Car Hire in Madeira in August: Prices, Availability and Tips
August is the most expensive month with the least availability for renting a car in Madeira. August prices start from €38/day for a small economy car and can exceed €90/day for an SUV. Availability sells out 4-6 weeks ahead. If you're flying to Madeira in August, book the car before you book the hotel. Compare current prices at Discover Cars.
Car hire prices in Madeira in August
| Vehicle type | August price | May price (reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Mini (Fiat Panda) | €38 – €55/day | €25 – €35/day |
| Economy (Seat Ibiza) | €45 – €62/day | €30 – €42/day |
| Compact (VW Polo) | €52 – €70/day | €36 – €50/day |
| Small SUV (Seat Arona) | €65 – €90/day | €45 – €62/day |
| Automatic (Toyota Yaris) | €55 – €80/day | €38 – €55/day |
August prices are 50-80% higher than mid-season. A week with an economy car and full insurance costs €350-€490 in August.
When to book your car for August in Madeira?
Book at least 6 weeks ahead. In practice, small cars and automatics sell out for August dates by July.
- ✓Before 30 June: good selection and the best August prices
- ✓First half of July: options remain but prices are already at their peak
- ✓Second half of July: limited availability, mainly SUVs and higher categories
- ✓August itself: real risk of finding no car or paying inflated prices
If you book in June with free cancellation and find something better later, you can cancel at no cost. Booking early doesn't commit you to anything.
Tips for saving on August car hire
Compare several companies. In August the difference between the cheapest and most expensive can be €200 for a week for the same vehicle type.
Avoid the first weeks of August. Peak prices run from 1-15 August. The last week of August starts dropping slightly.
Consider a smaller car. In Madeira, a Fiat Panda is enough for most routes. Taking an SUV in August can cost double, and the narrow roads offer no added advantage.
Take full insurance. August has more traffic and more chance of incidents. Zero-excess full cover costs €5-8 more a day in August but removes the risk of paying up to €1,500 excess.
What to keep in mind driving in Madeira in August
August is the busiest month of the year on Madeira's roads. Popular viewpoints like Cabo Girão, Pico do Arieiro and the Porto Moniz pools have long parking queues at peak times.
Tip: visit viewpoints before 9am or after 6pm to avoid crowds. Traffic on the VR1 (coastal motorway) is also heavy between 8-10am and 5-7pm.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in August in Madeira
Can you find a rental car in Madeira in August without booking ahead?
It's very difficult and expensive. In August without a prior booking, only higher categories remain at peak prices. It's not impossible, but the risk of ending up without a car is real.
How much does a week's rental in Madeira cost in August, all included?
Between €350 and €490 for an economy car with full insurance, airport pickup and a main driver over 25. SUVs and automatics rise to €500-650 for the week.
Is it better to rent on arrival or book ahead?
Always better to book ahead. Arriving at the airport in August, counter prices are 40-70% higher than online prices booked weeks in advance.
Is there special insurance for August?
No. Insurance is the same year-round. But in August, given the heavier traffic, zero-excess full cover makes more sense than ever.
Does air conditioning work in all rental cars?
Yes. All rental cars in Madeira include air conditioning. In August with temperatures of 25-28°C in Funchal, it's essential.