MADEIRA IN MARCH: WHAT TO EXPECT.
We love travelling off-season. It’s a great way to save money, avoid the crowds, and experience a destination at a different time of year — which is exactly why we chose Madeira in March.
While the UK was still rainy and grey, Madeira felt like an early spring escape. Flowers added flashes of colour, hiking trails were quiet and accessible, and we even managed to swim in a few tidal pools. It was, in short, a perfect start to the year.
In this guide, we’ll share everything we learned about visiting Madeira in March — from weather and hiking conditions to accommodation, beaches, and things to do — to help you decide if this is the right time to go.
Weather in Madeira in March
March is early spring in Madeira. You’ll get a real mix of weather — warm sunshine one minute, mist or drizzle the next.
In Funchal, daytime temperatures usually sit around 18–22°C, and it rarely drops below 14°C at night. In the mountains, it can be much cooler, especially around Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, where temperatures can dip to single digits and cloud can roll in quickly.
In fact, we had such awful weather at the start of the PR1- gusts of wind heading up towards 100km p/h that the trails up there ended up closing!
Rain is still common in March, especially on the north coast and in the highlands. But the showers are often short-lived, and you’ll usually find sunshine somewhere on the island.
For us, the weather felt perfect for exploring — cool enough to hike comfortably, warm enough to eat lunch outdoors, and never too hot to move.
Tip – if visiting Madeira in March, keep a bit of flex in your itinerary. Weather in March can mean you have to change plans and follow the weather. We had a few things cancelled – for example a boat tour we had planned, due to weather. We also couldn’t hike the PR1 the day we wanted as dangerous weather closed the trail!
Driving in March
Hire cars are easy to come by in March, as the rest of the year in Madeira. There are no real nuances to consider about driving at this time of year – other than rain can make roads a little slippery, especially in Funchal. So take things steady.
You can find a more detailed guide to driving in Madeira here.
Accommodation in March
One of the reasons that we decided to visit in March, is that prices are lower for things like accommodation and hire cars, than at other times of the year. We considered coming in summer, but the cost was a bit prohibitive.
In March, we paid about €350 per week, for a one bed apartment in the centre of Funchal. In summer, this is sure to be more costly.
Do note – if you visit in March, or otherwise in off-season, you may find that you will have to stay in Funchal. Many of the smaller villages or coastal accommodation options, will be closed until peak-season.
You can find more tips on where to stay in Madeira here.
Hiking in Madeira in March
Hiking was the main reason we came to Madeira — and March turned out to be a fantastic time for it.
The trails were quieter than they are later in the year, and we were able to enjoy many popular routes almost to ourselves. The one exception was the PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, which was busy even at sunrise (so start early if you want to avoid the crowds).
We found the weather ideal for hiking — cool enough to move comfortably, warm enough for shorts and light sweaters. We kept waterproof jackets in our bags for sudden downpours, which definitely came in handy.
A few trails were closed, likely due to heavy rainfall and maintenance, but we were still able to complete most of the hikes on our list — including the spectacular PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal.
You can find our detailed guide to the best hikes in Madeira here – all hikes listed were accessed in March!
Beaches & swimming in Madeira in March
March isn’t classic beach weather in Madeira. The sea is still cool (around 18°C), and although you’ll get some bright, sunny days, it’s not exactly bikini season.
That said, the beaches are beautiful year-round, and the lack of crowds makes them even more appealing. We loved watching sunset from Paul do Mar, and on one warm afternoon when the temp hit early 20s, we spent a few glorious hours relaxing and swimming at Seixal Tidal Pool.
If you’re not up for swimming, the coastal walks and viewpoints are stunning in March — bring a jacket and enjoy the peace and quiet.
What to pack to visit Madeira in March
Packing for your trip to Madeira in March is a tricky balancing act. Often, the day time temperature is vastly different to the evening – so layers are key. Plus, you can probably expect a few days of sunshine, and a few days of rain.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Fleece or sweater
- Shorts and t-shirts
- Hiking trousers and long sleeves for higher trails
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimwear (for the brave or for the pools at Seixal and Porto Moniz)
- Lightweight trousers, midi or maxi dresses, or a pair of jeans for the evening
- You might get away with sandals, like Birkenstocks in the day, but you’ll want a warmer shoe for the evening
If you’re planning lots of hiking, waterproofs and sturdy shoes are non-negotiable — the trails can get muddy after rain.
Things to do in Madeira in March
March is a brilliant time to explore Madeira. The island feels alive with waterfalls, flowers, and fresh greenery after the winter rains — and without the crowds that arrive later in the year. Some days are bright and warm; others are moody and misty. Both suit Madeira perfectly.
