I worked there for 6 years, 2000 until 2006. Weather is variable; lets take a typical 14 days in Jan. You can expect 4 - 5 days with rain showers possibly a day with rather heavy rain. The rest will be sunny with some clouds and the temp anywhere from 16 to 23 degrees! last year it was unseasonal with 12 days of showers between Jan 7th and Jan 21st. Where are you staying in Funchal? The better weather is in the SE part of the island otherwise known as the "Hotel District" Bear in mind that the weather forecasts are taken from Funchal Aeroport which is in the SW side and tends to be cooler. Take a lightweight mac, and a jumper for the cooler evenings. For good Portuguese food go to the "Old Town" in Funchal.

Many thanks for your reply. We are staying at Pesaden Village, opp. Reeds.

Pesaden Village, You mean Pestana Village? Its very nice indeed. My daughter works for Pestana Group!