Madeira in October: weather, events and what to pack
Madeira in October: warm sea, long sunny spells and the first autumn rains, the Nature Festival and quieter trails.
Funchal, averages 1991–2020. Source: IPMA; sunshine: Deutscher Wetterdienst, 1991–2020; sea temperature rounded.
October is late summer turning into autumn. Many days are still warm enough for the beach, but the first proper rain of the season usually arrives, freshening the island after the dry summer.
The weather in October
Days are around 25 °C and nights around 19 °C. The sea is still warm, about 23 °C. October is one of the wetter months on average, with around seven rainy days, often as heavy showers between sunny spells.
Mid-month you get about 11 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 08:10 and sunset around 19:36. For today’s conditions, see our weather page and the live webcams.
Festivals and events
The Nature Festival brings guided walks, canyoning, diving and other outdoor activities across the island; in 2027 it runs from 5 to 10 October. Towards the end of the month, chestnut season begins in Curral das Freiras. The full list of dated events for October is below, taken from our calendar.
What to do in October
- Sea swimming, still warm
- Walks on dry days, with fewer people
- Outdoor activities during the Nature Festival
- Wine lodge tastings on wet afternoons
What to pack
- Summer clothes plus a warmer layer
- A rain jacket
- Swimwear
- Walking shoes with grip
See the full packing list.
Crowds and prices
Calmer than summer, especially after mid-month. Good value.
Good to know
Keep plans flexible: autumn storms can close trails for a day or two. Read the best time to visit Madeira to compare the months.
What’s on in October
Full calendarStaying on Madeira?
Holiday homes around the island, from apartments in Funchal to houses with a sea view.
See homes on Madeira Dreams