What's the Weather like in Funchal in July
July is one of the hottest months in Funchal, Madeira, with plenty of sunshine, soaring temperatures, and very little rainfall. It's the perfect time to visit to soak up all the good weather, but it can be fairly busy because of the start of the summer holidays.
Temperature
Average high temperatures can rise to a very pleasant 24°C and higher during the warmer parts of the day. Even at night it's extremely mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 19°C, making al fresco dining the perfect evening activity. Usually, though you can expect average temperatures to hover around 22°C thanks to the sea breeze than ensures the island never gets too hot. It's best to pack layers if you're visiting at this time of year; t-shirts, shorts and swimwear are ideal for during the day, but you'll probably want a thin cardigan or jumper for when the sun goes down. Be sure to pack lots of suncream, too, as the summer sun in Funchal can be fierce.
Rainfall
Summer is the dry season in Funchal, which means that July sees barely any rainfall. Only around 10mm falls throughout the month over an average of 4 days. It's unlikely you'll encounter any showers during your trip so it's not necessary to pack an umbrella and waterproofs, though feel free to slip them into your suitcase if you want to stay on the safe side.
Sunshine Hours
Because of its location close to the tip of North Africa, Madeira sees little variation in the amount of sunshine hours throughout the year. In July you can expect to see between 3 and 5 hours of sunshine per day, which doesn't seem like a lot, but still provides time for you to explore all that the town has to offer as well as kick back and relax on the beaches.
July in Funchal is hot and it proves to be a hugely popular time to visit as the summer holidays get underway. However, there are plenty of things to do and see and the high temperatures and minimal amount of rain make 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 July
Quintinha Sao Joao
Quintinha Sao Joao is a luxury, intimate hotel elevated above sea level so guests have incredible views across the surrounding scenery. It is flanked by a series of colourful, beautifully manicured gardens that offer peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. Rooms are elegant and stylish with white-washed walls and soft, comfortable furnishings and all have their own private balconies that look out over the view. The hotel also boasts an in-house spa with a range of relaxing facilities, an outdoor swimming pool with a bar, and an on-site restaurant.
Porto Mare
Porto Mare is a four-star hotel situated near the main promenade in Funchal. There are a series of interconnecting gardens surrounding the complex, as well as five swimming pools, four restaurants, six bars, spa and health facilities, and even an ice-cream parlour. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, decked out in muted tones and with private balconies with views overlooking the bay and beyond.
Choupana Hills Resort and Spa
Choupana Hills Resort and Spa is a beautiful villa-style building nestled in the foothills surrounding Funchal, offering amazing views across the coastal landscape. The rooms are bright and modern with pops of bright, traditional colours like reds, oranges, and yellows, and each room has its own large balcony with spectacular views. There is a secluded terrace-side pool with bar, a wellness and spa area, a well-stocked library, a souvenir store, and three on-site restaurants.
Funchal Beaches for July
Whilst Funchal is a popular beach holiday destination, it doesn't have your typical white-sand beaches lined with palm trees. Instead the beaches are either made up of black sand stemming from the island's volcanoes, or pebbles and rocky outcrops. They still offer great places to sunbathe and relax, though, and the water is clear and warm all along the coast. Because of its lack of sand, many of the beaches in Funchal are actually swimming pool complexes situated right on the waterfront with access to the sea. This means you get the best of both worlds!
Praia Formosa
Praia Formosa is actually the longest beach on the island that's open to the public. Situated just to the west of Funchal, it boasts a collection of sandy and pebble stretches that all have access to the beautifully clear sea. As well as snack bars, restaurants, and play areas, the beach also offers visitors a number of activities to get stuck into, including various watersports.
Bars and Restaurants
Restaurant Cidade Velha
Restaurant Cidade Velha is situated in a prime location in the heart of Funchal's Old Town with an expansive outdoor terrace with lots greenery and great views across the bay. The menu focuses on fresh, Mediterranean food with heavy emphasis on fish dishes such as swordfish Madeira style and cod with a corn bread crust, as well as a selection of delicious meat dishes including Old City steak and stuffed piglet.
Solar da Ajuda
Solar da Ajuda is a Brazilian steakhouse with Mediterranean flavours. It's laidback interior provides and intimate, friendly dining experience, whilst the menu boasts a selection of international and local dishes including steaks on stones, fajitas, grilled prawns, and fresh fish.
Things to do in Funchal in July
Santa Caterina Park
Santa Caterina Park is a great alternative to a day at the beach. The lush greenery that is bursting with vibrant colours at this time of year offers a secluded place to soak up the summer sunshine. There are a series of walkways and tropical gardens to explore, as well as a number of lakes, ponds, and waterfalls that provide the perfect backdrop for a family picnic. In addition, there is a children's play park, a snack bar, and fantastic views across the bay.
Santa Clara Monastery
The Santa Clara Monastery is a 15th Century convent set in a secluded part of Funchal. Here, visitors can admire the amazing architecture on display, as well as take a guided tour through the building and learn about the lifestyles of the monastery's inhabitants both from the past and from the present, as there are still a number of nuns that reside there.
