Madeira in September: weather, events and what to pack
Madeira in September: summer warmth without the crowds, the warmest sea of the year, the Wine Festival grape harvest and the Columbus Festival on Porto Santo.
Funchal, averages 1991–2020. Source: IPMA; sunshine: Deutscher Wetterdienst, 1991–2020; sea temperature rounded.
September is many locals’ favourite month. The heat of August eases, the sea is at its warmest and the island gets quieter once schools go back. It is harvest time for the vineyards.
The weather in September
Days are still around 27 °C and nights around 20 °C. The sea is at its warmest, about 24 °C. The first autumn showers can arrive late in the month, but most days are dry and sunny.
Mid-month you get about 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 07:50 and sunset around 20:16. For today’s conditions, see our weather page and the live webcams.
Festivals and events
The Wine Festival celebrates the harvest in Funchal and in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, where you can join the live grape picking and treading; in 2027 that is on 11 September. Porto Santo re-enacts the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Columbus Festival, in 2027 from 23 to 26 September. The full list of dated events for September is below, taken from our calendar.
What to do in September
- Swimming and snorkelling in the warmest sea
- The Wine Festival in Estreito and Funchal
- Walks at all altitudes
- Whale and dolphin trips
What to pack
- Summer clothes and swimwear
- A light layer for evenings
- Walking shoes
- Sun protection
See the full packing list.
Crowds and prices
Busy in the first half, calmer afterwards. Good value later in the month.
Good to know
Book a harvest experience early; they sell out. Read the best time to visit Madeira to compare the months.
What’s on in September
Full calendarStaying on Madeira?
Holiday homes around the island, from apartments in Funchal to houses with a sea view.
See homes on Madeira Dreams