Back to destinations
AI-generated illustrative scene; not a photograph of this destination
AI-generated
Portugal

Machico weather & best time to visit

Sun, sea & sand

Machico at a glance

Best time
Jun – Sep
Warmest month
Aug · 27°
Warmest sea
Sep · 23.8°
Sunshine a year
2,590 h
Rain a year
511 mm
Climate
Mediterranean
Time zone
UTC+0 / UTC+1
Elevation
39 m

Climate in Machico

Machico has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. August is the warmest month with average highs of 27 °C, while February is the coolest at 18 °C. With around 2,590 hours of sunshine a year, Machico is sunny; July is the sunniest month with 9.7 hours a day.

Holiday weather through the year

Best time to visit

Best time to visit Machico

The best time to visit Machico is from June to September. For a beach holiday – sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry – go from June to October. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, the weather is pleasant all year round. The wettest month is December with 82 mm of precipitation.

Machico through the seasons

How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.

Machico in spring

Mar – May

43

Fair

  • 19–22 °C by day
  • Sea 19 °C
  • 7.5 h of sun a day
  • 28 rainy days in all

Machico in summer

Jun – Aug

92

Excellent

  • 24–27 °C by day
  • Sea 22 °C
  • 9.3 h of sun a day
  • 8 rainy days in all

Machico in autumn

Sep – Nov

69

Good

  • 21–26 °C by day
  • Sea 23 °C
  • 6.2 h of sun a day
  • 30 rainy days in all

Machico in winter

Dec – Feb

29

Poor

  • 18–20 °C by day
  • Sea 19 °C
  • 5.3 h of sun a day
  • 28 rainy days in all

Which month for what?

Beach & swimming

Jun – Oct

Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry

Sightseeing & hiking

All year

15–28 °C and not too much rain

Find your perfect month

Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Machico for you.

Swimming in the sea
Sunshine
Little rain

Your best months: July – September

Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.

Your holiday weather, at a glance

Weather in October

Weather in October

72

Holiday weather in October

Good

Best time to visit: June – September

Good forBeach & swimmingSightseeing & walks

A typical day in October

  1. Morning, 08:00: about 19°
  2. Midday, 13:00: about 23°
  3. Afternoon, 16:00: about 24°
  4. Evening, 20:00: about 22°
  5. Night, 23:00: about 21°

08:1019:35

Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.

Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.

Light for photos in October

Golden hour
Morning 07:55–08:43 · evening 19:02–19:51
Blue hour
Morning 07:45–07:55 · evening 19:51–20:00

Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.

October in Machico compared with home

Home:

Loading the climate at home …

Early or late October?

In October, daytime highs fall from about 25° at the start of the month to 23° at the end. The sea cools from 23° to 22°. The days get 0.9 h shorter.

Early or late October?
October1 Oct31 Oct
Daytime high25°23°
Night-time low20°18°
Sea23°22°
Daylight11.9 h11.0 h

What is the weather like in Machico in October?

In October, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 19 °C. The sea averages 23.1 °C – pleasant for swimming. Expect around 6.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 62 mm in total. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in Machico.

More details for October

Daylight
11 h 25 min08:10 – 19:35
UV index
6 · highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
Muggy days
3 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
Wind
14 km/haverage daily peakAll months
Cloud cover
61 %on averageAll months
Hot days
0 days30 °C or moreAll months
Time zone
UTC+1offset from UTC

How the score comes together

  • Temperatureweight 35 %87 %
  • Seaweight 25 %87 %
  • Sunshineweight 20 %52 %
  • Few rainy daysweight 20 %47 %

Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “Sun, sea & sand”.

What to pack in October

  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain jacket or umbrella

Compare two months in Machico

Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.

vs

August has the better holiday weather in Machico: score 98 against 72. In August, days are 3 °C warmer than in October. The sea is about as warm in both months. August has 8 fewer rainy days. The sun shines 3 hours longer a day in August.

