Portugal, Europe
Madeira in August
Peak summer demand and the start of the wine festival. Fire risk in dry years can close trails.
The straight answer
August is a good month to visit Madeira. Peak summer demand and the start of the wine festival. Fire risk in dry years can close trails.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 79F (26C), dry
- Crowds
- 5 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What August is like in Madeira
August is warm and dry, with highs near 79F (26C). It is peak summer demand, so prices and crowds are at their highest. The Madeira Wine Festival begins in late August. The sea is warm and the natural pools are busy. In dry years, fire risk can close trails, so check before you hike.
This month suits families tied to school holidays. Book everything early, and plan hikes for early mornings when it is cooler. If you can move your trip, September has the warmest sea, the wine festival, and fewer people.
Make the most of August
What is especially good about Madeira this month.
Madeira Wine Festival begins
Late August brings harvest celebrations and tastings in Funchal and Estreito de Camara de Lobos.
Warm sea
Swimming at Funchal's lidos and the natural pools is at its best.
Blandy's Wine Lodge
A cool indoor stop for a tour and tasting of Madeira wine.
What to pack for August
- Swimsuits
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A reusable water bottle
Our timing tip
Book rental cars and hotels months ahead, since August is the island's busiest month.
Book Madeira for August.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for August
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MadeiraOpens a hotel search for Madeira in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MadeiraWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MadeiraTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madeira for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in August
Madeira Wine Festival
Late August into September
Grape-harvest celebrations, wine tastings, and events in Funchal and Estreito de Camara de Lobos.
Things to do in Madeira
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.
Levada do Caldeirao Verde
A long, green levada walk from Queimadas through tunnels to a tall waterfall. Bring a flashlight.
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.
Madeira Botanical Garden
Subtropical gardens above Funchal with views over the bay.
Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal
The farmers' market for exotic fruit and the famous fish hall. Go in the morning.
Blandy's Wine Lodge
Tours and tastings of Madeira wine in the historic Funchal lodge.
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 August, quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Madeira?
August is a good month to visit Madeira. Peak summer demand and the start of the wine festival. Fire risk in dry years can close trails.
What is the weather like in Madeira in August?
Warm, highs near 79F (26C), dry.
Is Madeira crowded in August?
August is peak crowd season in Madeira; expect lines at the headline sights.
What is happening in Madeira in August?
Madeira Wine Festival (late august into september).
Keep planning Madeira.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in August
Best in Aug
Iceland
Europe
Mild, highs near 56F (13C), nights returning late month
Best in Aug
Swiss Alps
Switzerland
Warm, highs near 72F (22C), thunderstorm season
Best in Aug
East Africa Safari
Kenya & Tanzania
Dry, highs near 75F (24C)
Best in Aug
Alaska
United States
Mild, highs near 63F (17C), rainier on the coast
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
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.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.