When To Go · Destination Guide

Madeira

Atlantic island walls, marine reserves, and easy add-on days to Porto Santo

Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 15 sources

When to go

Best time to visit Madeira

Madeira supports diving and snorkeling yearround, but sea state changes what is realistically accessible.

Best overall window

Warmest water (often 21°C to 24°C), calmer seas, and the easiest time to combine diving, hiking, and boat trips.

Outside that window

Cooler water (around 18°C to 20°C) and more Atlantic swell. Prioritize southcoast plans and keep flexible itineraries.

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs	Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs	Overall - Mar: Tradeoffs	Overall - Apr: Good	Overall - May: Best	Overall - Jun: Best	Overall - Jul: Best	Overall - Aug: Best	Overall - Sep: Best	Overall - Oct: Best	Overall - Nov: Good	Overall - Dec: Tradeoffs

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales
Best for Topside, Scuba
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Madeira has resident cetaceans, so sightings can happen yearround on whale watching trips and occasionally from dive boats transiting sites.
Sperm whales and striped dolphins
Best for Topside
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
These are reported regularly throughout the year around Madeira.
Common dolphins
Best for Topside
Jan to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Common dolphins are most often reported in winter and spring.
Atlantic spotted dolphins and Bryde's whales
Best for Topside
Apr to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Spring to autumn brings a wider variety of species and calmer conditions for boat time.
Porto Santo wreck and artificial reef days
Best for Scuba
May to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Late spring through early autumn is the easiest window for ferry logistics and calm conditions around the Porto Santo islets and artificial reefs.
Desertas and Selvagens conservation spotlight
Best for Topside, Scuba
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Trips to Desertas and especially Selvagens are highly seastate dependent and accesscontrolled.

For mixed groups, summer is easiest for both ocean days and mountain road trips.

Apr, Nov: Milder crowds and generally good conditions, but with a higher chance of swell affecting exposed sites.
Dec to Mar: Cooler water (around 18°C to 20°C) and more Atlantic swell. Prioritize south-coast plans and keep flexible itineraries.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.