Winter Jeep Tours in Madeira: What to Expect (December-February)

Winter in the Island of Eternal Spring

Madeira's nickname comes from its mild year-round climate, but winter does bring changes that affect your jeep tour experience. Here's everything you need to know.

Winter Weather Overview

Temperatures

Coastal areas: 15-19°C (59-66°F)

Mountains: 5-12°C (41-54°F)

Peaks: Can drop below freezing

Rainfall

December-February sees more rain than summer, but:

Rain is usually short-lived

Mountains see more than coast

Many days are still sunny

Daylight

Sunrise: ~7:30 AM

Sunset: ~6:00 PM

Shorter days mean adjusted tour times

How Winter Affects Your Tour

East Route

Pico do Arieiro: May have snow! Dramatic winter views

Cloud inversions: More common, spectacular photography

Fewer tourists: Popular stops less crowded

West Route

Paul da Serra: Often misty and mystical

Porto Moniz pools: Too cold for swimming (usually)

Waterfalls: More water flow, more impressive

Advantages of Winter Tours

Fewer crowds at viewpoints and attractions

Dramatic weather creates unique photo opportunities

Lower prices on some tours and accommodations

Snow possibility at peaks (rare but magical)

Lush landscapes from increased rainfall

What to Pack for Winter Tours

Essential:

Waterproof jacket

Warm fleece or sweater

Comfortable waterproof shoes

Layers (temperature varies dramatically by altitude)

Recommended:

Umbrella

Warm hat and gloves (for peaks)

Hand warmers

Dry bag for electronics

Winter Tour Recommendations

Best Routes

East Route: Better for winter (more sheltered viewpoints)

Sunrise tours: Still spectacular but later start (7:00 AM vs 5:30 AM)

Best Operators for Winter

All operators run year-round, but these handle variable weather well:

Mountain Expedition - Flexible itineraries based on conditions

Hit The Road Tours - Excellent weather monitoring

Adventure Safari - Provides blankets and hot drinks

Cancellation Policies

Winter weather can force tour changes. Most operators:

Offer free rescheduling for dangerous conditions

Adjust routes to avoid worst weather

Provide full refunds if tour cannot proceed

Always book with operators who have flexible winter policies!