Coast (Funchal, Calheta)
Warmest and sunniest area. Receives 600-800mm rain annually. Best for beach days, city exploring, and outdoor dining. Temperatures: 18-26°C year-round. Morning fog is rare.
North Coast (Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente)
Cooler and wetter than south. Receives 1,200-1,800mm rain annually. More dramatic cliffs and natural pools. Can be foggy in mornings. Temperatures: 16-24°C. Best visited when webcams show clear conditions.
Mountains (Pico do Areeiro, Rabaçal, Achada do Teixeira)
Significantly cooler (8-15°C cooler than Funchal). Fog is common, especially after 11 AM. Can receive snow in winter (December-February). Always bring warm layers. Check webcams before visiting - visibility can drop to near zero.
East Coast (Machico, Caniçal)
Similar to south coast but slightly cooler. Good for beaches and less crowded than Funchal. Check wind conditions for beach days.
Best Times to Visit Different Areas
Mountains: Early Morning (7-10 AM)
Mountain peaks are clearest in early morning. Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and Rabaçal are best visited before 11 AM. Afternoon fog is very common, even on sunny days in Funchal.
Coast: Late Morning to Afternoon (10 AM-4 PM)
Coastal areas are best in late morning through afternoon. Sea breezes help with temperature, and visibility is usually good. North coast can be foggy in early morning.
Levada Walks: Check Trail Location
Levada walks vary by elevation. Low-elevation levadas (near coast) can be done anytime. High-elevation levadas (Rabaçal, 25 Fontes) should be checked via mountain webcams - they can be foggy and slippery when wet.
Beaches: Check Wind and UV
Use coastal webcams to check sea state and wind. Calheta and Machico beaches are best when winds are calm. UV index can be high even on cloudy days - always check weather data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming One Forecast Applies Everywhere
Weather apps often show 'Funchal' forecast, which doesn't reflect mountain or north coast conditions. Always check location-specific webcams.
Not Checking Before Long Drives
Driving from Funchal to Porto Moniz takes 1.5 hours. Always check the destination webcam first. Many visitors arrive to find fog or rain after a long drive.
Underestimating Mountain Weather
Pico do Areeiro can be 10°C colder than Funchal with strong winds. Even in summer, bring warm layers. The road can close in winter due to snow or ice.
Planning Afternoon Mountain Visits
Mountain fog typically rolls in after 11 AM. Plan mountain activities for early morning. Afternoons are better for coastal areas.
Practical Planning Tips
Use Webcams with Weather Data
Combine webcam views with our weather data for each location. Temperature, wind, and visibility data help you dress appropriately and plan activities.
Plan Flexible Itineraries
Have backup plans. If mountains are foggy, switch to coastal activities. If the north coast is rainy, the south coast is usually clear. Webcams help you adapt in real-time.
Check Multiple Times
Weather changes quickly. Check webcams the night before for morning plans, and again in the morning before leaving. Conditions can change in 30 minutes.
Understand Elevation Changes
Every 100m elevation ≈ 0.6°C temperature drop. Pico do Areeiro (1,818m) is about 11°C colder than Funchal (sea level). Plan accordingly.
Start Planning Now
Use our webcams and weather data to plan your perfect day in Madeira