Madeira in February
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.
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
Madeira Carnival
Samba-style street parades in Funchal in the days before Lent — the island's biggest winter event. The 2026 edition runs 11–22 February with the main Allegoric Parade on Saturday 14 February and the satirical Trapalhão (Slapstick) Parade on Tuesday 17 February. From 2027 the allegoric parade is being split across two nights — Saturday and Sunday — with a draw deciding which troupes march on each night; the Trapalhão keeps its Carnival Tuesday slot.
Cherry Blossom (Jardim da Serra)
Late-February to mid-March bloom of cherry orchards above Câmara de Lobos — Madeira's answer to hanami.
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
trailThe PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 13 km out-and-back walk from Queimadas Forest Park above Santana, following an 18th-century laurisilva levada to a 100 m waterfall dropping into a green rock amphitheatre. Almost flat, four unlit tunnels, moderate exposure — one of the two most famous levada walks on the island.
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. In 2026 the festivities run 11–22 February, with the Solidarity and Children's Carnival on Friday 13 February, the main Allegoric Parade on Saturday 14 February, and the satirical 'Cortejo Trapalhão' (Slapstick Parade) on Tuesday 17 February.
- Is Madeira Carnival being split into two parades?
- Yes. From 2027 the main allegoric parade is being split across two nights — Saturday and Sunday — with a draw deciding which troupes march on which night. The Trapalhão parade stays on Carnival Tuesday. The 2026 edition already ran an expanded two-weekend programme around the single Saturday parade.
- 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.