October vs August, Machico
MonthOctoberAugust
Holiday weather score7298better
Daytime high24°27°
Night-time low19°21°
Sea23.1°23.5°
Sunshine6.1 h9.0 hbetter
Rainy days113better
Rainfall62 mm7 mmbetter
Muggy days3better5

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Machico month by month

The typical weather for every month at a glance.

26January19° · Sea 19° · 5.1 h

In January, Machico is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 19.0 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 58 mm in total. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in January
29February18° · Sea 18° · 5.8 h

In February, Machico is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.8 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 55 mm. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in February
28March19° · Sea 18° · 6.7 h

In March, Machico is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 18.1 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 6.7 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 60 mm in total. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in March
40April20° · Sea 19° · 7.3 h

In April, Machico is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 18.6 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 49 mm in total. All in all, April is a so-so month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in April
60May22° · Sea 20° · 8.4 h

In May, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 19.5 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 8.4 hours a day. Rain falls on about 7 days, adding up to 28 mm. All in all, May is a good month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in May
83June24° · Sea 21° · 9.3 h

In June, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 21.0 °C – refreshing for a swim. With around 9.3 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 4 days bring 16 mm in total. All in all, June is an excellent month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in June
94July26° · Sea 22° · 9.7 h

In July, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 20 °C. The sea averages 22.4 °C – refreshing for a swim. With around 9.7 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. All in all, July is an excellent month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in July
98August27° · Sea 24° · 9.0 h

In August, Machico is hot: daytime highs average 27 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 21 °C. The sea averages 23.5 °C – pleasant for swimming. With around 9.0 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 7 mm in total. All in all, August is an excellent month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in August
88September26° · Sea 24° · 7.3 h

In September, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and even at night it stays warm at around 20 °C. The sea averages 23.8 °C – pleasant for swimming. The sun shines for around 7.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 25 mm. All in all, September is an excellent month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in September
72October24° · Sea 23° · 6.1 h

In October, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 19 °C. The sea averages 23.1 °C – pleasant for swimming. Expect around 6.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 62 mm in total. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in October
47November21° · Sea 22° · 5.3 h

In November, Machico is warm: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 21.6 °C – refreshing for a swim. Expect around 5.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 65 mm in total. All in all, November is a so-so month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in November
31December20° · Sea 20° · 5.1 h

In December, Machico is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 20.1 °C – refreshing for a swim. Expect around 5.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 82 mm in total. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Machico.

Machico in December

Climate in detail

Year & climate table

Climate through the year

Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.

Best time to visit

Nights and sleep in Machico

How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.

  • Cool 8–15°
  • Pleasant 15–20°
  • Warm 20–24°

PleasantOctober: nights around 19°. Ideal for sleeping, often with the window open. Muggy on about 3 days (dew point 18 °C or more).

The coolest nights are in February (14°), the warmest in August (21°). Tropical nights of 20 °C and more are the rule from July to September; then air conditioning or a fan helps you sleep. Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from March to June and from October to January.

Temperatures through the year

Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.

OctoberDay 24°Night 19°Sea 23°
DayNightSea
MonthScoreDayNightSeaSunRain daysRain mm
JanuaryJan2619°15°19.0°5.1 h1058
FebruaryFeb2918°14°18.3°5.8 h855
MarchMar2819°15°18.1°6.7 h1160
AprilApr4020°15°18.6°7.3 h949
MayMay6022°16°19.5°8.4 h728
JuneJun8324°18°21.0°9.3 h416
JulyJul9426°20°22.4°9.7 h24
AugustAug9827°21°23.5°9.0 h37
SeptemberSep8826°20°23.8°7.3 h825
OctoberOct7224°19°23.1°6.1 h1162
NovemberNov4721°17°21.6°5.3 h1165
DecemberDec3120°16°20.1°5.1 h1182

Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences

32.72° N, 16.77° W · 39 m · Atlantic/Madeira

Sea temperature
Swimming calendar

Sea temperature in Machico

Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.

