Updated August 2025
Planning a trip to Madeira in October? Discover everything you need to know about Madeira’s October weather, what to pack, the best hiking trails, whale and dolphin watching, natural swimming pools, adventure activities like canyoning, scenic drives, where to stay, and tips for avoiding crowds during your autumn escape.
Contents
1. Why Visit Madeira in October
2. Weather in Madeira in October
3. Can You Swim in the Ocean in October?
4. Are There Fewer Crowds in October?
5. What to Pack for Madeira in October
6. Mosquitoes in Madeira: What to Expect
7. Best Outdoor Activities in October
7.1 Hiking in Madeira
7.2 Whale & Dolphin Watching
7.3 Canyoning
8. Where to Stay in Madeira
9. How Long to Stay in Madeira
10. Is October the Best Time to Visit?
How to Use this Guide
Use the table of contents above to jump to the section that interests you most. Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach break or an adventurous hiking holiday, this October-specific guide will help you prepare for your trip to Madeira.
This subtropical paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is always a good idea. Madeira is a dream destination for adventurous travellers seeking natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural charm. Known for its lush, green-carpeted landscapes, dramatic mountain peaks, and iconic levadas, Madeira offers the best of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural charm.
October in Madeira is one of the best times to visit. With fewer crowds, mild weather, and warm sea temperatures, it’s ideal for hiking, swimming in natural pools, whale watching, and exploring the island’s wild side.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know before you go, from the weather in October and what to pack to the best outdoor activities, scenic drives, and tips on where to stay in Madeira.
We visited in October ourselves and have packed this guide with first-hand tips and useful resources. If you're looking for a step-by-step route, don't miss our 4-day Madeira itinerary. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, this guide will help you make the most of your autumn escape to Portugal’s paradise.
Why Visit Madeira in October?
Madeira in October is the perfect balance of warm weather, fewer crowds and lush landscapes. October is one of the best times to visit Madeira for hiking, swimming in the ocean, and exploring charming villages without the extreme summer heat or busy tourist hotspots. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, October in Madeira provides a great balance of both.
Plus, it’s shoulder season, so you’ll often find better deals for cheaper flights and accommodation compared to the summer months.
What’s the Weather Like in Madeira in October?
October in Madeira is a great way to extend your summer, with pleasant temperatures reaching a daily average of 24 °C. This makes Madeira an ideal place to enjoy warm weather in the autumn months.
When we visited in October, we were expecting a comfortable 20°C during our stay, yet we were welcomed with a balmy 30°C, which we were reminded by the locals that this weather was very unusual for this time of year. This increase in temperature was, unfortunately, a result of the wildfires in the north-west of the island.
Following the summer months, the chance of rainfall begins to increase in October, but don’t worry, there are still plenty of warm, sunny spells. As a result of its undulating landscape, the mountain peaks create unpredictable weather patterns that can change regularly, and there is the saying that you can experience four seasons in one day.
Can You Swim in the Ocean in Madeira in October?
The ocean is at a comfortable temperature in October, ranging from 22°C to 24°C, which allows you to get in the sea and enjoy a dip or swim. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean this time of year, whether it’s snorkelling, diving, free diving or swimming with dolphins and turtles.
Make sure to swim in Madeira’s many natural sea pools sculpted by volcanic rocks, offering beautiful and unique bathing spots. The most famous natural pools are at Porto Moniz and other pools include Cachalote, Seixal, Doca do Cavacas. We stayed in Sentido Galomar and loved swimming in Lido Galomar which had a saltwater pool and easy access to snorkel in the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve.
There are beautiful beaches in Madeira, most of which are made of volcanic sand and pebbles. Make sure to visit the stunning black sand beach at Seixal and the golden sandy beach in Machico Bay, which is one of the few golden sand beaches in Madeira. Another noteworthy mention is the sheltered cove of Ponta do Sol beach, with beachfront bars and restaurants and close to the magical Cascata dos Anjos, a waterfall which cascades over the road.
Are There Fewer Crowds in October?
Madeira is a year-round destination, with a lovely mild climate for most of the year. The peak season to visit is in the summer months from June until the end of September and during this time, it can be difficult to escape the crowds.
The autumn months of September, October and November tend to be a lot quieter on Madeira, with the combination of pleasant, warm weather and fewer crowds. October is an ideal time to visit Madeira. The sea is warm enough for a comfortable swim in the ocean, and you can easily extend your European summer in Madeira.
