Funchal Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Funchal. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Funchal typically sees modest rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 495 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, December receives substantial rainfall, averaging 76 mm of precipitation, recorded across 12 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, July brings less rainfall, with 10 mm over 2 rainy days.

December, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 19°C and receives 152 hours of sunshine. During the driest month July you can expect a temperature of 23°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Funchal Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Madeira

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Madeira. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Funchal’s average annual precipitation is 495 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

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

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Funchal:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

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