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
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
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
4.5
Machico, Madeira, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
3rd Longest swim season in Portugal · 159 days
23.4°C sea
55/day
Golden Sand
36°C• Kids
Cars from €25/d
4.5
Madeira Archipelago (Porto Santo), Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
Warmest water in Atlantic Ocean (Aug)
23.9°C sea
45/day
White Sand
27°C• Kids
Cars from €26/d
Featured Azores Coves
4.6
Horta, Faial, Azores, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
23.2°C sea
36/day
Black Sand
34°C• Scenic
Cars from €28/d
4.5
Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
Highest scenery score in Atlantic Ocean
23.2°C sea
31/day
Black Sand
34°C• Scenic
Cars from €28/d
4.5
Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
3rd Warmest water in Atlantic Ocean (Aug)
23.6°C sea
36/day
Black Sand
35°C• Scenic
Cars from €22/d
4.4
Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean
23.1°C sea
37/day
Black Sand
34°C• Kids
Cars from €28/d