Madeira in March
Madeira in March: Spring starts — flowers everywhere, longer days, perfect hiking temperatures. Funchal climbs to 19–21 °C; mountain trails increasingly clear of cloud. Still 18 °C — wetsuit advisable for serious swimming.
Funchal climbs to 19–21 °C; mountain trails increasingly clear of cloud.
Still 18 °C — wetsuit advisable for serious swimming.
March is one of the best months for active visitors. Days are noticeably longer, the rain bands of winter are tailing off, and the entire island is in flower. The PR1 ridge is usually open and the levada walks are at their fullest.
Why come in March
- +Excellent hiking weather
- +Wildflowers across the island
- +Whale-watching season picks up
- +Pre-Easter prices
Trade-offs
- −Easter (when it falls in March) doubles accommodation prices
- −Sea still cool for swimming
Events in March
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
- Is March a good month to hike in Madeira?
- Excellent — stable weather, mild temperatures, long daylight, low crowds. The high ridge routes (PR1, PR1.2) are usually open and the laurisilva is at its greenest.