Scuba diving in Madeira
Diving in Madeira comes down to water temperature and calm seas. The most comfortable months are August and September, with highs around 80°F (27°C) and the sea at about 74°F (24°C).
Photo: Bengt Nyman, CC BY 2.0
Top scuba diving in Madeira
Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira for BeginnersFrom $114View 
Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for BeginnersFrom $51View 
Diving in the Madeira AquariumFrom $154View
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How to pick a good dive
- Non-certified divers can try a 'discover scuba' dive with an instructor; certified divers should bring their card and logbook.
- Ask about the water temperature and the wetsuit thickness provided for that month.
- Leave 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and a flight.
- Check group size per guide; four to six divers per guide is a good sign.
Madeira month by month
Averages for Funchal Observatory, 1991-2020, altitude: 58 m, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 68 (20) | 68 (20) | 69 (21) | 70 (21) | 72 (22) | 75 (24) | 78 (25) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 77 (25) | 73 (23) | 70 (21) |
| Low °F (°C) | 58 (14) | 57 (14) | 58 (14) | 59 (15) | 61 (16) | 65 (18) | 67 (20) | 69 (21) | 69 (20) | 67 (19) | 63 (17) | 60 (16) |
| Rainy days | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 66 (19) | 65 (18) | 64 (18) | 65 (18) | 67 (19) | 70 (21) | 72 (22) | 74 (23) | 75 (24) | 73 (23) | 71 (21) | 68 (20) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:23 pm | 6:52 pm | 7:15 pm | 8:37 pm | 8:59 pm | 9:17 pm | 9:17 pm | 8:53 pm | 8:14 pm | 7:35 pm | 6:06 pm | 6:02 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for scuba diving in Madeira?
August and September. Expect highs around 80°F (27°C) and the sea at about 74°F (24°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 64°F.
How warm is the water in Madeira?
The sea averages 64°F (18°C) in March and 75°F (24°C) in September. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book scuba diving in Madeira?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
