Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works
December is Funchal's most festive month, and its wettest. The Madeira weather December average temperature at the Funchal Observatory is a high of 21.0 °C and a low of 15.5 °C, by the IPMA normals, with 94.8 mm of rain, the most of any month, and about 151 hours of sunshine, the least. Still, it is mild enough to sit outside, and the lights and the New Year fireworks draw the crowds.
Between Christmas nights, a December morning at sea or a walk through the old town.
Most reviewedFrom Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching
Dolphins and whales off Funchal
In the cityAir, sea and rain in December
The madeira average temperature december gives is 21.0 °C (69.8 °F) by day and 15.5 °C (59.9 °F) at night, down nearly two degrees on November.
The madeira sea temperature december normal at the Pontinha pier in Funchal is about 19.5 °C; December 2025 measured 20.2 °C. The sea stays warmer than the air at night.
Rain is 94.8 mm, the year's peak, and sunshine about 151 hours, the year's low. Showers still pass between dry spells; use the IPMA forecast to place the outdoor plans.
Funchal in December
- Average high
- 21.0 °C (69.8 °F)
- Average low
- 15.5 °C (59.9 °F)
- Rainfall
- 94.8 mm
- Sunshine
- 151 hours
- Sea at Funchal
- 19.5 °C, the normal
The mountains, Christmas and what to pack
The madeira december temperature in the mountains is winter. At Queimadas, above Santana, the normals give a high of 12.8 °C and 296.6 mm of rain. Dress warmly for any walk above the coast.
For the madeira december weather temperature at the festivities: the Christmas season runs from 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. The market night at the Mercado dos Lavradores falls on 23 December, the dawn Missas do Parto run from mid-December, and the New Year's Eve fireworks over the bay were recognised by Guinness World Records in 2006 as the largest display in the world. Evenings outdoors are cool, so bring a jacket.
Pack layers, a warm jacket for the evenings and a waterproof. Compare November, January and the whole year on the Funchal weather page.
Planning a December stay
December is about the season rather than the weather. Book early for the last week of the year, when the New Year fireworks fill Funchal, and choose a room with a view of the bay if the fireworks are the reason for the trip. By day, use the dry spells for the city and the gardens, and the wet ones for the museums, the wine lodges and the market. The Mercado dos Lavradores is open Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday to 14:00, and closed on Sundays and public holidays, so check the Christmas dates before planning a visit.
The Mercado dos Lavradores is closed on Sundays and public holidays.Common questions
Is December warm in Madeira?
Mild: Funchal averages 21.0 °C by day and 15.5 °C at night.
How warm is the sea in December?
About 19.5 °C at Funchal, the normal; 20.2 °C was measured in December 2025.
When is the Christmas season?
From 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, with the New Year's Eve fireworks over the bay.