Madeira, although further south, is a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is this that gives it a maritime climate charactised by cooler summer temperatures than the mainland, along with warmer winters.
Has it ever snowed on Madeira?
It's not often that it snows in Madeira island. But yes it does snow! Usually, it only happens one or two times per year (or two years).
Why is Madeira colder than Portugal?
Is it always cloudy in Madeira?
You may get a week of beautiful blue skies and sun shine or a mixture of cloud and sun or sometimes a period of cloudy weather. Water temperature of the sea will be around 20ºC. In Autumn months Madeira normally benefits from an Indian Summer with warm temperatures continuing up to Christmas.
Can you swim in the sea in Madeira in January?
It's possible to swim in the sea at this time of year but it's generally a little too cool for most. The average sea temperature is 19 C.