Madeira in September
Warmest sea of the year + dropping crowds — many returning visitors' top pick.
23–26 °C in Funchal, beautifully stable.
23 °C — the warmest of the year.
September is often the highest-rated month among repeat visitors: the sea hits its annual peak, the mountains are clear of summer cloud, and crowd levels drop noticeably after the first week. The Madeira Wine Festival in early September adds a cultural anchor.
Why come in September
- +Warmest sea of the year
- +Stable, clear weather
- +Crowds thinning
- +Wine Festival in Funchal + Câmara de Lobos
Trade-offs
- −Hotel prices still high in the first half
- −Atlantic hurricane remnants occasionally graze the island late month
Events in September
Madeira Wine Festival
Late-summer harvest festival celebrating Madeira wine with grape-picking re-enactments and tastings.
Festa do Pero (Apple Festival)
September apple festival in Ponta do Pargo with cider, apple cake and traditional western-Madeira folk groups.
Festas Colombinas (Porto Santo)
September festival on Porto Santo re-enacting Christopher Columbus's arrival, with period costumes and a tall-ship parade.
Festa da Uva e do Vinho (Estreito)
September grape-harvest festival in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos with traditional foot-pressing and Madeira wine tastings.
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.
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
beachVolcanic-rock pools naturally filled by the Atlantic on Madeira's north-west tip. The signature swimming spot of the island.
Praia Formosa
beachMadeira's longest beach: a mix of pebble and black sand on the western edge of Funchal. Easy to reach by bus.
Praia da Calheta
beachMan-made golden-sand beach inside a sheltered marina. Calm water — good for families.
Frequently asked
- When is the Madeira Wine Festival?
- Usually the first full week of September, with harvest events in Câmara de Lobos and tastings in central Funchal.