Madeira, Portugal

Madeira, Portugal's Topography

The island of Madeira has a surface area of 459 square miles, and is just 35 miles long by 12 miles wide. The Madeiran archipelago is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas. The sunny and prosperous southern coast is rich with crop fields, while the cooler, wetter north side has fewer settlements and more cattle. Many parts of the mountainous and volcanic interior remain wild, and some are accessible only on foot, making it popular with hikers.

Madeira, Portugal's weather year around

Because of its geographical position and mountainous relief, Madeira has a remarkably mild and stable climate. Temperatures have a narrow range that remains steadfastly between the high 60°Fs in winter and the mid-70°Fs in summer. Only for a handful of days in summer, when the hot Leste wind blows, does it ever get significantly hotter. Even the humidity is quite moderate, making this one of the world's most enviable climates.

Spring 67°F.

Summer 73°F.

Fall 69°F.

Winter 64°F.