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August is the warmest month, and visitors ask how hot it really gets. The Funchal Madeira average temperature August brings is a high of 26.8 °C and a low of 20.7 °C, by the IPMA normals for the Funchal Observatory, the highest of the year on both counts. Rain is 1.3 mm, the driest month, and sunshine peaks at about 237 hours. At the end of the month the Wine Festival begins.
August's warm, calm water suits a boat trip; the heights suit a sunrise escape from the heat.
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Air, sea and rain in August
The madeira temperature august gives is 26.8 °C (80.2 °F) by day and 20.7 °C (69.3 °F) at night, just above July and September.
The sea normal at the Pontinha pier in Funchal is about 22.6 °C; August 2025 measured 23.4 °C. Only September is warmer in the water.
Rain is almost nil at 1.3 mm, and sunshine reaches about 237 hours, the most of any month. Check the IPMA forecast for heat and sea conditions.
Against July, August is 1.4 degrees warmer by day and a degree warmer at night, with about 4 more hours of sun. September is only 0.2 degrees cooler by day, and its sea is warmer still, so late summer lasts well beyond August.
Funchal in August
- Average high
- 26.8 °C (80.2 °F)
- Average low
- 20.7 °C (69.3 °F)
- Rainfall
- 1.3 mm
- Sunshine
- 237 hours
- Sea at Funchal
- 22.6 °C, the normal
The mountains, the wine and what to pack
At Queimadas, above Santana, the normals give an August high of 19.7 °C, cooler by seven degrees than Funchal, with 69.5 mm of rain. The mountains are the natural escape from the heat, and dawn on the peaks is cool.
The Madeira Wine Festival ran from 23 August to 13 September in 2026, in the streets of Funchal and in vineyards and cellars, with the Madeira Wine Lounge at Praça do Povo. The Lido's bathing season continues.
Pack light summer clothes, a hat, sun protection and a layer for the heights. Compare July, September and the whole year on the Funchal weather page.
Planning an August stay
August is the busiest month, with families on holiday and the warmest weather. Book rooms, cars and the popular tours early. The heat at sea level is moderate, so city walking is fine in the mornings and evenings, and the Lido, €6 an entry, and the Blue Flag areas such as Formosa and Clube Naval do Funchal are the midday refuge. For the hikes, start early, carry more water than usual and choose the high trails, which stay cooler. At the end of the month the Wine Festival adds evening tastings and music at Praça do Povo.
Blue Flag areas such as Formosa provide a midday refuge during the warm August weather.Common questions
What is the hottest month in Madeira?
August: Funchal averages 26.8 °C by day and 20.7 °C at night.
How warm is the sea in August?
About 22.6 °C at Funchal, the normal; 23.4 °C was measured in August 2025.
When is the Wine Festival?
From 23 August to 13 September in 2026.