Madeira is a year-round hiking destination, but that doesn’t mean you can completely ignore the seasons. While winter brings more frequent rain and storms to watch out for, summer comes with a different challenge: heat. Madeira generally has a mild climate, but the strong sun and high humidity should definitely not be underestimated when hiking in Madeira in summer. Especially in July and August, even a day that is “only” 27°C can suddenly feel exhausting once you’re climbing a trail in full sun.

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Luckily, Madeira is also famous for exactly what you want on a hot summer day: lush forests, shady levadas, flowing water and waterfalls. So you absolutely don’t have to stop hiking in Madeira in summer. You just need to choose your trails a little more carefully.

My Summer Hiking Essentials

Before getting into my favorite trails for hot days, there are a few things I always keep in mind when hiking during summer.

1. Bring more water than you think you need

Please don’t start a proper hike with one tiny 500 ml bottle in your backpack. I usually bring at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water, depending of course on the length and difficulty of the hike.

I also like adding electrolytes to at least one of my bottles. And one of my favorite little tricks is leaving some extra water in the car for when I finish. I keep it in a cooler bag so the plastic bottles aren’t sitting there baking in the sun all day. Coming back to cool water after a hot hike is the best.

2. Sun protection is essential

The sun is strong pretty much as soon as it’s up. Even if you’re doing a sunrise hike, put sunscreen on before you leave because you’ll need it the moment that sun appears.

For me, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are summer hiking essentials.

I also love bringing a small towel. It’s obviously useful when you’re sweating, but it’s even better for cooling down. If you pass a little stream or waterfall, wet the towel and put it on the back of your neck. It works wonders.

3. Dress for the heat, but don’t forget you’re still hiking

Most summer days you’ll see me hiking in shorts and a top, although a T-shirt can actually be better when the sun is strong because it protects your shoulders.

For sunrise hikes in the mountains, I still bring a jacket. And of course I always have my rain jacket in my backpack just in case. Most importantly, no matter how hot it gets, proper hiking shoes with good grip are key. Dry and dusty trails can be surprisingly slippery, especially on the way down.

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4. Don’t let the wind fool you

The island often has a lovely cool breeze, particularly along the coast and in the mountains. It feels amazing when you’re hiking in Madeira in summer, but it can also make you forget how strong the sun actually is.

Keep reapplying sunscreen and take your breaks in the shade when possible, even when the wind makes you feel perfectly comfortable.

5. Be careful with cold plunges

Finding a waterfall pool at the end of a summer hike sounds pretty perfect, and honestly, it is.

But Madeira’s mountain water can still be absolutely freezing in summer. If you’ve been hiking in the heat for hours, don’t go directly into an ice-cold pool. Give yourself a little time in the shade to cool down. Then ease yourself into the water.

6. Mountains don’t automatically mean cooler hiking

This is something that’s easy to underestimate. Yes, temperatures can be lower at altitude. But on a clear day the sun in Madeira’s mountains is incredibly strong. Many mountain trails also have very little shade.

Don’t head into the mountains expecting them to automatically be a cool escape from the summer weather.

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7. Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Don’t underestimate how quickly the combination of hiking, direct sun and humidity can get to you.

If you start feeling unusually dizzy, develop a headache, feel nauseous or realize that something isn’t right, don’t keep pushing. Find some shade, stop hiking, cool yourself down and drink water. This is also where that little wet towel comes in very handy.

Most importantly, listen to your body. The mountain will still be there another day. No viewpoint is worth pushing yourself to the point where you’re genuinely unwell.

8. Take wildfire warnings seriously

Wildfires are unfortunately a real summer risk on Madeira. You’ll still see visible damage from previous fires on several trails.

Be particularly careful during hot and dry periods. Don’t light fires or BBQs where they’re not permitted. Be extremely careful with cigarettes, and always respect closures, warning signs and official restrictions.

And regardless of the season, always check the latest trail status and weather conditions. Trails on Madeira can close because of weather, landslides, maintenance or wildfire risk. Don’t assume a trail is open just because you saw someone hiking it on Instagram last week.

The Best Madeira Hikes for Hot Summer Days

My general strategy on a really hot day is simple: levadas, forests, shade and water. And luckily Madeira has plenty of all four.

PR14 Levada dos Cedros

PR14 near Fanal is underrated at any time of year, in my opinion, but summer is when this trail really makes sense.

It’s also called the “muddy trail” because yes, it stays wet for most of the year. The forest is incredibly lush and much of the route is protected by trees, which is exactly what you want when everywhere else feels hot and dry.

The levada eventually takes you to a beautiful waterfall, giving you another perfect place to cool down.

If you want to avoid most of the elevation, you can start around Curral Falso and simply follow the levada out and back. If you start from the Fanal side, prepare yourself for a long staircase down. And unfortunately, you take the same stairs back up at the end.

Another reason I love recommending PR14? It’s usually much quieter than the other trails on this list.

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PR18 Levada do Rei

PR18 is another great summer option, this time on the north side of the island near São Jorge.

On particularly hot days, heading north is often a good strategy since conditions there can be cooler than on the south coast. The trail itself is also mostly flat and spends plenty of time beneath the trees. The official route is 5.3 km each way, so you’re looking at just over 10 km in total.

Along the way you’ll pass waterfalls and even walk directly underneath one in one section. On a warm summer day, suddenly getting splashed doesn’t feel like much of a problem.

The trail finishes at Ribeiro Bonito, where the shaded riverbed and cool forest air make a beautiful place to stop before heading back.

Just keep in mind that some sections beside the levada are narrow. Otherwise, I find this a very manageable and relaxing trail.

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PR6.2 Levada do Alecrim

If your ideal summer hike ends with the possibility of a cold plunge, PR6.2 is probably the easiest option on this list.

