What's the Weather like in Funchal in January?
January is one of the coldest, wettest months in Funchal, Madeira, but because the island enjoys a Mediterranean climate all year, the weather is still very mild. The days are long and, when it's not raining, sun-filled, and there are barely any crowds compared to the summer months meaning you get to explore in peace!
Temperature
Average daily temperatures in January sit at around 16°C, but the mercury can rise to 18°C and above during the hottest parts of the day extremely pleasant for this time of year in Europe. Even at night the temperatures are fairly warm, hardly ever dropping below 14°C. You'll want to pack layers if you're visiting Funchal at this time of year lightweight clothing for the daytime and maybe a cardigan or two for when the temperatures drop. It's a good idea to pack some suncream as well, as the sun is still strong despite it being winter.
Rainfall
Winter time in Funchal is also the rainy season, and you can expect to see increased rainfall between October and March. January is the wettest month of the season, with around 110mm of rainfall spread across 13 days throughout the month. It's likely you'll experience some rain if you visit during this time, so come prepared with an umbrella and some waterproofs.
Sunshine Hours
Despite it being the depths of winter, January in Funchal sees an extended amount of sunshine for the time of year. Throughout the month, you can expect to experience around 10 hours of sunshine per day, leaving you plenty of time to get out and about and explore the city even if the rain does come and dampen your day.
January in Funchal may be the wettest and coldest month of the year, but it still boasts very mild temperatures and oodles of sunshine. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and experience some pleasant winter sun.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Funchal, you are advised to visit this page.
Funchal Hotels in January
The Cliff Bay
The Cliff Bay is a luxury five-star resort set right against the beautiful backdrop of Porto Bay. It boasts a sophisticated design with muted tones and ornate furniture and every room has its own private balcony or terrace with spectacular views across the sea and beyond. There are no less than six eating establishments on site, from bars and lounges to gourmet bistros, and guests can enjoy the relaxing spa facilities and chill out in one of the two pools.
Pestana Vila Lido
Pestana Vila Lido is a quirky accommodation option right on the seafront. Its elevated position gives it amazing views across the coast, whilst the design evokes a mixture of the past and present contemporary wooden floors are combined with elegant chandeliers and renaissance furniture. There are three eateries for guests to enjoy, all of which boast great views, plus there are two pools overlooking the ocean.
Funchal Design Hotel
The Funchal Design Hotel is an upmarket boutique residence that features a stylish, modern decor with a number of contemporary sculptures and artworks dotted around. It's situated slap bang in the middle of the city and is surrounded by a range of great restaurants, shops, bars, and galleries. The rooms are a monochrome dream and each boast a kitchenette, but there's also an on-site restaurant that serves a delicious selection of Mediterranean and international cuisine.
Funchal Beaches for January
Madeira's beaches aren't necessarily up to tropical island standards with golden sands and palm trees. Instead, they feature unusual traits like black sand stemming from the island's volcanic landscape, pebbled coves, and quirky rock formations. Still, they provide great backdrops for sunbathing and swimming, though in January you may want to give the water a miss. At this time of year, they're best for taking winter walks along or enjoying a book in a sheltered spot in the midday sunshine.
Lido Complex
The Lido complex isn't exactly a beach, though it sits right on the water in front of the city. There is a large swimming pool and access to changing areas, toilets, and restaurants, as well as sun loungers and parasols. In addition, there are a couple of entry points into the sea via some stone steps.
Bars and Restaurants
Jasmine Tea House
The Jasmine Tea House is a beautifully secluded eatery in the heart of the hills surrounding the city. It boasts a sheltered outdoor area, perfect for catching the January rays of sunshine, and the views are amazing. It's popular with walkers on the lavada trail and there is a bus stop right outside which takes diners straight back to the centre of Funchal. Here, guests can refuel with a selection of hot drinks as well as pastries and sweet treats and a variety of light, lunch-style bites.
Armazem do Sal
The Armazem do Sal is a stylish, rustic restaurant boasting a cosy atmosphere with exposed-brick walls and low, ambient lighting. There is an intimate outdoor terrace area strung with fairylights and filled with greenery where you can enjoy the mild evening temperatures, and the menu is filled with a mouth-watering selection of Mediterranean dishes such as grilled squid, roasted salmon, sirloin steak, and roasted duck.
Things to do in Funchal in January
Pico de Ariero
The Pico de Ariero is Madeira's third highest peak and offers a selection of great walks and hikes. There is a footpath that heads towards Pico Ruivo, which is a particularly popular point for tourists as it offers both a rugged, wild backdrop, as well as amazing views out across the city, coast, and beyond. At the top there is a restaurant for hikers to catch their breath in and refuel, as well as a souvenir shop.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
The Cathedral of Funchal, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is an impressive late 15th Century building and one of the only surviving pieces of architecture since the colonisation of the island. The Gothic-style exterior is worth the trip alone, but visitors can also peek inside where the history and the importance of the cathedral is made evident through a series of grand murals and designs.
