November is when Madeira goes quiet. The summer visitors are gone, the Christmas crowds haven't arrived yet, the waterfalls are back at full strength — and Funchal is still warmer than most of Europe. Here is what November on the island is really like, from someone who guides here every week.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Madeira?
Yes — if you know what kind of trip you want. November is the start of Madeira's wetter season, but in Funchal and along the south coast it is still mild and often sunny: around 21–22°C in the day, rarely below 15°C at night. That is 8–10 degrees warmer than most of mainland Europe in the same week.
What changes is the mountains. Rain falls mostly in the north and in the high interior, the waterfalls come back to full strength, and the laurel forest is at its greenest. Crowds are the lowest of the year until the Christmas season starts in December — and so are many accommodation prices.
November in one sentence: warm days on the south coast, full waterfalls in the north, quiet trails, chestnuts and new wine — just keep one flexible day in your plan for the weather.
November Weather in Madeira
| Where | Day | Night | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funchal & south coast | 21–22°C | 15–17°C | Mostly sunny, short showers |
| North coast | 18–20°C | 13–15°C | Cloudier, more rain, very green |
| Mountains (1,500 m+) | 10–14°C | 5–8°C | Can be above or inside the clouds |
| Sea | around 21–22°C | Still swimmable for many | |
The numbers above are typical, not guaranteed — Madeira has dozens of microclimates. It is completely normal to have rain at Ribeiro Frio and sunshine at the same moment in Funchal or Ponta do Sol. That is exactly why I decide the route for each day in the morning, not a week before.
Top Things to Do in Madeira in November
Waterfall Levadas at Full Power
After the first autumn rains, walks like 25 Fontes, Risco and Caldeirão Verde are at their most spectacular. In summer some falls thin to a trickle; in November they roar.
The trade-off: paths are wetter and some can close for a few days after heavy rain. Good shoes, a headlamp and checking the official trail status that morning are not optional.
Chestnut Festival in Curral das Freiras
Around the start of November, the mountain village of Curral das Freiras — the "Nuns' Valley" deep in a volcanic crater — celebrates the chestnut harvest: roasted chestnuts, chestnut cakes, soup and liqueur, with local music. Even outside the festival, the viewpoint at Eira do Serrado above the village is one of the most dramatic on the island.
São Martinho — New Wine and Roasted Chestnuts
On and around 11 November, Madeira celebrates São Martinho: families open the first wine of the year and roast chestnuts. Small parishes and local bars have their own gatherings — it's one of the most authentic, least touristy traditions of the year.
South Coast Days When the North Is Rainy
Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Câmara de Lobos and Funchal's Old Town often stay sunny when the mountains don't. A slow day of viewpoints, a seafood lunch and a swim in a natural pool is still very possible in November.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Dolphins and several whale species can be seen around Madeira all year. On calm November days the boats go out as usual — just book a morning trip and keep a backup day in case the sea is rough.
What to Pack for November
- Waterproof jacket — the most important item this month.
- Warm layer for the mountains (a fleece or light down jacket): it can be 20°C in Funchal and 8°C at Pico do Arieiro on the same day.
- Trail shoes with grip — levada paths are wet in November.
- Headlamp for tunnels on the waterfall levadas.
- Swimwear — on a sunny day the sea is still pleasant.
Why a Local Guide Makes November Easier
In November the right plan depends on that day's clouds and on which trails are open. I check the forecast, the webcams and the trail status every morning and choose the side of the island where the weather is best — so you don't spend your one free day driving into fog.
A private full day with me is €250 for your whole group (up to 4 people), with pick-up from your hotel. Half day from €90. Tours in Ukrainian, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. See tours and prices.
Coming a bit later? Read Madeira for Christmas and New Year. Earlier? See Madeira in October.