Madeira in February
Carnival month — colour, music and the start of the almond blossom.
Similar to January, 18–20 °C in Funchal. Statistically the driest winter month.
18 °C, still cool. Cable-car and toboggan operate as normal.
February brings Madeira's biggest winter party — Carnival, with parades, costumes and all-night street programming through Funchal. Outside Carnival week the island is still in low season, with mild dry weather and almond trees in bloom across the north slopes.
Why come in February
- +Carnival parade week is genuinely spectacular
- +Often the driest winter month
- +Almond blossom on the north coast
Trade-offs
- −Hotel prices spike around Carnival weekend
- −Carnival weekend parking near Funchal centre is impossible
Events in February
What to prioritise
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
trailMadeira's most iconic ridge hike, connecting the island's second and highest peaks across exposed ridges, stairs and tunnels.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
trailA classic laurel-forest levada walk from Queimadas to a tall waterfall in a green amphitheatre. Mostly flat with several tunnels — bring a headlamp.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
trailThe arid eastern peninsula. Volcanic colours, dramatic sea cliffs, almost no shade. A complete contrast to the green interior.
Levada das 25 Fontes
trailWalk through Rabaçal's laurisilva to a lagoon fed by 25 springs. One of the most popular routes — go early.
Vereda do Fanal
trailShort walk through the otherworldly Fanal laurel forest — best in fog. Often photographed for its ancient til trees.
Funchal
townMadeira's capital and largest city. Home to the cable car to Monte, the historic Old Town and the cruise port.
Câmara de Lobos
townColourful fishing village just west of Funchal, famously painted by Winston Churchill.
Santana
townNorthern town known for its triangular thatched-roof houses (palheiros) and access to the laurisilva.
Frequently asked
- When is Carnival in Madeira?
- Always the week before Ash Wednesday — dates shift each year. The main allegoric parade is on the Saturday night, and the satirical 'Cortejo Trapalhão' on the Tuesday.
- Is February a rainy month in Madeira?
- Statistically it's one of the drier winter months in Funchal. The north coast still gets regular showers.