On the island of Madeira far out in the Atlantic, Funchal has a mild subtropical climate quite different from mainland Portugal, with rainfall spread more evenly through the year rather than concentrated in a sharp winter wet season. The island’s steep volcanic terrain can turn intense rain events into fast-moving flash floods, as happened in the well-documented February 2010 disaster. IPMA’s Madeira delegation operates dedicated radar coverage for the archipelago.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Funchal right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Funchal, Madeira in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Funchal, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Funchal rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Funchal?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Madeira are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Funchal or pass by.
Is this Funchal rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.