Madeira Air Quality
Air-quality index, particulates, UV index and Saharan dust (calima) for Madeira and Porto Santo — so you know when the air is clean and when there's a dust event.
Saharan dust (calima)
No Saharan dust
No significant Saharan dust — good visibility and clean air.
Funchal
Air quality (AQI)
24Fair
PM2.5
7 µg/m³
PM10
10 µg/m³
Dust (calima)
1 µg/m³
UV index
3 · Moderate
Today
24
Fair
Mon
28
Fair
Tue
26
Fair
Wed
45
Moderate
Porto Santo
Air quality (AQI)
22Fair
PM2.5
5 µg/m³
PM10
9 µg/m³
Dust (calima)
3 µg/m³
UV index
3 · Moderate
Today
22
Fair
Mon
23
Fair
Tue
37
Fair
Wed
46
Moderate
Source: Open-Meteo / CAMSUpdated: 1 Nov 2026, 06:45
Madeira's air
As an Atlantic island swept by clean winds, Madeira generally enjoys very good air quality. The main exceptions are Saharan dust events (calima), which leave the sky hazy and raise airborne particles, and localized traffic pollution in Funchal. The UV index is high almost all year — always use sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Madeira have good air quality?
- Yes. As an Atlantic island with clean winds, Madeira generally has very good air quality. The exceptions are Saharan dust events (calima) and localized traffic pollution in Funchal.
- What is calima?
- Calima is a mass of Sahara desert dust carried by the wind to Madeira. It leaves the sky hazy and yellowish, reduces visibility and raises airborne particles (PM10), which can affect people with respiratory problems.
- Does calima affect flights to Madeira?
- In strong events, dust reduces visibility and, combined with wind, can contribute to delays or diversions at Madeira Airport. Check flight status before travelling.
- Is the UV index high in Madeira?
- Yes, the UV index is high almost all year due to the latitude. Use sun protection even on cloudy or dusty days.