Word Count and Read Time:
Known for its year-round mild weather, Madeira’s stunning, lush jungle thrives thanks to occasional bouts of rainy weather. Visiting Madeira with your kids can be fun, even when it rains.
My family and I live on the island’s notoriously cloudy north side. Although we’ve gotten used to putting on our wellies and rain jackets and heading out to explore the gem of the Atlantic, on some days the weather is simply too bad, or my toddler too feral, for us to stay at home.
On those days, I like to load my family up and go on one of these great activities.
Here are our favorite rainy day activities.
Look at the Webcams for Better Weather
Madeira’s mountainous terrain means the weather around the island is highly variable. We’ve experienced snow on Pico do Areeiro and gone swimming in Funchal on the same day.
You never know what the weather will be like on the island, and you certainly can’t know where the sun will be shining!
My best local tip?
Check these webcams before making your plans for the day. They’ll show you where the sun is shining better than any app.
We book our rental cars through DiscoverCars.com. They have the best rates on the island, no hidden fees, and offer a generous insurance policy that covers even minor scratches.
Take A Guided Tour of the Island of Madeira
It seems counterintuitive, but my favorite activity on rainy days is to drive around the island. Rainy weather brings out the magic of Madeira. Waterfalls sprout up everywhere on the island, and rainbows magically appear under the right circumstances.
Inexperienced, nervous, or intoxicated visitors to the island are better off booking a private tour.
You’ll be able to relax, stare out the window, and enjoy a poncha. Local guides know the island, and a private tour guide can create a customized tour that showcases the best of rainy Madeira.
Adventurous groups can opt for a Range Rover Tour of the island. These off-road tours take you along unpaved roads and through muddy puddles – my toddler’s dream.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours get a lot of bad press, but I personally love them when traveling with kids. They’re a flexible and entertaining way to see the highlights of Funchal without navigating its terrifyingly steep roads.
Visit A Museum in Madeira
Islands are unique and Madeira is no exception. The assortment of museums on this island is eclectic, surprising, and informative.
Here are a few of my favorites.
- The Ethnographic Museum shows visitors the interesting history of the Madeiran people.
- The Sugar, Sacred Arts, and Quinta das Cruzes tour takes visitors on a delicious journey through the sweet history of sugarcane cultivation on Madeira.
- The Madeira Whale Museum shows visitors the history of whaling and the wide variety of marine mammals that rely on Madeira’s sheltered coves to raise their young.
- The 3D Fun Art Museum in Funchal is a great way to keep teenagers engaged and entertained.
- My personal favorite is the Handicraft Museum + Embroidery Shop. But that’s because I’m a crafty nerd.
Explore Downtown Funchal and Shop.
Madeira isn’t a world-renowned shopping hub, but the shops in downtown Funchal are worth a day trip. My favorite shopping streets are Rua Fernão De Ornelas and Rua Do Aljube. Here, you’ll find locally owned stores selling fabrics, handicrafts, embroidery, and much more.
💡 Skip the malls in Madeira. You can find H&M and Zara anywhere.
How To Pack For Rainy Weather On Madeira
If you’re packing your bags at home and checking the forecast obsessively, you’re not alone. The weather on Madeira confuses even the locals. Don’t worry. With some minor adjustments to your plans and what you pack, you can make the most out of even the rainiest of holidays.
For adults, it’s simple.
- A good raincoat
- Water-proof hiking boots
- Extra socks and shirts
- Insulating Layer
- Optional: Rainboots with good tread
For kids, especially babies and toddlers, there are a couple more things you’ll need to pack. Babies lose body heat quickly, especially in the rain. Dress babies and toddlers in one more layer than their parents.
- 2 waterproof outer layers (we used this Tuffo Suit for 2 years)
- Extra socks, shirts, and shoes
- Rubber Boots with good tread
- Rain Cover for Hiking Carrier
- Additional Insulating Layer
✨ If you want your family photos to really pop, wear yellow, red, or orange rain jackets. The colors stick out, giving you great photos.
If you’ve forgotten something, or the weather is colder (or warmer) than you expected, I restock all our outdoor gear at the Decathlon in São Martinho.
💡 Check out this blog for a complete packing list for your family.
What Not to Do on Rainy Days on Madeira
I’m a big fan of getting outside every day, and follow the German pedagogic saying, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing”, on most days. But, if there’s a serious storm warning or trail closures, respect the storm.
Here are links to Portugal’s IPMA weather service. Active weather warnings are uploaded and updated regularly.
Road conditions on Madeira, especially in the mountains and on the back roads, degrade quickly during a storm. Check the weather before heading out on a hike, and never go if there’s an active warning.
Another thing to watch out for on stormy days in Madeira is the ocean. Every year, multiple tourists drown in easily preventable accidents – most are trying to take the perfect selfie next to the ocean.
Don’t climb over barriers, ropes, or plastic tethers, or ignore signs that say the beach is closed.
Embrace Madeira’s Weather
I get it. Rainy days on a vacation feels like your trip is ruined – but it’s not. Madeira is a wild place, and the wild weather keeps the island lush and green.
Personally, I think Madeira shows its best side after a big rainstorm.
Waterfalls appear everywhere on the island, rainbows are visible at every viewpoint, and my toddler loves the abundance of muddy puddles after a rainstorm.
The weather in Madeira is famously fickle, and wind often blows rain away in minutes, leaving the ground wet, muddy, and the air filled with rainbows.
No matter how you choose to spend your rainy day on Madeira, you’ll have a great time. This island is truly magical.
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More Posts About Madeira
The last (and best) thing to do on a rainy day in Madeira is plan your next adventure! Rainy days are seldom on this island, and the rain is what keeps it so beautiful and green. While you’re stuck indoors, check out these blogs for inspiration – they’re full of insider tips, toddler-friendly activities, and the best hikes for adventurers of all ages!
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