When to walk the Madeira Crossing? Climate and seasons

Madeira is known as the island of eternal spring, but that is true by the sea, not at 1,800 m. On the crossing, it is often cold, damp and windy, whatever the season.

The climate at altitude

• On Pico do Areeiro, the average annual temperature was 10.6 °C in 2025, with a minimum of −2 °C in March and April.
• 2,504 mm of rain fell there in 2025, and 2,826 mm at Chão do Areeiro, a regional record. January 2026 broke the record for the month (658 mm).
• Gusts of 147 km/h were recorded at Chão do Areeiro in December 2025.
• Hail and snow are possible on the summits in winter; fog can envelop the Paul da Serra within minutes.

Source: Direção Regional de Estatística da Madeira (DREM), 2025 weather data.

Which season to choose?

No official source recommends a period. Hikers who have done the crossing often suggest late April to June and September–October: long days, mild temperatures at altitude and less frequent rain than in winter. Summer is the driest season, but also the season of wildfires and crowds on the PR1.

Trail closures for works often fall in spring and September: in 2026, the PR1 was only open at weekends until 26 June. Check the trail status before setting your dates.

Daylight hours

Local time in Madeira (same time zone as Lisbon), calculated for the centre of the island. Trail booking time slots follow daylight hours.