Weather in Madeira in September

How September compares

September is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Madeira and ranks 102nd of 134 destinations we compare for September - see where else is hot in September. Within Portugal it is 11th of 13 (Portugal in September). Against London's average high of 18.6°C in September, Madeira is 5.7°C warmer by day and 8.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in September

The typical September day in Madeira peaks at 24.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 26.4°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 333 pass 30°C. Nights average 20.0°C; one night in ten drops to 18.1°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest September day here reached 31.0°C (2006-09-04) and the coldest night 15.5°C (2020-09-18).

Rain in September

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 28 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest September was 2008 with 85 mm, the driest 2000 with 5 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in September

The sea averages 23.7°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 22.9°C to 24.3°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:51 and sets about 20:14 local time in mid-September. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is September a good time to visit Madeira?

Yes - it is one of the better months: warm days, manageable rain. The best months for Madeira on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Aug.

Warm days without relying on fierce heat

September sits among Madeira's warmest months, so this is still a warm-weather trip rather than one that needs an autumn wardrobe. Light clothing should suit most daytime plans, while average nights of 20°C make heavy evening layers unnecessary for most travellers. The catch is humidity: at 74%, the air may feel more muggy than the temperature alone suggests. Keep more energetic outings away from midday if you dislike feeling hot, and carry a light layer for evenings when you want it. This month suits travellers who want comfortable warmth more than those chasing consistently high temperatures.

Good swimming conditions, but not constant sunshine

The sea averages 23.7°C in September, making swimming a reasonable part of your plans rather than something reserved for the hardiest travellers. Its year-to-year range of 23°C to 24°C also points to fairly consistent water temperatures for the month. On land, about 5.9 hours of sunshine within 12.2 hours of daylight leaves plenty of usable daylight, but sunshine should not be confused with an all-day guarantee of clear skies. Keep swim plans flexible around the weather, and bring sun protection even if the morning looks cloudy. September suits a mix of time in the water and relaxed outdoor days.

Allow for rain rather than ruling September out

About 8 days receive measurable rain, so packing only for dry weather would be optimistic. Equally, rain need not dominate your decision: September remains among Madeira's best-rated months alongside July and August. A light waterproof is a sensible addition to your bag, especially if you plan to spend much of the day outdoors. Avoid making every day depend on dry conditions, and be ready to swap outdoor plans around when rain is forecast. The trade-off is straightforward: you get warm air and swimmable water, but you need more flexibility than you would for a holiday built entirely around sunshine.