Rota do Vinho – Wine Route (Half-Day Walk)
Half-day walk along a section of Levada do Norte from Garachico to Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, with views of the town and the vineyards around it.
from €34 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Madeira weather in December
December in Madeira is the festive season, with Christmas lights and the world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks. In Funchal, daytime highs are typically around 20 °C and nights around 14 °C, with the sea at about 19 °C.
| Month | Day | Night | Sea | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19 °C | 13 °C | 18 °C | 90 mm |
| February | 19 °C | 13 °C | 18 °C | 75 mm |
| March | 20 °C | 13 °C | 18 °C | 70 mm |
| April | 20 °C | 14 °C | 18 °C | 40 mm |
| May | 21 °C | 15 °C | 19 °C | 20 mm |
| June | 23 °C | 17 °C | 20 °C | 10 mm |
| July | 25 °C | 18 °C | 22 °C | 2 mm |
| August | 26 °C | 19 °C | 23 °C | 5 mm |
| September | 26 °C | 19 °C | 23 °C | 30 mm |
| October | 24 °C | 18 °C | 22 °C | 80 mm |
| November | 22 °C | 16 °C | 21 °C | 95 mm |
| December | 20 °C | 14 °C | 19 °C | 100 mm |
Weather in December
These are typical averages for Funchal on the south coast. The north coast is usually cloudier and wetter, and at Pico do Arieiro temperatures are around 10 °C lower. Average rainfall in Funchal is about 100 mm in December. Rain usually comes in short showers between sunny spells.
For live conditions, check the forecast of the Portuguese weather institute (IPMA) and mountain webcams before a sunrise trip. See the full-year overview in Madeira weather.
What to do in December
Enjoy Funchal's Christmas markets and lights, coastal walks and wine tastings. Mountain hikes depend on the weather; check trail status after storms.
Find guided options in our tours and guided hikes pages.
Events in December
The Christmas lights are switched on in early December, and the New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal bay are among the most spectacular in the world. All the details are in our New Year's Eve in Madeira guide.
See the full calendar in festivals and events.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Madeira?
Yes, especially for Christmas and New Year, but book hotels and boat trips for the fireworks many months in advance.
How warm is the sea in Madeira in December?
Around 19 °C on average.
What should I pack for Madeira in December?
Light clothes for the coast, a warm layer and a rain jacket for the mountains, and shoes with grip for walking.
Top-rated tours
Madeira Tuk-Tuk Ride to Monte Toboggans or Tropical Gardens
One-way scenic ride up to Monte, with pickup in the Funchal area or at the cruise port. Then try the toboggans or visit the Tropical Garden on your own. Photo stops on request.
- Easy
- Hotel pickup
from €25 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Half-Day Small-Group Madeira Village Safari from Funchal
A half-day 4x4 outing for those who like small groups and wide views from an open-roof jeep. Stops include Cabo Girão and Jardim da Serra.
- Easy
from €44 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Magic Dolphin Celebrity
Dolphin and whale watching on a classic catamaran with a cap of 18 couples. The 9 am trip in July and August lasts 2.5 hours without swimming; later departures include a 20-minute break.
from €40 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self-Guided
For early risers who want a sunrise above the clouds plus about 5 hours of walking on PR1 and PR3, without a guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
- Moderate
- Hotel pickup
from €30 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Funchal Audio-Guided Walking Tour (1h30) with 25 Audio Comments
A 3.7 km city walk with an audio guide, suited to visitors interested in history and local life. The route passes the cathedral, the Mercado dos Lavradores and the municipal garden.
- Easy
from €5.90 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Madeira Guided Wine Tour and Extras
Tour a Funchal wine lodge, learn its history and taste Madeira wines. Options add a cheese stop or a five-stop food tour. Other tour languages run at different times, so say so when booking.
from €35 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Funchal Botanical Garden and Old Town Tuk-Tuk Experience
Relaxed tuk tuk ride with a local guide through Funchal's old streets to the Botanical Garden, whose terraces hold exotic plants and views over the city and the Atlantic.
- Easy
from €38 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Plan your trip
- Best time to visitSeasons, festivals and the best months for each activity.
- WeatherTemperatures, rain and sea by month, and how to read the forecast.
- Car hireRenting a car at Funchal airport and driving tips.
- Where to stayThe best areas to stay in Madeira for each type of trip.
- ItinerariesHow to organise 3, 5 or 7 days in Madeira.
- BeachesSandy beaches, lidos and natural pools around the island.
- Madeira wine & foodMadeira wine, poncha, local dishes and tasting tours.
- Airport & transfersGetting from Madeira airport to Funchal and around the island.