by Portugal Getaways Team
July 13, 2026 • 5 min read
Madeira in December, in short
December weather in Madeira
Madeira's mild, spring-like climate holds through December. Expect daytime highs of about 19 to 20°C on the coast and nights around 15°C, with a mix of sunshine and the occasional quick-passing shower. The south coast and Funchal are the warmest and driest, the north is greener and wetter, and the high peaks like Pico do Areeiro can drop close to freezing, so bring layers if you head up. It is a genuine escape from the northern European winter without the guarantee of beach heat.
Christmas in Funchal: lights and markets
From early December, Funchal switches on its celebrated Christmas illuminations, and the city centre and seafront glow into the new year. The streets fill with market stalls, nativity scenes and the smell of roast chestnuts, and the Mercado dos Lavradores buzzes with people buying flowers, fruit and produce for the festivities. Simply walking the decorated old town in the evening is one of the highlights of a December visit.
Festive traditions and performances
The season brings concerts, folk groups and street performances across Funchal, building through Advent. A local highlight is the "Missa do Parto", a series of early-morning masses in the run-up to Christmas that spill out into lively, festive gatherings afterwards. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is the heart of the celebration for many families.
Festive food and drink
Madeira's Christmas table is generous. Look for carne de vinha d'alhos (pork marinated in wine and garlic) served in bolo do caco, the dark, spiced bolo de mel (sugarcane honey cake) that is traditional at Christmas, and plenty of Madeira wine and poncha to toast the season. See our Madeira food guide for more.
New Year's Eve in Madeira
Funchal's New Year's Eve fireworks are the island's signature event, a huge display launched from the hills and boats around the amphitheatre-shaped bay. It is regarded as one of the largest in the world and once held a Guinness World Record. Cruise ships anchor offshore to watch, hotels book out, and the whole city comes out to see in the new year. If you want to be there, reserve accommodation well in advance.
Is December a good time to visit, and what to pack
December is a great time to visit if you want festive atmosphere and mild weather rather than beach heat. Days are shorter and showers come and go, so pack layers, a light waterproof and comfortable shoes for both the city and the trails, plus something warmer for the high mountains. Christmas week and New Year are the busiest and priciest of the year, so book flights and hotels early. For a wider view of the seasons, see the best time to visit Madeira.
Funchal Cityscape, Funchal, Portugal ©andrey | Canva License Pro
Frequently asked questions about Madeira in December
Is Madeira nice to visit in December? Yes. December is mild, with daytime highs around 19 to 20°C, and Funchal is at its most festive, with Christmas lights, markets and a spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display.
What is the weather like in Madeira in December? Mild and changeable: coastal highs of about 19 to 20°C, nights around 15°C, a mix of sun and quick showers, and much colder temperatures on the high peaks.
Is there a Christmas market in Madeira? Yes. Funchal has festive markets and stalls through December, along with the city's famous Christmas lights and the busy Mercado dos Lavradores.
How big are Madeira's New Year's Eve fireworks? Funchal's display is one of the largest in the world and once held a Guinness World Record, launched around the bay and best seen from the city or the sea.
Is December a busy time in Madeira? Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year on the island, so it is best to book flights and hotels well in advance.
Spend Christmas or New Year in Madeira
The festive weeks sell out early. Let Portugal Getaways secure your hotel, flights and transfers for Christmas or the New Year's Eve fireworks, with all-in pricing and no surprises.
