Madeira in September
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.
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 (late Aug–mid Sep) celebrating Madeira wine. Avenida Arriaga in Funchal becomes a street party with the Madeira Wine Lounge, light-and-sound shows and folk parades, while Estreito de Câmara de Lobos hosts the live grape harvest, barefoot treading and ethnographic parade.
Mountain Bike Madeira Meeting
International mountain-bike gathering in Porto Moniz across two windows — May and late-Sept/early-Oct — with organised rides on the north-west trails, enduro descents and skills workshops. 2026 autumn window: 28 September – 3 October.
Mostra da Sidra (Santo da Serra Cider Festival)
Traditional late-September cider festival in Santo da Serra, organised by the Casa do Povo do Santo da Serra to coincide with the apple and pear harvest — tastings from local producers, folk music and regional food.
Festa do Pêro (Apple Festival)
Rural apple harvest festival in Ponta do Pargo organised by the Casa do Povo — cider, apple cake, western-Madeira folk groups and a musical programme. 41st edition on 19–20 September 2026.
Columbus Festival (Festival Colombo, Porto Santo)
Four-day historical re-enactment in Vila Baleira on Porto Santo recreating Christopher Columbus's 15th-century stay on the island — period costumes, mock caravel arrival, medieval market, street theatre and concerts. 17–20 September 2026.
Festa das Vindimas do Estreito (Estreito Grape Harvest Festival)
The rural, harvest-based side of the Madeira Wine Festival — live grape-picking, traditional foot-treading in old lagares, ethnographic parade and folklore in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. Live harvest day: 5 September 2026; concerts in the vineyards on 5, 6, 12 and 13 September.
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.
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.