What's the Weather like in Funchal in August
August is the hottest month in Funchal, Madeira, with high temperatures, lots of sunshine, and hardly any rain. The great weather brings in lots of crowds, though, so the town can get very busy at this time of year. Nonetheless, it's perfect if you're looking for somewhere that's got lots of cultural activities and a pleasant climate.
Temperature
Daily average temperatures in August sit at around 23°C, though this can often rise to 25°C and above during the hotter parts of the day. At night, temperatures hardly ever dip below 20°C, providing warm and balmy evenings. If you're visiting Funchal at this time of year it's a good idea to pack layers. For the daytime you'll just need shorts, t-shirts and swimwear, but you might want to pack a thin jumper or two just in case the temperatures drop after dark. Remember to pack your suncream, too, as the summer sun in Funchal can be very strong.
Rainfall
Summer is the dry season in Funchal with barely any rainfall throughout the entire season. In August you can expect around 10mm to fall over an average of 4 days. It's very unlikely that you'll get caught in any showers during your trip, though you might want to slip an umbrella in your luggage just to be on the safe side. Alternatively, you can always duck inside somewhere until the downpour passes usually they pass quickly, thanks to the island's Mediterranean climate.
Sunshine Hours
Due to its location so close to North Africa, Madeira sees only a slight variation in the amount of sunlight hours throughout the year. Despite it being summer, you can expect to see around 3-5 hours of sunshine per day in August. It may not seem like a lot, but it provides plenty of time for you to get out and about and explore all that the town has to offer.
August is a very popular time in Funchal and you'll notice that the beaches are full and the attractions are crowded. However, the balmy summer weather, the high temperatures, and the minimal rainfall makes it a great time to visit.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Funchal, you are advised to visit this page.
Funchal Hotels in August
Suite Hotel Eden Mar
The Suite Hotel Eden Mar is a four-star stylish accommodation option in the heart of Funchal close to the beachfront. Guests can enjoy the five on-site swimming pools, four restaurants, six bars, expansive sports fields, and the sub-tropical gardens that surround the complex. The suites are spacious and modern with lounge areas and kitchenettes, as well as large balconies with spectacular views across the surrounding scenery.
Quinta da Bela Vista
Quinta da Bela Vista is a luxurious five-star hotel housed in a grand, villa-style building that looks down across the bay of Funchal. The rooms are traditional and stylish, with plenty of white and pops of colour. They are large and bright and each have their own private balcony or terrace with amazing views. Elsewhere in the hotel, there is a swimming pool that boasts spectacular views, as well as an on-site restaurant that serves a delicious selection of Mediterranean dishes.
Quinta Mirabela
The Quinta Mirabela is another five-star accommodation choice with great views across Funchal and its surroundings. The hotel is set inside a traditional Madeira house, though the interior is decorated in a plush, modern style, complete with sleek, contemporary furniture and monochrome colours. The rooms are spacious and bright with individual balconies that have access to the beautiful views, plus there is a swimming pool and a luxury in-house restaurant and a relaxing lounge bar.
Funchal Beaches for August
Unlike other popular beach destinations in Europe, Funchal doesn't have your typical white-sand, blue sparkling ocean beaches. The beaches still prove to be popular with tourists though, offering secluded coves and sheltered spots to sunbathe in all along the coast. There are a number of swimming pool complexes along the coastline, too, which offer access to the sea as well as a selection of eateries and bars.
Calhau da Lapa
Calhau da Lapa is just along the coast from Funchal and provides some of the clearest waters on the island. It is nestled beneath a steep slope, so it's the perfect secluded spot to kick back and relax with a book and soak up the summer sun. The beach is rocky and there's a bit of a walk to get to it, but the amazing views and warm waters are worth it once you get there
Bars and Restaurants
The Dining Room
For a luxurious fine dining experience, book a table at The Dining Room which is located in the Belmond Reid's Palace hotel. Here, you will be surrounded by the tinkling of wine glasses and bathed in the light of ornate chandeliers. On Tuesdays there is a stylish dinner dance and Saturday evenings are taken over by a Champagne Gala Buffet. The menu is filled with high-end Mediterranean dishes with plenty of freshly caught fish.
Goya
Goya is a cosy, traditional Portuguese restaurant set in an intimate space and decorated with traditional ceramic tiles and Mediterranean pillars. The walls are filled with murals painted by local artists, including a depiction of one of Goya's famous paintings. The menu is a flurry of sumptuous French cuisine, including fresh clams and oysters, smoked cod, coq au vin and beef bourguignon.
Things to do in Funchal in August
Quinta do Boa Vista
The Quinta do Boa Vista provides the perfect escape from the bustling town centre in August. The series of orchid gardens sprawl out offering a number of walkways through tropical gardens and wooden decking fitted with seats and tables. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the views across Funchal and there is a little café where you can grab a drink and watch the world go by.
Sacred Art Museum
Art and culture lovers should take a trip to the Sacred Art Museum which boasts a large collection of religious paintings in gilded frames, silverware, and sacred carvings. The museum is set out over three floors and sits in the centre of Funchal, providing a great cultural escape for a few hours.
