2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Funchal — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Funchal. Warm weather with highs of 20°C—great for outdoor activities. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. Sea temperature of 21°C is refreshing but swimmable.

7
GoTripzi Score Great

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

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

15°C

Rainy days

8days

Daylight

13.8h

Rainfall

27mm

Sunshine

12.3h/day

Humidity

75%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.8

Very High
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 39)

Sea Temp

21°C 💧 Refreshing

Is May a good time to visit Funchal?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:11

Sunset

20:59

13.8h daylight

Visiting Funchal in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🎭
Madeira Flower Festival (Festa da Flor)
Late April–late May Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 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 Current 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 17°C 15°C 12d (75mm) 8.3h
80% Very Humid
3.7 Moderate
Good

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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Your Best MonthJanScore: 7.5
1.Jan
7.52.Feb
7.53.Mar
7.54.Aug
7.45.Dec
76.Nov
6.57.Jun
5.68.Jul
5.69.Sep
5.610.Oct
5.211.Apr
4.712.May
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.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

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

Planning a trip to Funchal?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Funchal?
May is typically excellent for visiting Funchal, with average highs of 20°C and around 8 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 May?
Evenings in Funchal during May 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 May?
With highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. 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 May?
Funchal typically sees around 8 rainy days in May. 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 May?
May is suitable for swimming in Funchal, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 20°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in Funchal in May?
In May, Funchal gets approximately 13.8 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 May peak season in Funchal?
Yes, May is peak season in Funchal. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

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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