Madeira in the rain: what to do on a wet day

Rain in Madeira rarely lasts all day, and it is almost never raining everywhere. Before you give up on the day, check our webcams: when clouds sit on Funchal, the south-west around Ponta do Sol and Calheta is often bright, and on some days the mountain tops are above the clouds in full sun.

If it really is wet, here is what works.

In Funchal

• The Mercado dos Lavradores. Covered, busy and colourful, with the fish hall at the back. Best in the morning. See our market guide.
• Museums. The CR7 Museum, the Frederico de Freitas house museum, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Quinta das Cruzes are all compact and good for an hour or two.
• Madeira wine lodges. Tastings and tours in the old town lodges, such as Blandy’s, are a classic rainy-day plan. See Madeira wine.
• Cafés and long lunches. A slow lunch in the Zona Velha, with bolo do caco and a glass of wine, is a very Madeiran way to wait out a shower.
• The cable car to Monte still runs in light rain, and the Monte Palace garden is beautiful in the mist.

Around the island

• The Whale Museum in Caniçal, modern and interactive, good for all ages. See Machico and Caniçal.
• Engenhos da Calheta and the rum distillery in Porto da Cruz, where sugar cane is still pressed in spring.
• The Mudas contemporary art museum in Calheta, with a view over the sea.
• A scenic drive. Waterfalls along the north coast road are at their best after rain.

For kids

Indoor play centres, bowling, the cinema at the Madeira Shopping and Forum Madeira malls, and the Whale Museum are reliable. See a rainy day with kids.

What to avoid on rainy days

• Mountain walks and levadas. Paths get slippery, stream crossings rise and rockfalls are more likely. Trails can be closed on warning days.
• Swimming in the sea when waves are big.
• Parking under steep slopes or in stream beds.

Check the weather warnings before you change plans.