The island bursts into colour with flowering trees and lush levadas. Perfect hiking conditions before the summer crowds arrive. Carnival season transitions into a cooler, wetter March that clears by May.
Warm and sunny on the south coast, cooler in the north and at altitude. The busiest and most expensive period. Funchal fills with visitors — book accommodation well ahead. Cloud inversions are spectacular from high viewpoints.
September and October are arguably the best months: summer warmth lingers, the sea is at its warmest, and the peak crowds are gone. November brings more rain but atmospheric light for photography.
Madeira's famous Christmas lights draw visitors to Funchal. The mountains can see snow while the coast stays mild. Fewer tourists mean quieter trails and better prices. New Year's fireworks over the bay are world-class.