Portugal, Europe

Madeira in December

Christmas lights are spectacular, but New Year's Eve week is the island's most expensive and crowded time.

TradeoffsMild, highs near 68F (20C), rain possible

Gardens and palace in Funchal, Madeira — MadeiraPhoto: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Madeira. Christmas lights are spectacular, but New Year's Eve week is the island's most expensive and crowded time.

Weather: Mild, highs near 68F (20C), rain possible
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Madeira

December is mild, with highs near 68F (20C), and rain is possible. Funchal's Christmas lights are spectacular, and the city feels festive from early in the month. New Year's Eve week is the island's most expensive and crowded time, with fireworks over the bay on December 31. Airport wind can cause delays.

This month suits families and couples who want a festive, mild winter break. Early December is quieter and cheaper than the last week of the month. Book New Year's Eve a year ahead. For hiking or beach time, spring and September are better.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Madeira this month.

Christmas lights

Funchal's streets are covered in lights and decorations from early December.

New Year's Eve fireworks

The fireworks over Funchal Bay are the island's biggest night of the year.

Monte and gardens

Cool, clear days are good for the cable car and garden visits.

What to pack for December

A light rain jacket
Layers for cool evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
A small umbrella

Our timing tip

Book accommodation a year ahead if you want to be in Funchal for New Year's Eve.

Book Madeira for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Madeira
Opens a hotel search for Madeira in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Madeira
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Madeira
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madeira for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks

Early December to early January

Funchal's New Year's fireworks over the bay are the island's biggest night of the year. Book accommodation a year ahead for that week.

Things to do in Madeira

Full guide

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 →

Levada do Caldeirao Verde

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

Tickets and tours →

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 →

Madeira Botanical Garden

Subtropical gardens above Funchal with views over the bay.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal

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

Tickets and tours →

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Madeira?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Madeira. Christmas lights are spectacular, but New Year's Eve week is the island's most expensive and crowded time.

What is the weather like in Madeira in December?

Mild, highs near 68F (20C), rain possible.

Is Madeira crowded in December?

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

What is happening in Madeira in December?

Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks (early december to early january).