What January feels like in Funchal
January is mid-winter in Funchal. Afternoons reach about 17°C (62.6°F), close to the coolest of the year: pleasant for walking with a layer on. Nights fall to about 13.2°C (55.8°F), barely cooler than the afternoon, still comfortable outdoors. Humidity averages 79%: damp air makes a cool day feel cooler, especially in wind.
Rain in Funchal in January
Expect rain on about 9 of 31 days, with dry spells in between; wet days bring about 7.2 mm (0.3 in), steady rain rather than a passing shower, close to the city's usual 6.3 mm.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the 2nd coolest month of the year; afternoons are only 0.9°C (1.6°F) cooler than in December, with 22 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into February, to about 16.8°C (62.2°F).
January in Funchal: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years January averages 16–18°C (61–64°F) in the afternoon, with 10–171 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 3 in an average January.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest January | 2024 | 18.6°C (65.5°F) | 211 mm | 16 |
| Coolest January | 2006 | 15.2°C (59.4°F) | 81 mm | 15 |
| Wettest January | 2024 | 18.6°C (65.5°F) | 211 mm | 16 |
| Driest January | 2 of 20 years | — | 4 mm | — |
Odds across years
In 6 of 20 years, January had 12 or more rainy days. In 5 of 20 years, it had under 15 mm of rain. In 3 of 20 years, the average high reached 18°C (64.4°F) or more. In 10 of 20 years, it stayed below 17°C (62.6°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable on foot with a jacket.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant with a light layer on.
Tips for visiting Funchal in January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag for the wet days.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Sun comes and goes, but sunglasses are still worth a place in your bag.
What to wear in Funchal in January
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 14°C (57°F): a light jacket or sweater.
- Afternoon, around 17°C (63°F): a light top is enough, with the jacket to hand.
- Evening, around 15°C (59°F): the same clothes work, as the temperature barely changes.
Cooler year or hotter year
In a cooler year like 2006, January highs averaged 15.2°C (59.4°F), so a light extra layer is worth packing. In a hotter year like 2024 they reached 18.6°C (65.5°F), so keep your clothes light.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 2 wet days in a week, with about 7.2 mm (0.3 in) on each.
- A light jacket or sweater
- 2 or 3 light layers
- A packable rain jacket
- Sunglasses and a light hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Travelling on specific dates? Check your exact dates in the Trip Planner.
Quick questions
How warm is Funchal in January?
Afternoons average 17°C (62.6°F) and nights about 13.2°C (55.8°F), cool by most people's standards; it is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Funchal in January?
Yes: rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 65 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Funchal in January?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses; evenings feel much like the day, so the same clothes work.
Is January or February better for visiting Funchal?
February scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#7 of 12 vs #8).
