Winter Weather Conditions on Madeira
Madeira has woken up to a windy day affecting nearly all activities, from air travel to mountain hiking. We’ve compiled an overview of current restrictions and recommendations to help you stay safe.
✈️ Airport and Transport: Expect Delays
Strong winds since yesterday have been complicating operations at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC).
- Who is affected: All passengers arriving in or departing from Madeira today.
- What this means: Several flights have already been diverted to the Canary Islands or Faro. Expect possible delays or changes to your flight schedule.
- Our recommendation: Monitor your flight status through your airline’s app or on the airport website. Keep your phone charged and be patient.
🌊 Coastal Waves: Orange Alert for the North
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere has extended the orange alert for high waves until Sunday morning (3:00 AM).
- Who is affected: Tourists planning a trip to the north coast of Madeira or the island of Porto Santo.
- What this means: Waves of 5 to 6.5 meters are expected, with swells potentially reaching up to 12 meters. This is an extremely dangerous situation.
- Our recommendation: We strongly advise against approaching the coastline in areas like Porto Moniz, Seixal, or São Vicente. Do not go onto piers, breakwaters, or cliffs.
🥾 Trail Status: The Areeiro to Ruivo Ridge Walk is Closed Today
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has updated the status of mountain trails due to strong winds and slippery conditions.
- Who is affected: All mountain hiking enthusiasts.
- What this means:
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro: The route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo is closed for safety reasons. Only the short section from Pico do Areeiro to the Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint is open.
- PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada: This trail is completely CLOSED.
- Our recommendation: Do not plan to hike between the highest peaks today. Opt for lower-altitude levada walks on the south of the island instead, but even there, be cautious of falling branches.
💡 Pro Tip: Book Your Hikes for the Coming Days
Did you know that an online booking is now required to access the most popular trails? Today’s weather provides the perfect opportunity to get this arranged.
- Who is affected: Anyone planning to hike the famous levadas and veredas.
- What this means: You must pre-book a specific time slot on the simplifica.madeira.gov.pt portal. Without a valid reservation, park rangers may deny you access to the trail.
- Our recommendation: Use this quieter day to plan your hikes for the rest of your stay. By booking, you help manage the number of people on the trails.