What's the Best Time to Rent a Cheap Car in Madeira?
The best time to rent a cheap car in Madeira is February and March (outside Easter). In these months prices are at their lowest (from €18/day for economy cars) and availability is at its highest. Madeira's winter weather is pleasant (18-20°C on the coast) and the island is much less crowded. The worst time for price is July and August, when the same cars cost 80-120% more. Book ahead at Discover Cars.
Ranking of months from cheapest to most expensive car hire in Madeira
| Month | Indicative price (economy/day) | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | €18 – €22 | 18°C, some rain | Very low |
| January | €18 – €23 | 17°C, possible rain | Very low |
| March (outside Easter) | €20 – €26 | 19°C, gradually improving | Low |
| November | €20 – €27 | 21°C, some rain | Low |
| First half of December | €22 – €28 | 20°C | Low |
| October | €25 – €35 | 23°C, good weather | Medium |
| May | €25 – €36 | 22°C, very good weather | Medium |
| June | €28 – €40 | 24°C | Medium-high |
| Easter | €35 – €55 | 20°C | High |
| Christmas and New Year | €35 – €60 | 19°C | High |
| September | €38 – €58 | 26°C | High |
| July | €40 – €65 | 27°C | Very high |
| August | €45 – €75 | 28°C | Peak |
The best price-weather combination in Madeira
May and October are the months with the best balance between price, weather and crowds:
- ✓May: mid-season prices (€25-36/day), 22°C, little rain and the greenest scenery of the year
- ✓October: end of high season (prices falling since September), 23°C, good weather, fewer tourists than summer
If you have flexible dates, May is the ideal month to visit Madeira by car.
How much you can save by booking ahead
The difference between booking ahead and last minute in Madeira can be huge:
| Lead time | Estimated saving vs last minute |
|---|---|
| 8+ weeks (July-August) | 40-60% saving |
| 4-6 weeks (mid-season) | 20-35% saving |
| 1-2 weeks (low season) | 10-15% saving |
| Under 1 week | No discount, peak price |
In August, a car booked 8 weeks ahead can cost €320 for the week. The same car booked 3 days before can cost €550 or more.
Is it worth visiting Madeira in winter with a car?
Yes, especially in February and March. The reasons:
- ✓Rental prices are at their lowest
- ✓The levadas are at their best (more water, greener)
- ✓Fanal has fog most of the year — winter is especially spectacular
- ✓Viewpoints are less crowded
- ✓Coastal weather is pleasant (not for sea swimming, but great for driving and hiking)
What you can't do in winter that you can in summer: swimming in the natural pools (the water is cold) and swimming in the sea at the beaches.
Frequently asked questions about the best time to rent in Madeira
When do rental prices spike the most in Madeira?
In August, especially the first half. Prices can be 3-4 times higher than February for the same vehicle.
Is Easter very expensive in Madeira?
Yes. Easter behaves like high season with prices similar to July. Book 6-8 weeks ahead if travelling over Easter.
Are there last-minute deals in Madeira?
Rarely in high season. In low season there may be last-minute availability, but a low price isn't guaranteed. The safest bet is to book ahead.
When is the weather best in Madeira?
Summer (July-September) has the most stable, sunny weather. But spring (April-May) has the greenest scenery and flowers in bloom. Autumn (October) has good weather and fewer people.