Weather in Funchal in April

How April compares

April is the 8th warmest month of the year in Funchal. Within Portugal it is 11th of 13 (Portugal in April). Against London's average high of 13.5°C in April, Funchal is 4.7°C warmer by day and 9.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in April

The typical April day in Funchal peaks at 18.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 20.4°C or more. Roughly 1 in 333 days top 25°C. Nights average 14.1°C; one night in ten drops to 12.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest April day here reached 26.5°C (2013-04-21) and the coldest night 9.0°C (2018-04-30).

Rain in April

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 9 days with 1 mm or more, 52 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest April was 2008 with 149 mm, the driest 1992 with 7 mm. Humidity averages 75%.

Sea temperature in April

The sea averages 18.4°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.9°C to 18.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (23.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:38 and sets about 20:37 local time in mid-April. Average cloud cover is 60%.

Is April a good time to visit Funchal?

April is not the strongest month here: mild days and frequent rain. The best months for Funchal on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Aug.

Comfortable for exploring, cool when you stop

The daytime temperature suits walking around without strong heat being the main concern. Light layers are more useful than packing entirely for summer: a T-shirt may feel comfortable in sunshine, while a jumper or light jacket makes sense for sitting outside and heading out in the evening. Warmer days reach around 20°C or more, but April is not the month to choose if you need consistent heat. The colder nights can fall to around 12°C or below, so keep something warm handy. It is a practical choice for travellers who prefer mild afternoons and do not mind covering up after dark.

Leave room for rain in your plans

Rain is the main catch with April. About 9 days have measurable rain, so a waterproof jacket deserves space in your bag and outdoor plans should stay flexible. That does not mean writing off the month, but it does mean avoiding an itinerary that depends on dry weather throughout. There are about 5.2 hours of sunshine within 12.8 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of light for being out without promising clear skies all day. Make use of brighter spells rather than saving every outdoor plan for later. If dependable sunshine matters more than mild temperatures, April is a compromise.

The sea is bracing, not comfortably warm

At an average of 18.4°C, the sea is better approached as a bracing dip than a warm-water swim. Its April range of 18°C to 19°C does not offer much prospect of a substantially warmer experience, so this is not a strong choice if comfortable sea swimming is central to your holiday. You can still enjoy time by the water, but bring a layer for afterwards rather than assuming the air will feel hot enough to warm you quickly. April makes more sense for a trip built around time outdoors on land, with a swim included only if cool water appeals.