Madeira Sea & Beaches
Sea-conditions forecast for Madeira and Porto Santo's main beaches and spots — water temperature, wave height, swell and period, so you know where to swim or surf today.
Sea temperature today
22.5°C
Funchal
South coastToday
0.8 m
Calm
Swimming: GoodSurf: Small
Sea temperature
23°
Swell
0.6 m
Period
11 s
Direction
296°
Today
0.8 m
23°
Wed
0.7 m
23°
Thu
1.0 m
23°
Fri
1.2 m
23°
Sat
2.1 m
22°
Calheta
South-west coastToday
1.3 m
Moderate
Swimming: CautionSurf: Good
Sea temperature
23°
Swell
1.0 m
Period
11 s
Direction
339°
Today
1.3 m
23°
Wed
1.2 m
23°
Thu
1.3 m
23°
Fri
1.3 m
23°
Sat
2.3 m
23°
Porto Moniz
North coastToday
1.4 m
Moderate
Swimming: CautionSurf: Good
Sea temperature
22°
Swell
1.1 m
Period
10 s
Direction
342°
Today
1.4 m
22°
Wed
1.5 m
22°
Thu
1.5 m
22°
Fri
1.5 m
22°
Sat
2.4 m
22°
Machico
East coastToday
0.6 m
Calm
Swimming: GoodSurf: Flat
Sea temperature
23°
Swell
0.4 m
Period
8 s
Direction
13°
Today
0.6 m
23°
Wed
0.7 m
23°
Thu
0.8 m
22°
Fri
0.9 m
22°
Sat
1.7 m
22°
Porto Santo
IslandToday
1.4 m
Moderate
Swimming: CautionSurf: Good
Sea temperature
22°
Swell
1.2 m
Period
10 s
Direction
344°
Today
1.4 m
22°
Wed
1.4 m
22°
Thu
1.5 m
22°
Fri
1.3 m
22°
Sat
2.1 m
22°
Source: Open-MeteoUpdated: 3 Nov 2026, 06:30
Madeira's sea
The sea changes a lot from coast to coast. The south coast (Funchal, Calheta) is generally more sheltered and calm, ideal for swimming; the north coast (Porto Moniz, Seixal) is more exposed to Atlantic swell and has bigger waves. Water temperature ranges from about 18 °C in winter to 24 °C in late summer. On rough days, the natural pools of Porto Moniz are a good alternative.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the sea warm enough to swim in Madeira?
- Sea temperature ranges from about 18 °C in winter to 23–24 °C in late summer. The warmest water is from August to October.
- Where is best to swim when the sea is rough?
- The south coast (Funchal, Calheta) is usually more sheltered and calm. On big-swell days, the natural pools of Porto Moniz and lido complexes with pools are safer alternatives.
- Is Madeira good for surfing?
- Yes. The north coast and the south-west (Jardim do Mar, Paul do Mar) pick up Atlantic swell, especially in winter. Summer is usually smaller.
- Does Madeira have sandy beaches?
- Most Madeira beaches are pebble. There is sand at Porto Santo (a 9 km golden beach), Calheta and Machico (imported sand). Many bathing areas are complexes with pools and sea access.