2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Funchal — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Funchal. Mild temperatures around 17°C make it comfortable for exploring. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. With only around 10 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. Sea temperature of 21°C is refreshing but swimmable.

7.5
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

17°C

Avg Low

15°C

Rainy days

12days

Daylight

10h

Rainfall

75mm

Sunshine

8.3h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

3.7

Moderate
Wind

15 km/h (gusts 48)

Sea Temp

21°C 💧 Refreshing

Is December a good time to visit Funchal?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:02

Sunset

18:04

10h daylight

Visiting Funchal in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
New Year's Eve Fireworks
December 31 (lights from December 1) Festival

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Funchal Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 17°C 14°C 9d (55mm) 8.6h
80% Very Humid
4.2 Moderate
Good
Feb 17°C 13°C 8d (45mm) 9.7h
80% Very Humid
5.6 High
Good
Mar 17°C 13°C 13d (65mm) 10.7h
79% Humid
7.1 Very High
Wet
Apr 18°C 14°C 10d (39mm) 11.5h
78% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
May 20°C 15°C 8d (27mm) 12.3h
75% Humid
9.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 21°C 17°C 7d (44mm) 12.8h
76% Humid
10 Very High
Excellent
Jul 24°C 19°C 2d (5mm) 12.9h
74% Humid
10.5 Extreme
Excellent
Aug 25°C 20°C 2d (9mm) 12.1h
73% Humid
9.8 Very High
Good
Sep 23°C 19°C 9d (25mm) 11.1h
76% Humid
7.6 Very High
Excellent
Oct 22°C 18°C 12d (57mm) 9.8h
77% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Nov 19°C 16°C 10d (61mm) 9h
79% Humid
4.5 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 17°C 15°C 12d (75mm) 8.3h
80% Very Humid
3.7 Moderate
Good

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4.7

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Funchal – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Funchal

Atlantic island paradise, including levada trails, Levada hiking trails and Monte Palace Tropical Garden, flowers, cliffs, and Madeira wine.

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What to Pack for December

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Warm Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Funchal?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Funchal?
December is typically good for visiting Funchal, with average highs of 17°C and around 12 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Funchal in December?
Evenings in Funchal during December are mild at 15°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Funchal in December?
With highs of 17°C and lows of 15°C in December, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Funchal in December?
Funchal typically sees around 12 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Funchal in December?
Swimming in Funchal during December is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 17°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Funchal in December?
In December, Funchal gets approximately 10 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Funchal?
No, December is not peak season in Funchal. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Atlantic/Madeira)

Last Updated: February 2026

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