Funchal in January: seasonal plans and things to do
In January, Funchal averages a daytime high of 17.9 °C and a night-time low of 16.1 °C. In January, build the day around the centre and one climb: visit the market and old town in a dry morning, then take a hillside garden route in clearer weather. Funchal rises from the bay up the hillside, so map distance does not show how demanding a route will feel. Keep the climbs in mind when choosing a base and daily plan.
Choose a month
Selected month: January
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: Funchal
Contents
Weather at a glance
- Daytime high
- 17.9 °C
- Nighttime low
- 16.1 °C
- Monthly precipitation
- 33.0 mm
- Days with at least 1 mm
- 6.5
- Daylight
- 10.3 h
2015–2024 averages. Daytime temperature is the average daily maximum; nighttime temperature is the average daily minimum.
Early, middle and late month
| Period | Daytime high, °C | Nighttime low, °C | Days with at least 1 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–10 | 18.3 | 16.3 | 3.3 |
| Days 11–20 | 17.8 | 16.1 | 2.0 |
| From day 21 | 17.5 | 15.8 | 1.2 |
Things to do in january
In January, build the day around the centre and one climb: visit the market and old town in a dry morning, then take a hillside garden route in clearer weather.
Funchal rises from the bay up the hillside, so map distance does not show how demanding a route will feel. Keep the climbs in mind when choosing a base and daily plan.
The coast, walks and city time
Include the old town, market, gardens above the bay and Lido waterfront in the route. Put the longest walk in the cooler or drier part of the day, and keep a museum, café or indoor break for rain or heat.
Funchal rises from the bay up the hillside, so map distance does not show how demanding a route will feel. Keep the climbs in mind when choosing a base and daily plan.
How to plan your days and what to pack
Build each day around one district and one main walk. In Funchal, comfortable shoes, a light extra layer and sun protection are useful; add a compact rain jacket during the wetter season.
In January, build the day around the centre and one climb: visit the market and old town in a dry morning, then take a hillside garden route in clearer weather.
Precipitation and an alternative plan
There are several days with precipitation during the month. A light waterproof layer can help you continue your route outdoors.
What to pack
Pack a light jacket, a jumper, long trousers and comfortable closed shoes. A compact rain jacket takes little room in a day bag.
Compared with neighbouring months
Average daytime high: previous month — 19.2 °C, January — 17.9 °C, next month — 17.5 °C. Days with at least 1 mm of precipitation: 9.7, 6.5 and 6.7.
Things to do
Funchal climbs from its bay up the slopes of Madeira’s south coast. A day can take you from the market and old town to a hillside garden, then back to the waterfront for dinner. Hills matter when choosing a place to stay: a short distance on the map can involve quite a climb.
A garden above the city
Monte Palace Madeira spreads across a hillside above Funchal, with steps, ponds and artworks among the planting. Give the garden an unhurried part of the day, wear shoes with good grip and bring a light jacket. Stone paths can become slippery after rain.
Walk beside the Atlantic
The western promenade works for a short look at the sea or a longer walk with a lunch stop. Start around Lido and choose the distance as you go. A windproof layer is useful on exposed sections, and in winter it helps to cover the farthest part of the route before dusk.
Pair the market with island history
Begin at Mercado dos Lavradores, then explore the neighbouring streets of the old town. Madeira Story Centre adds island history and an indoor stop on a wet day. Leave time between the two for a café and a short walk down to the harbour.
Where to stay
City centre and Sé
The streets around Sé cathedral are a convenient base for a first visit, with cafés, shops and the harbour within walking distance. Staying closer to the waterfront reduces the uphill walk home. This area works especially well for days spent exploring the city on foot.
Zona Velha
Choose Zona Velha for old streets, restaurants and easy access to the market. Rua de Santa Maria makes a pleasant evening walk with plenty of places to stop for dinner. A courtyard-facing room is a good choice for early nights, as streets with bars become livelier after dark.
