Although Porto Santo and Madeira are neighbours in the North Atlantic Ocean, just off the west coast of Africa, Porto Santo features an entirely different landscape, and climate.
While Madeira is a lush subtropical island, Porto Santo is semiarid with a volcanic moonscape, mild temperatures and almost no rain. When it rains, it is usually in the winter months, and even these can be relatively dry.
Temperatures and Rainfall
In summer, average highs range between 22 and 25ºC (72 and 77ºF), while lows almost never drop below 18ºC. Mild temperatures usually combine with high humidity – between 75 and 80 percent.
On average, winter produces highs around 18ºC (64ºF) and lows of 13ºC (55ºF).
Spring and autumn see very little temperature variation. On average, daytime temperatures vary between 19 and 23ºC (66 and 73ºF).
Rain is irregular, and Porto Santo sees the most rain between November and January.
Temperature and rainfall chart – Porto Santo, Madeira
The sea temperature varies between 23 and 25ºC (73 and 77ºF) in the summer months, reaching its highest in September.
When to Go
The island of Porto Santo is a destination for all four seasons, thanks to year-round mild temperatures. Of course, the best time for hitting the beach is during the summer. If you go in the peak season (July and August), it’s best to book early since there’s only a handful of hotels in Porto Santo.
