Madeira in November
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.
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)
Traditional two-day autumn chestnut festival in Curral das Freiras organised by the local Casa do Povo — roasted chestnuts, chestnut liqueur, cake and soup, a big allegorical parade on the Sunday, and folk music in the village square. 42nd edition on 31 October – 1 November 2026.
Rally Madeira Legend
Historic and classic-car rally on Madeira's mountain roads — vintage rally cars, competitive stages and a paddock display in Funchal. Traditionally staged at the end of October.
Madeira International Bridge Open
Long-running international bridge tournament at the VidaMar Resort in Funchal — ITF-affiliated rankings, teams from across Europe. Full window 29 October – 9 November 2026; main events 2–8 November.
São Martinho / Magusto (Saint Martin's Day)
Island-wide 11 November tradition — magustos (community chestnut roasts) with the season's new wine (água-pé) and poncha, folk music and small parish street parties across Madeira's rural villages.
Madeira Ladies Open – W50 Funchal
7th edition of the ITF World Tennis Tour W50 women's professional tournament at the Quinta Magnólia tennis courts in Funchal — singles and doubles. 8–15 November 2026.
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 do the Funchal Christmas lights switch on?
- Late November to early December (date varies each year). The lights stay on through Carnival in February.