Best Outdoor Activities to Explore in October
If you’re an adventurous traveller who loves discovering green, wild corners of the world, that’s probably one of the reasons you’ve chosen Madeira. October is one of the best times to explore the island’s wild side. The sea temperature is warm, allowing you to swim and observe the diverse marine life below, with opportunities to kayak along the coast.
Hiking in Madeira in October
Madeira is home to a diverse range of hiking trails, from gentle walks to more demanding routes. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the island, with many paths following levadas—irrigation channels that guide you past waterfalls, forests, and dramatic landscapes. If you're unfamiliar with the terrain, consider booking a guide for lesser-known or challenging trails.
We especially enjoyed the Vereda do Larano, a stunning coastal trail in the Ponta de São Lourenço conservation area and Madeira Natural Park. Along the way, we spotted butterflies, small birds, mosses, ferns, and the beautiful ‘Madeira Rose,’ a succulent that marks the trail as it clings to the cliffside.
Canyoning
Looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure in Madeira? Canyoning is an unforgettable way to explore the island’s wild side. You’ll abseil down waterfalls, scramble over rocks, and discover hidden natural pools. If you’ve never tried canyoning before, Madeira is one of the best places to start. Make sure to book a beginner experience if it’s your first time.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Madeira is a great destination to spot marine life throughout the year, including turtles, dolphins and many colourful fish. It is also a fantastic place to see whales at certain times of the year, especially from May to June and September to November. In most cases, the best chances to see whales are until October for most whale species; however, others can be spotted year-round.
Short-finned pilot whales and sperm whales can be seen throughout the year, whereas other species such as fin, sei, humpback, minke, false killer whales and Bryce’s whales depend on their migration patterns.
What to Pack for a Trip to Madeira in October
It's pretty mild at this time of year, but it's a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings. The average daily maximum is 24°C and the average daily minimum is 20°C, with stable temperatures. Rainfall is more frequent this time of year in comparison to the summer months.
Rainfall is beginning to pick up, but temperatures remain stable and an essential item to pack is a waterproof jacket for those intermittent showers. If you plan to hike in the mountains, it will be worthwhile to bring your waterproof as at higher altitudes the temperature will drop and there is a higher chance of rainfall.
In October, you can experience light to moderate winds, and they can pick up, especially at higher elevations in the mountains. However, it’s unlikely to experience strong winds at this time of year.
Are There Mosquitoes in Madeira in October?
Before leaving for Madeira, we had completely forgotten to consider whether there would be mosquitoes. Jonny usually attracts them in hoards, whereas Hannah seems to be able to avoid the wrath of the dreaded mosquito bite. The tables turned for our trip to Madeira, where Hannah managed to get bitten only a few times and Jonny avoided them completely without any cream!
There is mosquito activity throughout the year in Madeira, so if you are more likely to be bitten, it’s worth using repellent or covering up in the mornings and evenings. As Madeira has a sub-tropical climate, the humidity is an ideal environment for mosquitoes to survive and are typically found from August to October.
How Long Should You Stay in Madeira?
To give you enough time to experience all the amazing outdoor activities Madeira has to offer, we recommend staying for at least 4 to 5 days. This will allow you to explore the capital, Funchal, hike a levada, and swim in natural pools.
If you can stay for a full week, consider taking a day trip to Porto Santo, Madeira’s quieter island, known for its beautiful golden sandy beaches. We took a 4x4 trip around Madeira with Bravelanders, which we highly recommend. They also offer a day trip to Porto Santo, which you can book below!
Where to Stay in Madeira in October
From traditional Quintas with cultural heritage to sleek and modern villas with stunning infinity pools. We have put together a list of the best places to stay in both the north and the south of Madeira.
There is a range of accommodation options to choose from, whether you prefer staying in the city centre or a more remote setting, there are luxury resorts, boutique hotels and budget-friendly options.
Is October the Best Month to Visit Madeira?
October could be one of the best times to visit Madeira, as a destination that is becoming increasingly popular, planning a visit in the off-peak season is a great idea. If you visit Madeira in October, you will enjoy the island with fewer crowds, decent weather and a chance to spot some magnificent whales in the Atlantic.
We’d recommend spending at least 4 days in Madeira, which will give you a taste of the best experiences on the island where you can balance a few days of adventure and relaxation.
The best amount of time to visit Madeira would be 5 days to 2 weeks, to give you a chance to see the best bits of the island and also a chance to spend some time in the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.
We hope you found this guide useful for making your plans to visit the wonderful island of Madeira. Please let us know in the comments if you have any questions and we eagerly wait to return to this subtropical paradise!
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