Weather lowdown
April starts to heat up in Funchal, Madeira, as the city begins to head quickly towards summer. Rainfall eases off a bit from March and the temperatures begin to rise. Thanks to its Mediterranean position, Funchal experiences a mild climate throughout the year, which makes it the perfect place to go and grab some early summer sun.
Temperature
Average daily temperatures sit at around 17°C, though these can often rise to 19°C and above in the heat of the afternoon. The nights in Funchal are warm at this time of year, too, with temperatures rarely falling below 14°C. Layers are a good idea if you're visiting in April you'll be grateful for t-shirts and shorts during the day, but you might want to pack an extra jumper or two for after dark when the sun goes down. Remember to slip in some suncream, too, as the rays are still very strong at this time of year.
Rainfall
As Funchal begins to make its way towards the dry season, the amount of rainfall diminishes. In April, you can expect around 70mm of rain to fall over an average of 10 days throughout the month. It's likely you'll get caught in a shower or two, so be sure to pack an umbrella so you don't get too wet.
Sunshine Hours
Because of its location, Madeira sees fewer hours of sunshine in the summer months than during winter. In April, you can expect to see around 7 hours of sunshine per day it may not seem like a lot for this time of year, but it still provides plenty of time to get out and discover all of the things that Funchal has to offer.
All in all, April is a great time to visit Funchal if you are looking for warm, sun-filled days and a city that is bursting to the brim with cultural pursuits and fun attractions. There might be a chance of rainfall, but the high temperatures for somewhere in Europe at this time of year make it a great place to visit for some early summer sun.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Funchal, you are advised to visit this page.
Funchal Hotels in April
Hotel Madeira
The Hotel Madeira is a large hotel block in the centre of Funchal. It boasts a rooftop terrace complete with swimming pool and bar that offers spectacular views across the rest of the city, as well as out to the sea and beyond. Rooms are bright and modern with white-washed walls and pastel accents, and each one has its own private balcony. In addition, guests can enjoy the on-site café bar, as well as the delicious hearty buffet breakfast.
Orca Praia Hotel
The Orca Praia Hotel sits right on the beachfront in Funchal and offers guests their own slice of private sand to relax on. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with their own lounge areas and large balconies overlooking the bay. There is also an in-house spa with a range of relaxing treatments, including massages, facials, and Turkish baths, and there is a restaurant with both buffet and a la carte options, as well as a cocktail bar and a poolside snack bar.
Hotel do Carmo
Hotel do Carmo is a stylish three-star hotel in the heart of Funchal. It features a sleek and colourful design with modern touches, whilst the rooms are simple and fresh with quirky wall murals and private balconies. The hotel also boasts a rooftop swimming pool with views across the beautiful bay, a restaurant with terrace, and a lively bar with a tranquil garden.
Funchal Beaches for April
Funchal doesn't have tropical-island style beaches with soft white-sand and swaying palm trees. Instead, the coastline is characterised by black sand that stems from the island's volcanic roots, and there are numerous pebbly coves and unusual rock formations that stud the shoreline. Despite this, the beaches are a popular draw for tourists in Funchal, though in April the water may still be slightly chilly for a swim.
Praia do Gorgulho
Praia do Gorgulho is free public beach made from pebbles. It's only small, but it provides great waters close to the centre of Funchal. There are on-site facilities including a toilet and shower block and there are a number of restaurants and bars flanking it for all your refreshment needs.
Bars and Restaurants
Istanbul Restaurant
The Istanbul Restaurant is a cosy, atmospheric Turkish restaurant in the heart of the city centre. The rich, ambient décor provides an intimate dining experience whilst the menu offers a selection of delicious authentic Turkish dishes from kebabs and mezze platters to falafel and halloumi salads. Don't forget to tuck into some sweet, sticky baklava for dessert!
Restaurante Tokos
Restaurante Tokos is a small, rustic restaurant filled with hanging pot plants and exposed-brick walls which sits inside a century-old building that has maintained its traditional features and adornments. It provides guests with an intimate dining experience as well as a fresh menu bursting with Mediterranean flavours, including fresh fish, meat, and seafood dishes. The menu changes regularly to ensure diners only experience the freshest seasonal flavours.
Things to do in Funchal in April
Presidential Gardens
The Presidential Gardens are beautiful in April, as the flowers are in full bloom ready for the summer. Here, visitors can wander through the maze of beautiful, aromatic flora and enjoy a spot of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. There are also numerous animal species you can spot around the gardens, including peacocks and parrots, and there are a few ornate fountains dotted throughout. To top it off, the elevated position of the gardens mean visitors can admire the spectacular bay from above.
Santa Maria
The Santa Maria ship offers a great excursion for history lovers. Decked out in the style of Columbus' ship and boasting pirate décor inside, visitors can climb aboard and learn more about the adventurer and his travels. Younger members of the family will enjoy the authentic touches (including in-house parrot), and adults can grab a cold drink at the pirate bar on board.
