Madeira packing list for families
Madeira can be warm by the sea in Funchal and cold and misty an hour up the mountain. Packing for both, plus a good pair of hiking shoes, is what makes the levada walks so fun with kids.
Photo by Thibault Mokuenko on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Madeira
- Madeira's weather changes with altitude. Funchal can be sunny and warm while the mountain peaks are cold, windy, and in the clouds, so pack a fleece and a rain shell even in summer.
- Levada walks follow old irrigation channels and are some of the best family hikes I know. Choose flat routes for younger kids, and bring a headlamp for trails that pass through tunnels.
- Madeira's beaches are mostly rock and black pebbles. For swimming, my favorites are the natural lava rock pools at Porto Moniz and the lidos around Funchal.
Madeira
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Carry-on8
Clothing6
Shoes3
Beach & pool1
Adventure1
Little ones5
Health & toiletries3
Documents & tech5
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the grown-ups
- Breathable long sleeves for hikes
- Linen for beach dinners
- Sturdy sport sandals
For the kids
- Quick-dry shorts and tees
- Lightweight pants for the rainforest
- Closed-toe shoes for trails
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Madeira weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F 19°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | |
| February | 66°F 19°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | Madeira Carnival parades in Funchal |
| March | 67°F 19°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | Madeira Carnival parades in Funchal |
| April | 67°F 19°C | Springlike and green, flowers everywhere, some mountain mist | Flower Festival in Funchal, with a children's flower wall and parade Jacaranda trees blooming purple along Funchal's streets |
| May | 70°F 21°C | Springlike and green, flowers everywhere, some mountain mist | Flower Festival in Funchal, with a children's flower wall and parade Jacaranda trees blooming purple along Funchal's streets |
| June | 72°F 22°C | Springlike and green, flowers everywhere, some mountain mist | Atlantic Festival fireworks on Saturday nights in June |
| July | 76°F 24°C | Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes | |
| August | 78°F 26°C | Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes | Madeira Wine Festival during the grape harvest |
| September | 78°F 26°C | Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes | Madeira Wine Festival during the grape harvest |
| October | 76°F 24°C | Warm October, with rain becoming more common in November | |
| November | 72°F 22°C | Warm October, with rain becoming more common in November | |
| December | 68°F 20°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal Bay, one of the biggest displays in Europe |
Madeira with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Madeira with kids?
The best time is Apr–Oct. Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes
What's the weather like in Madeira?
Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in February to about 78°F (26°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Madeira?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Madeira?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Madeira with kids?
Madeira's weather changes with altitude. Funchal can be sunny and warm while the mountain peaks are cold, windy, and in the clouds, so pack a fleece and a rain shell even in summer.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.