HEAD-TO-HEAD CLIMATOLOGY & COASTAL AUDIT

Madeira vs Azores: Portuguese Atlantic Islands

Madeira offers dramatic black sand coves (Seixal) and volcanic ocean swimming pools against towering lush green cliffs. The Azores deliver crater-lake islets (Vila Franca) and black volcanic surf beaches.

The Verdict at a Glance: Madeira for dramatic ocean cliff pools; Azores for volcanic crater lagoons and pristine green landscapes.

Direct Coastal Comparison

Portugal

Madeira

Peak Sea Temp (NOAA)23.9°C
Average Water Clarity4.7 / 5.0
Sand vs Pebble100% Sand
Average Daily Budget~€47/day
Verified Beach Profiles5 beaches
Portugal

Azores

Peak Sea Temp (NOAA)23.6°C
Average Water Clarity4.6 / 5.0
Sand vs Pebble100% Sand
Average Daily Budget~€35/day
Verified Beach Profiles4 beaches

12-Month Sea Temperature Comparison (30-Year NOAA Baseline)

Comparing average coastal ocean temperatures month by month to help you choose the best time for swimming.

Jan
18.8°
16.9°
Feb
18.1°
16.3°
Mar
18.1°
16.2°
Apr
18.6°
16.6°
May
19.5°
17.6°
Jun
21.1°
19.5°
Jul
22.5°
21.8°
Aug
23.6°
23.3°
Sep
23.9°
22.9°
Oct
23°
21.3°
Nov
21.3°
19.4°
Dec
19.8°
17.9°
Madeira Azores

Top Beaches: Madeira vs Azores

Featured Madeira Coves

Machico Beach in Machico, Madeira, Portugal
#1
Blue Flag
Machico, Madeira, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.4°C sea
55/day
Golden Sand
36°C Kids
Praia do Seixal in Madeira, Portugal
#2
Madeira, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.3°C sea
40/day
Black Sand
35°C Kids
Porto Santo Beach in Madeira Archipelago (Porto Santo), Portugal
#3
Blue Flag
Madeira Archipelago (Porto Santo), PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.9°C sea
45/day
White Sand
27°C Kids
Praia da Calheta in Calheta, Madeira, Portugal
#4
Blue Flag
Calheta, Madeira, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.4°C sea
52/day
Golden Sand
36°C Kids

Featured Azores Coves

Porto Pim Beach in Horta, Faial, Azores, Portugal
#1
Horta, Faial, Azores, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.2°C sea
36/day
Black Sand
34°C Scenic
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Portugal
#2
Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.2°C sea
31/day
Black Sand
34°C Scenic
Praia Formosa in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal
#3
Santa Maria, Azores, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.6°C sea
36/day
Black Sand
35°C Scenic
Praia de Santa Barbara in Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Portugal
#4
Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, PortugalAtlantic Ocean
23.1°C sea
37/day
Black Sand
34°C Kids