Madeira · December to January
Madeira in winter and New Year
Funchal in late December is quieter than summer, the island is greener, and the New Year celebrations are worth planning a trip around. This page covers what to expect in winter and offers a sample private itinerary for the 30 December to 4 January period.
Winter weather
Funchal stays mild year-round. Winter is cooler than summer and wetter, but the coast is rarely cold. Higher elevations — above 1,000 metres — can be chilly, foggy, or wet, especially in January. A guide handles the day-of decisions: if conditions make a route less worthwhile, the plan adjusts.
New Year's Eve in Funchal
Funchal's New Year celebration is the city's biggest night of the year. Fireworks go up from multiple points along the hillside above the bay, and the marina and old town fill up with visitors and locals. Hotels book up months in advance for this period; plan accordingly.
Levadas and mountain trails
The main levada walks are generally accessible in winter. Trails at lower and mid-altitudes can be particularly rewarding: lusher vegetation, fewer walkers, cooler air. High-altitude paths may be closed temporarily after heavy rain or wind. Local knowledge matters most in this season.
Sample itinerary
30 December to 4 January
A sample six-day programme for one person, built from the current tour catalogue. Three tours, two rest days, one arrival day. This is an example: dates, tours, and the order can all be adjusted to fit your plans.
30 December
Arrive in Funchal
Settle in. The old town, the Mercado dos Lavradores, and the marina make for a good first evening on foot. No tour today.
31 December
Funchal City & Culture
3 hoursThe city by day, before the evening celebrations. Cathedral, municipal market, cable car, and the back streets most visitors miss. Tour finishes mid-afternoon, leaving the evening free for New Year's Eve.
1 January
Rest — New Year's Day
Most places open later or not at all. A good day to recover, walk the waterfront, and eat without a plan.
2 January
Levada Walk
4 hoursPost-holiday, the trails are quiet. Winter levada walks have a different character: the vegetation is fuller after autumn rain, the air is cooler, and the paths are rarely shared with anyone.
3 January
Rest — free day
No guide, no schedule. The cable car up to Monte, a café in the old town, or a slow morning at the market.
4 January
East Coast Highlights
Half dayMachico, the eastern bays, and Ponta de São Lourenço if conditions allow. A good way to end the trip before the flight home.
Sample programme total (3 tours)
€1020
A €100 flat deposit holds each tour booking; the balance is paid directly to your guide on the day. Cancellation policy applies.
Full catalogue
Funchal City & Culture
€300 per group
Levada Walk
€340 per group
East Coast Highlights
€380 per group
Wine, Food & Villages
€420 per group
Mountain Interior
€480 per group
Full Island Discovery
€560 per group
All tours are private: your group only, up to 4 passengers, with licensed guide and vehicle. Mix and match any combination for a custom programme. See full tour details.
Ready to plan your New Year trip?
Send a message with your dates and party size. A reply comes within 24 hours with availability and any adjustments to this sample programme.