Porto Santo Weather and Climate

Porto Santo enjoys a dry, temperate climate with little seasonal variation. Average temperatures range from 23º in the summer to 19º in winter, while the high water temperature (between 17º in winter and 22º in summer) guarantees year-round swimming. Occasionally, a north-south wind during the winter months can give rise to blustery weather with most of the rainfall occurring between November and March.

The topographical differences between the north and south coasts are impressive given Porto Santo’s size (42.17 km2). The flat, sun-bathed 9 km-long beach on the south coast contrasts greatly with the slopes and cooler mountain air of the northern coast. The Castelo peak, rising 430 m above sea level, provides an excellent overall view of the island and its contrasting landscape: volcanic mountain ranges to the west and east, separated by low-lying, flatter land, where the airport is situated. The highest peaks are situated in the north-east and south-west of the island, the highest of these being Pico do Facho (517 m). The view from these mountain tops can be quite spectacular, with some of them affording views of the islets that lie around Porto Santo.

Despite Porto Santo’s proximity to Madeira, its vegetation is completely different. The lack of rain and sandy soil has made Porto Santo an arid island with little vegetation. Dragon and juniper trees were the dominant species when the island was first inhabited but the juniper trees have become extinct and the dragon trees have dwindled tremendously. The city council has launched a pine tree reforestation programme aimed at combating soil erosion. Although there are many palm trees on the island, the dragon tree remains the national emblem of Porto Santo.