September: 86 places at their best

Portugal, Europe

Madeira in April

Flowers everywhere and often the Flower Festival. Easter week is busy.

BestPleasant, highs near 68F (20C)
Gardens and palace in Funchal, Madeira
MadeiraPhoto: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Madeira. Flowers everywhere and often the Flower Festival. Easter week is busy.

Weather
Pleasant, highs near 68F (20C)
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What April is like in Madeira

April is one of Madeira's best months. Highs near 68F (20C), flowers everywhere, and good hiking weather make the island shine. The Flower Festival often begins in late April, after Easter, with flower carpets and a big parade in Funchal. Easter week is busy. Crowds and prices are rising but still reasonable.

This month suits almost everyone, especially families, walkers, and garden lovers. It is ideal for levada walks and mountain views. Book Easter week and Flower Festival weekends early. If you want warmer sea swimming, wait for late summer or September.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Madeira this month.

01

Madeira Flower Festival

Flower carpets, a children's Wall of Hope, and a flower parade fill Funchal, often from late April.

02

Levada walking season

Green valleys and waterfalls are at their best on classic walks.

03

Pico do Arieiro views

Clear spring days are great for the PR1 hike to Pico Ruivo when the trail is open.

What to pack for April

  • Sturdy hiking shoes
  • A light jacket for mountain wind
  • Sunscreen
  • A small flashlight

Our timing tip

Pay the hiking fee and register online before you set out, since many official trails now require it.

Book Madeira for April.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

What's on in April

Madeira Flower Festival

Spring, usually late April or May, after Easter

Flower carpets, a children's Wall of Hope, and a big flower parade in Funchal.

Things to do in Madeira

Full guide
01

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)

Madeira's classic high-mountain hike. Trails close after fires and storms, and a hiking fee and registration now apply for visitors; check the regional forest service.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

Levada do Caldeirao Verde

A long, green levada walk from Queimadas through tunnels to a tall waterfall. Bring a flashlight.

Tickets and tours →

03

Monte cable car and toboggan ride

Ride the cable car up from Funchal, see the Monte church and gardens, then slide down in a wicker basket sledge.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Madeira Botanical Garden

Subtropical gardens above Funchal with views over the bay.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal

The farmers' market for exotic fruit and the famous fish hall. Go in the morning.

Tickets and tours →

06

Blandy's Wine Lodge

Tours and tastings of Madeira wine in the historic Funchal lodge.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Start the Pico do Arieiro hike at sunrise or very early morning. Car parks fill and clouds often roll in by late morning.
  • Choose weekdays for popular levadas like Caldeirao Verde and 25 Fontes; weekends add local hikers.
  • Avoid New Year's week unless the fireworks are the point. Late January and February offer similar weather for much less.
  • Base in Funchal for the south's sunshine, but consider a night on the north coast to hike early before day-trippers arrive.

Know before you go

  • Mountain trails, including the PR1 peak hike, close periodically after storms, landslides, or fires. Check the official trail status before you go.
  • A hiking fee and online registration now apply to many official trails for non-residents. Pay before you hike.
  • Funchal and the main sights are open all year. Madeira has little true off-season.
  • Wind at Madeira's airport occasionally causes flight diversions or delays, especially in winter. Build some slack into connections.

Madeira in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Madeira?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Madeira. Flowers everywhere and often the Flower Festival. Easter week is busy.

What is the weather like in Madeira in April?

Pleasant, highs near 68F (20C).

Is Madeira crowded in April?

Madeira is busy in April, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Madeira in April?

Madeira Flower Festival (spring, usually late april or may, after easter).

Keep planning Madeira.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Madeira in MarchThe month before: Mild, highs near 67F (19C)Good
  2. 02Madeira in MayThe month after: Pleasant, highs near 70F (21C)Best
  3. 03The full Madeira yearEvery month, graded12 months

Also at their best in April

Everywhere in April

Where else is good in April?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

Sort these two things first.

Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

  • Travel insurance.

    Faye

    A missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.

    Visit Faye
  • eSIM data.

    Saily

    Set up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.

    Visit Saily

Our top-rated travel gear

Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.

Packing CubesEagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Compression Set

compression set

Check price ~$50
ChargerAnker Nano II 65W

Anker Nano II 65W

65W GaN listed

Check price ~$30
TrackerApple AirTag (4-Pack)

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

4 per pack listed

Check price ~$89
Travel PillowTrtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow

packs flat

Check price ~$65
AdapterEPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

all-region listed

Check price ~$20
Luggage ScaleEtekcity Luggage Scale

Etekcity Luggage Scale

handheld hook

Check price ~$10

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.