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)
Moderate dust
Moderate dust event: the air may turn hazy and affect sensitive people. Stay hydrated and limit outdoor exertion if you have respiratory problems.
Funchal
Air quality (AQI)
51Moderate
PM2.5
25 µg/m³
PM10
86 µg/m³
Dust (calima)
77 µg/m³
UV index
8 · High
Today
51
Moderate
Wed
50
Moderate
Thu
29
Fair
Fri
31
Fair
Porto Santo
Air quality (AQI)
49Moderate
PM2.5
22 µg/m³
PM10
79 µg/m³
Dust (calima)
74 µg/m³
UV index
7 · High
Today
49
Moderate
Wed
43
Moderate
Thu
34
Fair
Fri
36
Fair
Source: Open-Meteo / CAMSUpdated: 15 Sept, 19:45
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.