Funchal (Madeira) in December
In December, Funchal (Madeira) averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (74 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Funchal (Madeira) is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Funchal (Madeira)
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Funchal (Madeira) (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (20°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (19°C) and cools 1°C in January (16°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Funchal (Madeira)
Times shown for Funchal (Madeira) local time (Atlantic/Madeira), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Funchal (Madeira) — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Funchal (Madeira)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Funchal (Madeira) in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Funchal (Madeira)'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Funchal (Madeira)
This is a busy month in Funchal (Madeira) — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Funchal (Madeira)
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Funchal (Madeira) in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 54°F | 53 mm | 8 | — |
| February | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 53°F | 63 mm | 9 | — |
| March | 17°C / 62°F | 12°C / 53°F | 65 mm | 10 | — |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 13°C / 55°F | 74 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 20°C / 67°F | 14°C / 58°F | 32 mm | 7 | — |
| June | 21°C / 71°F | 16°C / 61°F | 66 mm | 7 | — |
| July | 24°C / 74°F | 18°C / 64°F | 13 mm | 3 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | 12 mm | 3 | — |
| September | 23°C / 74°F | 18°C / 65°F | 41 mm | 11 | — |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 17°C / 63°F | 79 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 19°C / 66°F | 15°C / 58°F | 83 mm | 12 | — |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 13°C / 56°F | 74 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Funchal (Madeira) in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Funchal (Madeira) in December?
In December, Funchal (Madeira) averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 13°C (56°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Funchal (Madeira) in December?
December can be fairly wet in Funchal (Madeira), with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Funchal (Madeira)?
December is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Funchal (Madeira) in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Funchal (Madeira) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.