Madeira is washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and rises dramatically from the sea with several peaks in the central ridge, the highest being Pico do Arieiro at 1818m. The climate is warm to hot in summer (averaging a maximum of 24 °C and minimum of 17 °C) and cool in winters (averaging a maximum of 20 °C and minimum of 13 °C). The vegetation is lush and dense with many sub tropical fruits and flowers flourishing.
Best time to go
Madeira is an all year round destination with temperatures varying only a few degrees throughout the year. Night temperatures are only a few degrees cooler than the daytime. Local Events and Festivals are ongoing so there will be always something to see and do.
Weather Guide
Temperature is mild with no great extremes – although it is wise to take warm clothes when visiting the mountains. 22ºC in the summer and 16ºC in the winter, and a moderate level of humidity. The seawater temperature is also very mild, because of the influence of the warm Gulf current, presenting averages of 22ºC in the summer and 18º in the winter.
To check the weather in Madeira for the coming week visit: www.windguru.com
Time difference
Madeira follows Portuguese time with Summer time. Clocks advance one hour on the last Sunday of March and go back one hour on the last Sunday of October
Language
Portuguese, but English is widely spoken and understood
Currency
€ Euro
Credit cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants
Banks
Banks are open from 8:30 to 15:00hrs, Monday to Friday. Foreign Exchange offices work from 9:00 to 13:00hrs and from 14:00 to 19:00hrs, every day, except on Saturdays when they open from 9:00 to 19:00hrs. Outside these periods, the hotels can make currency exchange.
Medical Facilities
There are 2 major hospitals in Funchal and a number of health centres around the island.
Water
The local water is safe to drink.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volts; two pin Europe adaptors are required.
Tipping
In hotels and restaurants the bill normally includes service. The normal rate for good service is 10%.
VISAs
Visitors coming from the European Union, members of the Schengen Treaty, are granted unrestricted entry. Visitors from member states that are not signatories to this treaty need an identification document. International visitors should have a valid passport, and in some cases, a visa to visit Portugal might be requested. There is no need for any kind of vaccination
National Holidays
• 1 January - New Years’ Day
• 25 April - Freedom Day
• 1 May - May Day
• 10 June - Day of Camões and Portugal
• 15 August - Our Lady Assumption
• 5 October - Republic Day
• 1 November - All Saints Day
• 1 December - Restoration of Independence Day
• 25 December - Christmas Day
On the 1st of July the Autonomous Region of Madeira celebrates its holiday. Religious festivities, with variable dates, are also celebrated in the Islands.