Here are some of the best things to do in Madeira in March — all based on what we actually did (and loved).
1/ Swim in a tidal pool
Even if it’s not peak swimming season, the natural tidal pools on Madeira’s north coast are absolutely worth a visit.
We spent a sunny afternoon at Seixal Natural Pools, where black volcanic rock forms calm, turquoise pools filled by the Atlantic. The water was chilly in March — around 18°C — but completely swimmable on a clear day. It felt refreshing, and the setting was spectacular.
Nearby Porto Moniz also has larger, family-friendly pools with changing facilities and easy access. In March, you’ll often have them almost to yourself. But, keep in mind that they can sometimes close if the waves are too strong!
2/ Walk along the coast
One of Madeira’s most striking features is its rugged coastline.
The Vereda do Larano – Boca do Risco walk is a standout. It follows an old coastal path high above the sea, linking the towns of Machico and Porto da Cruz. The views are jaw-dropping the entire way.
Another favourite is the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, on the far eastern tip of the island.
3/ Take a Levada hike
Madeira’s levadas — old irrigation channels that crisscross the island — are what make hiking here so special.
The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most popular, and for good reason. It’s a moderately easy trail through laurel forest, ending at a towering waterfall.
If you’re after something quieter, try the Levada Nova – Levada do Moinho circuit in Ponta do Sol. It’s less crowded and easier to access.
4/ Picnic in Fanal Park
If there’s one place that truly feels magical in March, it’s Fanal Forest.
The ancient laurel trees here — twisted and moss-covered — are often shrouded in rolling fog. We were almost unlucky to arrive to discover a clear day – I’ve heard that it looks like a fairy-tale when it’s foggy.
We brought a simple picnic (bread, cheese, fruit) and ate surrounded an occasional curious cow.
5/ Explore Funchal
Funchal in March is lively but relaxed — perfect for wandering without the heat or crowds of summer.
Start your day at the Mercado dos Lavradores, the city’s colourful market full of tropical fruit, flowers, and local produce. Then explore the Old Town (Zona Velha), where narrow cobbled streets are lined with painted doors and street art.
6/ Visit a Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) in Funchal is in full colour — beds of succulents, tropical flowers, and manicured terraces with ocean views. It’s an easy half-day visit and pairs well with a trip up to Monte.
Alternatively, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden feels wilder and more exotic, with sculptures, waterfalls, and walkways shaded by towering trees.
7/ Take a food tour
Madeira’s food scene is small but unique to the island. We loved joining a food and wine walking tour through Funchal, tasting everything from bolo do caco (warm garlic bread) to local cheeses and fresh tuna.
This is a great activity to do in March if the weather isn’t quite up to hiking or exploring.
8/ See waterfalls
Madeira in March is waterfall season — they’re absolutely roaring after the winter rains.
The Levada do Alecrim trail is a brilliant option. It’s short, scenic, and leads to a hidden lagoon and waterfall.
Other great waterfall spots include 25 Fontes, Rabaçal, and Cascata dos Anjos — where a waterfall literally pours over the road into the sea.
9/ Enjoy a long lunch
March is the perfect month to linger over lunch. It’s warm enough to eat outside most days, and with fewer tourists, you can usually find a table with a view.
If you’re exploring the north, Porto Moniz is a great spot to grab some seafood by the ocean. Or, stop by a roadside restaurant with a sea view like this one.
10/ Drink Poncha
It goes without saying, but don’t leave without trying Poncha, Madeira’s traditional rum-based drink made with honey and lemon. It’s strong, sweet, and slips down far too easily.
After one too many ponhas in Funchal one evening, we ended up at a nightclub with a pair of German botanists we had met that evening. Who knows where the night will take you!
11/ Drive to viewpoints
One of the best things about Madeira is how easy it is to chase viewpoints. They’re everywhere — marked as Miradouros on the map — and most are just a short detour from the main roads.
Some of our favourites in March were Bica da Cana – often above the clouds, with rolling views over the central mountains. As well as Miradouro do Ninho & Miradouro do Guindaste. But there are plenty around the island to choose from.
12/ Watch sunset from Paul do Mar
Paul do Mar is one of the most chilled-out villages on the island.
We spent an evening here at Maktub Pub, a small reggae bar right by the water.
Order a cocktail or a beer, find a spot on the terrace or over the road by the sea, to watch the sunset on the ocean. Just be sure to bring a coat in March!
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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