Madeira is an archipelago that has a unique and diverse flora and fauna thanks to its mild climate. The laurel (Laura silva), which once covered almost the entire island and gave Madeira (meaning wood) her name, is now on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The archipelago holds in its territory an amazing biological heritage, which is revealed in the extensive diversity of Madeira’s flora and fauna. Due to the specificity of its conditions, such as the subtropical climate resulting from its privileged geographical location, this region is considered an unavoidable biodiversity center.
The Island has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature in Madeira is around 20°C (68°F) in winter and 24°C (75°F) in summer. However, this week (Tuesday, June 27th) Funchal rose to 39.1°C which is the hottest day in its climatic history (for any month).
Madeira has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. The average rainfall in June is around 25mm. However, on June 4th, 2023, the island was on red alert for very heavy rain. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) issued a red warning valid for 24 hours for the south coast and mountainous regions of Madeira due to heavy and persistent rain. The Diario reported that in 12 hours the accumulated rainfall that fell at Chão do Areeiro (the third highest peak on the island at 1818 meters of altitude) was 272.7 litres per square metre (mm), of which 186.6 mm were recorded in the 6 rainiest hours.