Europe · Best Apr–Oct
Madeira packing list for families
Madeira can be warm by the sea in Funchal and cold and misty an hour up the mountain. Packing for both, plus a good pair of hiking shoes, is what makes the levada walks so fun with kids.
Photo by Thibault Mokuenko on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Madeira
- Madeira's weather changes with altitude. Funchal can be sunny and warm while the mountain peaks are cold, windy, and in the clouds, so pack a fleece and a rain shell even in summer.
- Levada walks follow old irrigation channels and are some of the best family hikes I know. Choose flat routes for younger kids, and bring a headlamp for trails that pass through tunnels.
- Madeira's beaches are mostly rock and black pebbles. For swimming, my favorites are the natural lava rock pools at Porto Moniz and the lidos around Funchal.
Best timeApr–Oct
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Seeing more of Portugal on this trip? Start with the Portugal packing list.
Your packing edit
Madeira
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable rain jacketMountain weather turns misty and wet quickly.
Fleece layerSunrise at Pico do Arieiro is cold.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Kids' hiking shoesLevada paths can be narrow, muddy, and wet.
Water shoesRocky beaches and lava pools.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
HeadlampKristina's pickSome levada trails go through dark tunnels.
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Madeira weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F 19°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | |
| February | 66°F 19°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | Madeira Carnival parades in Funchal |
| March | 67°F 19°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | Madeira Carnival parades in Funchal |
| April | 67°F 19°C | Springlike and green, flowers everywhere, some mountain mist | Flower Festival in Funchal, with a children's flower wall and parade Jacaranda trees blooming purple along Funchal's streets |
| May | 70°F 21°C | Springlike and green, flowers everywhere, some mountain mist | Flower Festival in Funchal, with a children's flower wall and parade Jacaranda trees blooming purple along Funchal's streets |
| June | 72°F 22°C | Springlike and green, flowers everywhere, some mountain mist | Atlantic Festival fireworks on Saturday nights in June |
| July | 76°F 24°C | Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes | |
| August | 78°F 26°C | Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes | Madeira Wine Festival during the grape harvest |
| September | 78°F 26°C | Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes | Madeira Wine Festival during the grape harvest |
| October | 76°F 24°C | Warm October, with rain becoming more common in November | |
| November | 72°F 22°C | Warm October, with rain becoming more common in November | |
| December | 68°F 20°C | Mild in Funchal with the most rain, cold and cloudy in the mountains | New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal Bay, one of the biggest displays in Europe |
Questions families ask
Madeira with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Madeira with kids?
The best time is Apr–Oct. Warm and mostly dry, best for swimming and high hikes
What's the weather like in Madeira?
Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in February to about 78°F (26°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Madeira?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Madeira?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Madeira with kids?
Madeira's weather changes with altitude. Funchal can be sunny and warm while the mountain peaks are cold, windy, and in the clouds, so pack a fleece and a rain shell even in summer.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.