Funchal Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Funchal, Madeira Islands, Madeira. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Funchal has a relatively dry climate with low precipitation, averaging 495 mm (19 in) of rainfall annually. It experiences a distinct dry season during certain months. Refer to our detailed charts below to see the seasonal variation.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Funchal can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 76 mm (3 in) of precipitation over 12 rainy days.

In contrast July, experiences much drier conditions, with 10 mm (0.4 in) of rainfall, spread across 2 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C (66°F). The city receives 152 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 23°C (73°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Funchal Temperature page.

Funchal's average annual precipitation is 495 mm (19 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Funchal's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Funchal Climate page.