Sea in October23.1°Cpleasant

8 in 10 years: 22.6 – 23.5 °C

Swimming season: Jun – Dec

  • cold
  • fresh
  • refreshing
  • pleasant
  • warm
  • very warm
OctoberMean sea temperature 23.1°8 in 10 years 22.6° – 23.5°
20°
Mean sea temperature8 in 10 years20 °C – comfortable for swimming

The sea temperature in Machico ranges from 18.1 °C in March to 23.8 °C in September. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from June to December.

The sea warms up slowly: it is warmest in September, while the air already peaks in August. From November to January the sea is even warmer than the afternoon air. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in September, eight out of ten years were between 23.3 and 24.5 °C.

Sea temperature by month
MonthAverageCool yearWarm yearFeels
JanuaryJan19.0°18.1°19.5°fresh
FebruaryFeb18.3°17.5°18.9°fresh
MarchMar18.1°17.5°18.8°fresh
AprilApr18.6°18.0°19.3°fresh
MayMay19.5°18.7°20.2°fresh
JuneJun21.0°20.3°22.0°refreshing
JulyJul22.4°21.7°23.1°refreshing
AugustAug23.5°22.7°24.1°pleasant
SeptemberSep23.8°23.3°24.5°pleasant
OctoberOct23.1°22.6°23.5°pleasant
NovemberNov21.6°20.9°22.4°refreshing
DecemberDec20.1°19.4°20.7°refreshing
Sunshine
Sunshine

Sunshine hours in Machico

Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
2,590 hours
Sunniest month
Jul · 9.7 h a day
Least sunshine
Jan · 5.1 h a day
OctoberSunshine 6.1 hDaylight 11.4 hShare of daylight 54 %
SunshineDaylight

In October, the sun shines for about 6.1 of 11.4 hours of daylight in Machico, 54 % of the daylight hours.

Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.

Rain
Rain

Rain in Machico: rainy days and rainfall

A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
511 mm on 94 days
Wettest month
Dec · 82 mm
Driest month
Jul · 4 mm
OctoberRainy days 11Rainfall 62 mm

In October, Machico has about 11 rainy days with 62 mm of rain in total.

UV index
Sun protection

UV index in Machico

How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.

Clear-sky UV in October
6 · highSeek shade around midday; sunscreen SPF 30+, hat and sunglasses.

The sun is strongest in June (UV 11).

Minutes until sunburn in October

Very fair skin
about 25 min
Fair skin
about 30 min
Light brown skin
about 40 min
Olive skin
about 50 min

Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.

Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.

Wind & clouds
Wind & clouds

Wind and clouds in Machico

How breezy and how cloudy Machico is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.

Wind

Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.

Year average
14 km/h · gentle breeze
Windiest month
Mar · 16 km/h
Calmest month
Sep · 12 km/h
OctoberWind 14 km/hBeaufort 3
20
WindBeaufort 4

In October, the wind in Machico typically peaks at 14 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, gentle breeze.

Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting

The daily breeze rarely reaches Beaufort 4 (20 km/h), so wind sports depend on single windy days.

Clouds

Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.

Year average
56 % · variable cloud
Clearest month
Aug · 39 %
Cloudiest month
Dec · 65 %
OctoberCloud cover 61 %Sunshine 6.1 h

In October, cloud covers on average 61 % of the sky over Machico: variable cloud, with about 6.1 hours of sunshine a day.

Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.

Heat & humidity
Heat & humidity

Heat and humidity in Machico

How often the day gets hot in Machico (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.

Hot days a year
1 day
Hottest month
Aug · 27 °C
Hot months
none

Heat calendar

  • pleasant
  • some hot or muggy days
  • often muggy
  • often hot
  • hot and muggy
OctoberHot days (30 °C+) 0Daytime high 24 °C

In October, Machico has about 0 hot days, with an average daytime high of 24 °C: pleasant. Heat plays no part this month.

Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year

Planning a trip to Machico

Weather for your travel dates

Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.

Machico in the school holidays

How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.

Machico has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 97) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 29).