Levada do Alecrim runs through the popular Rabaçal area. That means you definitely won’t have the place to yourself in summer, although I still find it more relaxed than the famous 25 Fontes trail nearby.

The trail is 3.5 km each way and is mostly flat, with plenty of shade along the route. Having cool levada water flowing beside you for most of the walk somehow makes the whole hike feel more refreshing too.

At the end, you’ll reach the waterfall and lagoon where you can stop for a break and, if you’re brave enough for that freezing water, take a dip before walking back.

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And of course, these are only three options. Madeira has an almost endless network of levadas, so on a very hot day I would always look for a forest trail with plenty of shade before choosing an exposed mountain route (see below which ones to avoid).

Looking for more options? Check out my PR Trails Guide where I’ve put together more information about Madeira’s official PR trails, including my personal favorites and recommendations. It’s a great place to start if you’re trying to decide which hikes to add to your trip.

Be careful on these trails when hiking in Madeira in summer:

Some of Madeira’s most famous hikes are also some of the most exposed. You can absolutely still do them in summer, but I would start early and avoid hiking them during the hottest part of the day.

PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

PR1 is an absolute Madeira classic, but what many people don’t realize is just how little shade there is along large sections of the route.

The climbs can feel brutal once the sun is fully out, particularly as you get closer to Pico Ruivo. Pace yourself, use whatever shaded areas you find for breaks and bring plenty of water.

Also keep in mind that the current trail setup is different from the traditional out-and-back route, with a one-way for most of the way. Check out my blog post about the full trail for details.

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PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço

I’m genuinely not sure you can find proper shade anywhere on this trail. PR8 crosses Madeira’s dry eastern peninsula, where the landscape is almost completely exposed. There are no lush forests here to hide underneath as soon as the sun arrives.

The coast is also famously windy, which can make the temperature feel surprisingly comfortable while you’re still getting the full force of the sun.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, and secure that hat well unless you want to watch it fly toward the Atlantic.

Starting early is definitely worth it, and PR8 happens to be a beautiful place for sunrise anyway.

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PR12 and the trail to Pico Grande

PR12 and the route toward Pico Grande have become increasingly popular (unfortunately…), which is understandable because the ridge walk through the mountains is incredible.

But this is another area where you shouldn’t underestimate the sun when hiking in Madeira in summer.

There is visible wildfire damage around parts of the route and fewer trees providing shade than you might expect in the mountains. If you’re continuing all the way toward Pico Grande, the trail becomes increasingly exposed, with basically no shade on the final section toward the summit.

Start early, bring enough water and don’t rely on being in the mountains to keep you cool.

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So, Is Hiking in Madeira in Summer Worth It?

Absolutely.

Summer can actually be an amazing time to hike in Madeira. You have long days, generally more stable weather and plenty of beautiful trails to choose from. You just need to adjust how and when you hike.

Bring more water than you think you’ll need, protect yourself from the sun, take breaks in the shade and choose forest and levada trails when temperatures are high. And yes, sometimes it’s worth dragging yourself out of bed ridiculously early so you’re not completely covered in sweat two minutes into your hike.

Most importantly, always check the latest trail conditions, weather and wildfire warnings. Conditions on Madeira can change quickly at any time of year.

Hiking in Madeira in Summer FAQ

Is Madeira too hot for hiking in August?

No, but you do need to choose your hikes carefully. Madeira’s temperatures are generally milder than many other southern European destinations, but strong sunshine, high UV levels and humidity can make hiking feel much hotter than the temperature on your weather app suggests.

In August, I would prioritize shady levadas and forest trails on particularly hot days and save exposed mountain and coastal hikes for early mornings.

What are the best Madeira hikes for a hot day?

Personally, I would choose trails such as PR14 Levada dos Cedros, PR18 Levada do Rei and PR6.2 Levada do Alecrim (see above).

All three offer much more shade and water than Madeira’s exposed mountain trails. They’re exactly the kind of hikes I look for when I still want to get outside but don’t want to spend hours baking in direct sun.

What time should I start hiking in Madeira in summer?

Earlier is almost always better for exposed trails. For sunrise hikes, you’re obviously already getting a very early start. For other mountain and coastal trails, I would avoid deliberately starting during the hottest part of the day if the forecast is sunny and warm.

There’s no single perfect starting time because it depends on the trail, weather and time of year, so check the forecast for the actual area you’re hiking in and plan accordingly.

How much water should I take hiking in Madeira in summer?

It depends on the length and difficulty of the hike, but in summer I personally usually carry at least 1.5 to 2 litres.

For longer or more exposed hikes, you may need more. I also like putting electrolytes into one of my bottles and keeping extra water waiting for me in a cooler bag in the car.

Can you swim in waterfalls while hiking in Madeira?

On some trails you’ll find waterfalls and natural pools where people do take a dip, including at the end of PR6.2.

Just remember that mountain water on Madeira can be freezing even in August. If you’re very hot after hiking, give yourself some time to cool down in the shade rather than jumping immediately into very cold water.

Is it cooler to hike in the mountains in summer?

Not necessarily. Temperatures at altitude can be cooler, but many of Madeira’s mountain trails are extremely exposed. On a clear day you’ll have strong sunshine and very little shade, so a mountain hike can actually feel much more intense than a shady levada at lower elevation.

This is why I wouldn’t automatically head to the mountains just because it’s hot.

Ready to Explore More of Madeira?

You definitely don’t need to stop hiking in Madeira in summer. Choose your trails wisely, start early when necessary, bring plenty of water and respect the heat. There’s always another levada, forest or waterfall waiting when the mountains feel a little too exposed.

Want even more Madeira hiking ideas? Check out my Ultimate Madeira Travel Guide with my favorite hikes, hidden gems, practical tips and interactive maps to help you plan your trip.