Madeira packing list: what to bring in every season

Pack for Madeira in layers, whatever the month: a light rain jacket, sturdy shoes for the levadas, sunscreen and a hat, and a Type F plug adapter. Summers average around 25°C (77°F). Winter days in Funchal reach about 19 to 20°C and nights drop to about 13 to 14°C (IPMA 1981 to 2010 normals), and it is colder in the mountains.

Madeira has a mild subtropical climate, so you can go at any time of year. The island has many microclimates,, and the weather can be quite different only a short drive away.

Rain is more frequent from October to March, especially in the north, so a light rain jacket or poncho belongs in the bag in those months. The sun is strong all year, so bring sunscreen and a hat even in winter.

Summer is good for hiking, the beach and walking around the towns. On the trails, wear breathable clothes that wick sweat and sturdy hiking boots. Pico do Arieiro is at 1,818 m and the weather up there can turn quickly, so carry a light extra layer even in July. For the walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo you need a booking, explained in our PR1 guide.

For the beach, bring swimwear, flip-flops and a quick-dry towel. Most of Madeira's beaches are pebbles or rock, and black volcanic sand gets hot in the sun, so water shoes are worth packing. Sunglasses too: the light off the sea is bright.

Winters are mild but can be wet. If you plan to walk the levadas or the coastal paths, bring a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes. Dress in layers, because the temperature shifts a lot over a day. On a day when the rain sets in, our guide to Madeira in the rain lists what still works in each area.

In the evening a warm sweater or a fleece is enough. Casual clothes are fine in most restaurants; bring something smarter only if you have a special dinner planned.

A power bank helps on long day trips, when photos and maps drain the phone faster than you expect. A waterproof phone case is useful in a sudden shower or on the beach.

Portugal uses Type F sockets, so bring a European adapter or a universal one.

• Breathable hiking clothes
• Waterproof jacket
• Power bank
• Universal adapter
• Water shoes
• Quick-dry towel

People who live here expect the weather to change fast. Carry a small backpack with water, snacks and a rain jacket. Many places have public drinking fountains, so a refillable bottle saves money and plastic.

In the mountains the views are clearest early in the morning. Start hikes early to beat both the clouds and the crowds. If you want to walk on your own, our list of self-guided levada walks has five routes that need no guide.

Yes, from October to March especially, when rain is more frequent and the north gets most of it. In the mountains the weather can change in any month, so a light jacket is worth carrying all year.

In Funchal, winter days reach about 19 to 20°C and nights fall to about 13 to 14°C. The mountains are much colder: Pico do Arieiro is at 1,818 m.

Madeira, like the rest of Portugal, uses Type F sockets, which also take the two-pin Type C Europlug. A standard European adapter works.

They help. Most beaches are pebbles or rock, and the sandy ones at Calheta and Machico are man-made, with sand brought in from outside the island.