  • Easter holidays

    Mar – Apr

    36

    Poor

    • 20 °C by day
    • Sea 18 °C
    • 7.1 h of sun a day
    • 10 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • May half-term

    May – Jun

    65

    Good

    • 22 °C by day
    • Sea 20 °C
    • 8.6 h of sun a day
    • 7 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • Summer holidays

    Jul – Aug

    97

    ExcellentBest holidays

    • 27 °C by day
    • Sea 23 °C
    • 9.2 h of sun a day
    • 2 rainy days a month

    Good for: Beach & swimming, Sightseeing & walks

  • October half-term

    Oct

    72

    Good

    • 24 °C by day
    • Sea 23 °C
    • 6.1 h of sun a day
    • 11 rainy days a month

    Good for: Beach & swimming, Sightseeing & walks

  • Christmas holidays

    Dec – Jan

    29

    Poor

    • 19 °C by day
    • Sea 20 °C
    • 5.1 h of sun a day
    • 10 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Getting there

Flying from

Nonstop flight
about 3 h 30 min
Distance
2,470 km
Time zone
UTC+1
Jet lag
Hardly any (under 3 h)

Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.

Good to know: Portugal

Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Sockets
Type C, F · 230 V
Traffic
Drives on the right
Dialling code
+351
Emergency number
112

UK plugs need a travel adapter

Sources: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0). Please check details before you travel.

Compare & alternatives

Compare with another place
Compare

Machico compared

Put Machico side by side with another destination.

Nearby:
Compare with home:

Machico vs Funchal

In October Machico has the better holiday weather (score 72 vs 65). During the day Funchal is 1 °C cooler than Machico. The sea is about equally warm.

Machico vs Funchal, in October
in OctoberMachicoFunchal
Holiday weather score7265
Daytime high24°23°
Sea23°23°
Sunshine6 h6 h
Rainy days1111
Best timeJun – SepMay – Sep

Through the year

OctoberMachico 24°Funchal 23°
MachicoFunchal
Go to Funchal, Madeira
Best places in the country
Ranking

Portugal in October: the best places

In October, Machico ranks 9 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.

  1. Silves25°86
  2. 2Loulé24°86
  3. 3Sintra21°82
  4. 4Amadora22°19°82
  5. 5Lisbon22°19°82
  6. 6Mafra21°80
  7. 7Funchal23°23°74
  8. 8Tavira24°21°73
  9. 9MachicoThis page24°23°72
All destinations: Portugal
Places nearby

Near Machico

Other destinations close by.

Places with a similar climate

Places with a climate like Machico

Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Machico's – good alternatives.

  1. 73 % similar90RabatMorocco25°21°Best time: Feb – Oct
  2. 73 % similar90CasablancaMorocco25°21°Best time: Feb – Nov
  3. 72 % similar49Vila Franca do CampoPortugal22°22°Best time: Jul – Sep
  4. 72 % similar88Al HoceimaMorocco24°21°Best time: Feb, Apr – Nov

Frequently asked questions about Machico

When is the best time to visit Machico?

The best time to visit Machico is from June to September. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.

How warm is the sea in Machico?

The sea temperature in Machico ranges from 18.1 °C in March to 23.8 °C in September. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from June to December.

Can you swim in Machico in October?

Yes. In October the sea averages 23.1 °C – pleasant for swimming.

What is the warmest month in Machico?

August is the warmest month, with average highs of 27 °C and nights around 21 °C. February is the coolest month at 18 °C.

When does it rain most in Machico?

The wettest month is December with 82 mm of precipitation. The driest month is July with 4 mm.

How many hours of sunshine does Machico get?

Machico gets around 2,590 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is July with 9.7 hours a day; in January there are 5.1 hours a day.

What time zone is Machico in?

Machico is on UTC+0 in January and UTC+1 in July.

How long is the flight from London to Machico?

A nonstop flight from London to Machico takes about 3 h 30 min, for a straight-line distance of about 2,470 km.

Which school holidays are best for Machico?

Machico has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 97) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 29). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 36, May half-term 65, summer holidays 97, October half-term 72, Christmas holidays 29.