What's the Weather like in Funchal in May?
May marks the end of the rainy season in Funchal, Madeira, and the temperatures begin to creep up with summer just around the corner. Days are filled with sunshine and it's a great time to visit to catch some early summer sun before the crowds flock to the shores over the next few months.
Temperature
May is characteristically warm in Funchal, with average high temperatures sitting at a very pleasant 21°C and often rising higher during the hottest parts of the day. At night, temperatures rarely fall below 16°C, providing balmy evenings for al fresco dining. You can expect daily averages to be around 19°C so it's a good idea to pack layers if you're visiting at this time of the year. T-shirts and shorts will suffice for the day, but you might want a thicker cardigan or jumper for when the temperatures fall. Slip some suncream into your suitcase, too, as the sun's rays are strong in May.
Rainfall
The rainfall diminishes considerably in May as the town heads quickly into summer and the dry season. Throughout the month around 20mm falls across an average of 8 days. There's a chance you could see some showers on your trip, so pack an umbrella or some waterproofs to stay dry.
Sunshine Hours
Because of its location close to North Africa and the equator, Madeira doesn't see much fluctuation in hours of sunshine per day. In May, you can expect to experience around 6 hours of sunshine per day in Funchal. This may not seem like much, but it provides plenty of time for you to get out and see all the things that the town has to offer as well as kick back and relax on the beaches.
If you're looking for warm weather and a great selection of things to do then May is a great time to visit Funchal there might be a small amount of rain, but there are much fewer crowds than in the summer months.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Funchal, you are advised to visit this page.
Funchal Hotels in May
Quinta da Serra
The hotel Quinta da Serra is a beautiful red, villa-style accommodation block nestled amongst well-manicured and colourful gardens. The décor is simple but stylish and comfortable, with white-washed walls and muted tones, whilst the elevated position of the hotel provides spectacular views across the surrounding scenery. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant that serves a delicious selection of fresh Mediterranean dishes and has a private terrace overlooking the bay and beyond.
Jardins d'Ajuda
The Jardins d'Ajuda is a four-star hotel complex on the beachfront of Funchal. The rooms are spacious and traditionally designed with floral furnishings and thick, cosy carpets, plus they all have private balconies that overlook the surrounding landscape. Elsewhere in the hotel, there is a gym, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a restaurant and bar, and a jam-packed schedule of evening entertainment.
Jardins do Lago
The Jardins do Lago is a small boutique hotel that is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens. It's situated on one of the many green hills that flank Funchal, providing incredible views across the nearby scenery. The rooms are spacious and bright with white-washed walls and pops of colour, plus they each have their own large terrace with south-facing views across the bay. There is also a secluded on-site pool, a restaurant with a quaint outdoor terrace area and lakes, fountains, and forests to explore.
Funchal Beaches for May
Ponta Gorda
Ponta Gorda is a more of a pool complex by the water's front than a beach. It's situated off of the main promenade in Funchal and offers sunbathers direct access to the sea via a series of stone steps. If the sea is not your thing, there are two swimming pools to enjoy as well as a designated children's pool, plus a play area, a restaurant and a snack bar.
Bars and Restaurants
Restaurante o Celeiro
Restaurante o Celeiro is an intimate, rustic Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Funchal. It offers guests a cosy dining experience with deep, rich walls, and plenty of dark wood. There is also an outdoor terrace area that sprawls out across the cobbled streets, providing quaint al fresco dining. The menu is made up of delicious, fresh local dishes, including an abundance of freshly caught fish, juicy garlic prawns, and tender meats.
Casa Velha Restaurant
The Casa Velha Restaurant is one of the longer-standing restaurants in Funchal and it takes pride of place in the centre of the town. It boasts a high-ceilinged interior with floor-to-ceiling arched windows and an expansive outdoor dining area characterised by trailing plants and traditional stone floors. The menu is a flurry of freshly cooked Mediterranean dishes including plenty of seafood dishes like fish stew and smoked swordfish, and an abundance of meat dishes, including veal flambe and supreme of duck.
Things to do in Funchal in May
Jardim de Sao Francisco
For some peace and quiet in the centre of the city, head to the Jardim de Sao Francisco, a beautiful botanical garden that allows you to be close with nature without having to leave the comforting arms of Funchal. Here, you can wander amongst the colourful flora, which is in full bloom in May, and enjoy a drink in the open-air café whilst you relax and watch the world go by.
Frederico de Freitas Museum
For a glimpse into the traditions of Madeira, take a trip to the Frederico de Freitas Museum which is tucked away down one of Funchal's many winding streets. It's an old house that has retained its traditional décor and it exhibits beautiful artefacts, furniture and painting from days-gone-by. There's also an exquisite ceramic tile display which showcases local pieces as well as international offerings.
