Madeira in November
Wetter and quieter — the locals' favourite month for laurisilva walks.
20–22 °C in Funchal. The wet season starts on the north coast.
21 °C, still swimmable on the south coast.
November starts the wet season but the south coast often stays mild and sunny. The trade-off is the laurisilva at its most lush — Fanal, Caldeirão Verde and the upper levadas are at their photogenic best.
Why come in November
- +Lowest non-Christmas prices
- +Laurel forests at their greenest
- +Very quiet trails
- +Christmas lights switch on late November in Funchal
Trade-offs
- −More rainy days, especially on the north
- −Some attractions on reduced winter hours
Events in November
Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival)
November chestnut festival in Curral das Freiras with roasted chestnuts, chestnut liqueur, cake and soup.
Funchal Christmas Lights & Market
Funchal transforms with elaborate lights, a city-wide Christmas market and nightly concerts from late November through 6 January.
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 do the Funchal Christmas lights switch on?
- Late November to early December (date varies each year). The lights stay on through Carnival in February.