What's the Weather Like in Madeira in August
August is one of the busiest times of the year for Madeira, when the temperatures are high, the days are long and the nights are warm.
Temperature
At this time of year, the average temperature for the island stays constant at 23.5°C throughout the month. Daily highs and daily lows also stay the same, at 26°C and 21°C, respectively, as the month develops.
Rain
Throughout August, Madeira receives an average rainfall of 3mm spread across four days, making it one of the driest months of the year on the island. With such a small amount of rainfall falling on so few days, precipitation probably won't affect your holiday at all.
The probability of rainfall occurring in Madeira in August is at its peak around August 31%, when it falls on 28% of days. On the other hand, rainfall is least likely to happen around August 4th, when it only occurs in 21% of days. If you are unfortunate enough to get some precipitation during your holiday in Madeira, it will most probably be light rain or drizzle.
Average Sunshine Hours
Across the month, Madeira enjoys an average of ten hours of sunshine every day that's one hour less every day than the previous month. With so many hours of sunshine, you'll have loads of chances to get out and explore the island, as well as hitting the beach to soak up some rays.
Daylight Hours
Throughout August, the length of the day is slowly decreasing, with a difference of 53 minutes between August 1st and August 31st. The shortest day of the month is August 31st, with 12 hours and 51 minutes of daylight, whilst the longest day of the month is August 1st, with 13 hours and 44 minutes of daylight.
Visibility
In August, the sky in Madeira is most accurately described as being partly cloudy, with an average cloud coverage of 41% - that's slightly higher than the previous month. This average is created from highs of 44% on August 31st and lows of 40% on August 8th.
Wind
During an average August in Madeira, usual wind speeds fluctuate between 1 m/s and 7 m/s (light breeze to moderate breeze), very rarely rising above 9 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 4 m/s usually occurs around August 17th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 7 m/s.
On the other hand, the lowest average wind speed of 4 m/s tends to happen around August 31st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 7 m/s. Throughout the month, the wind is most often coming from a north easterly direction.
Humidity
The relative humidity for Madeira in August ranges between 52% (mildly humid) and 79% (humid), very rarely falling below 38% (comfortable) or rising above 86% (very humid). The air is often at its driest around August 3rd, when the relative humidity levels fall below 59% three days out of every four. August 31st is when the air is usually at its most humid, when the relative humidity levels rise above 75% three days out of every four.
Average Sea Temperature
In August, the average sea temperature for Madeira is 23°C that's 1°C warmer than the previous month. Almost everyone who visits the island will agree that this temperature is ideal for swimming, which is why you'll see so many sunbathers and swimmers on the beach at this time of year.
Madeira Hotels in August
Estalagem Ponta do Sol boasts stunning vistas which stretch out far across the ocean. This hotel features a number of spacious rooms, each of which comes with sea or garden views. Onsite services and facilities include: courtesy buses, free WiFi access, bars, restaurants, swimming pool, gym and wellness centre.
If you're looking for an ecological hotel, Jardim Atlantico is perfect. This hotel is surrounded by nature and provides guests with a choice of studios, apartments and villas. There are loads of things to see and do onsite, including bar, restaurant, swimming pool, mini market, gym and excursion booking.
When it comes to typical Madeiran hotels, it doesn't get much better than Pestana Villa Aparthotel. This four-star complex provides accommodation in the form of studios and suites and offers a wealth of facilities and services, including: bars, restaurants, wellness centre, gym and shuttle bus.
Bars and Restaurants
Carnivores won't want to miss the chance to dine at Solar da Ajuda. This steakhouse specialises in Brazilian cuisine with a Madeiran twist and is famous for its steaks and fajitas which you have to cook yourself on a hot stone.
For something a bit more authentic, check out Jaquet. This eatery serves fantastic Portuguese food and only has six small tables, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The menu changes from day-to-day depending on what's available at the time, which means freshness is guaranteed.
If you fancy an afternoon coffee and cake, head to Café do Museu. This small café boasts some of the best chocolate cake in Madeira which goes wonderfully with a cup of tea, mug of coffee or glass of wine. The prices are very reasonable here, too, so you won't feel like you're getting ripped off.
When it comes to an amazing party atmosphere, you can't beat Marginal. This nightclub is always buzzing during summer and plays some of the best music you'll find in Madeira. The club is only small, so the dance floors are often packed.
Things to do in Madeira in August
Thrill seekers should check out Madeira Adventure Kingdom. This activity organiser arranges a vast array of adventures for locals and visitors, with one of the most popular activities being canyoning. Lead by a team of professionals, this activity is full of excitement and thrills and involves swimming and jumping through waterfalls.
With high temperatures, oodles of sunshine and warm sea temperatures, August is a great month to hit the beach. The 9km beach at Porto Santo is one of the most beautiful on the island, made up of golden sands and aquamarine waters. Here you'll find plenty of services and facilities, including sun loungers, parasols, snack bars, showers and lifeguards.
For a different kind of bay, check out the Ribiera Brava beach. This black sand beach is located in the centre of the resort, lined by numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. There are loads of amenities available here, including volleyball/football ground, beachside restaurant, canoe rental, bar, lifeguards, sun loungers and shades.
If the summer heat gets to be too much for you, seek shelter at the Frederico de Freitas Museum. There is absolutely loads to see here, including period furniture, porcelain, Venetian glass, artwork, sacred objects, Madeiran wooden figures, jugs and antique instruments.