Climate in Funchal

Funchal, like the whole island of Madeira, is located in the subtropical zone. Funchal's weather is characterized by moderately hot summers and rainy winters.

The weather in Funchal from June to August is hardly unpredictable: if the forecast for a week or 14 days promises a temperature of +23-25°C, it's likely to be so.

A distinctive feature of Funchal's weather is the lack of appreciable difference in air and water temperatures, especially in the fall and winter. For example, from January to March for 3 or 5 days the water and air temperature can be about the same - around +15-18°C.

Average annual air temperatures in Funchal range from +18 to +23°C, and water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean range from +17 to +23°C.

Funchal's vegetation and animal life

Madeira is a treasure trove of relict plants. About 20% of the island's area is covered by laurisilva, a unique prehistoric forest of laurel trees, which is protected by UNESCO. Mosses and ferns are also among the most widespread plants on the island and in Funchal itself. Interestingly, of the variety of plants, about 120 species are endemic, i.e. found only here.

As for Funchal, it is covered in orchids, magnolias and azaleas all year round. But the city's symbol is the fragrant wild fennel, which grows here at every turn.

Funchal's fauna includes the Columba trocaz pigeon and lizards. The black sablefish, lizardfish and sea turtles are the most frequent visitors to the coastal area.