Lido and the western waterfront
Lido suits travellers who want daily ocean walks and an easy morning on the promenade. Allow separate travel time for the historic centre. For regular swimming on a winter trip, a hotel with a heated pool makes a comfortable base and leaves the rest of the day free for exploring.
Getting around
The airport is linked with Funchal by the Aerobus, and SIGA publishes urban and island routes. For a short stay, choose a base between the waterfront, market and Old Town so the central sights fit into walkable days. Streets climb steeply away from the sea, so treat Monte and the Botanical Garden as a separate uphill outing rather than adding them after a full day on foot.
Three days in Funchal
Market, Old Town and waterfront
Start at Mercado dos Lavradores, continue through Zona Velha and Rua de Santa Maria, then follow the seafront. This keeps the market, historic lanes and nearby coast in one compact day.
Monte and its gardens
Set aside a separate day for Monte Palace Madeira Garden in the hills above town. Use transport for the ascent and decide how you will return before setting out. Keep this outing distinct from a long central-city walk.
Lido and the western promenade
Walk the western seafront around Lido and Ponta Gorda. Leave time for the Lido bathing complex if conditions and access suit your visit; the coast and facilities shape this into a relaxed final day.
Weather throughout the year
| Month | Daytime high, °C | Nighttime low, °C | Precipitation, mm | Days with at least 1 mm | Daylight, h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.9 | 16.1 | 33.0 | 6.5 | 10.3 |
| February | 17.5 | 15.5 | 30.1 | 6.7 | 11.0 |
| March | 17.8 | 15.6 | 25.5 | 7.0 | 12.0 |
| April | 18.7 | 16.2 | 22.4 | 5.2 | 13.0 |
| May | 20.0 | 17.4 | 14.6 | 3.3 | 13.8 |
| June | 21.7 | 19.0 | 11.2 | 1.8 | 14.3 |
| July | 23.3 | 20.6 | 5.5 | 0.8 | 14.1 |
| August | 24.3 | 21.6 | 9.7 | 2.7 | 13.4 |
| September | 24.1 | 21.5 | 14.9 | 3.3 | 12.4 |
| October | 22.9 | 20.6 | 40.7 | 9.3 | 11.4 |
| November | 20.7 | 18.8 | 38.1 | 8.9 | 10.5 |
| December | 19.2 | 17.4 | 51.1 | 9.7 | 10.0 |
Frequently asked questions
Funchal: what is the temperature in January?
The average daytime high is 17.9 °C and the night-time low is 16.1 °C. Fit the main walking route into daylight hours; bring an extra layer for the evening.
How many days with precipitation are there in January?
On average, there are 6.5 days with at least 1 mm of precipitation; the monthly total is 33.0 mm. There are several days with precipitation during the month. A light waterproof layer can help you continue your route outdoors.
What should I pack for walks in January?
Pack a light jacket, a jumper, long trousers and comfortable closed shoes. A compact rain jacket takes little room in a day bag.
How does the weather change from the start to the end of the month?
Average daytime highs by part of the month: 1–10 — 18.3 °C; 11–20 — 17.8 °C; 21 to month-end — 17.5 °C.
How many daylight hours are there in January?
The average is 10.3 hours. Spread walks between the morning and afternoon, then leave the evening for dinner or indoor activities.
What can I do in Funchal in january?
In January, build the day around the centre and one climb: visit the market and old town in a dry morning, then take a hillside garden route in clearer weather. Funchal rises from the bay up the hillside, so map distance does not show how demanding a route will feel. Keep the climbs in mind when choosing a base and daily plan.
How should I plan walks around the old town, market, gardens above the bay and Lido waterfront in january?
Choose one district per outing and put the longest route in a dry or cooler spell. Funchal rises from the bay up the hillside, so map distance does not show how demanding a route will feel. Keep the climbs in mind when choosing a base and daily plan.
What should I pack for Funchal in january?
Bring comfortable shoes, an extra layer for an evening walk and sun protection. Add a compact waterproof jacket in the wetter season. In January, build the day around the centre and one climb: visit the market and old town in a dry morning, then take a hillside garden route in clearer weather.