Madrid
Spain · Europe
The best time to visit Madrid is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 2°C (36°F), dropping to around -4°C (25°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Madrid – What you should know
Madrid sits at around 650 metres (2,133 ft) in the middle of the Meseta — which gives it the most continental climate of any major Spanish city. The range is considerable: 34°C (93°F) in July against 10°C (50°F) in January, with winter nights at 2°C (36°F). The old saying about "nine months of winter and three of hell" is an exaggeration, but it captures the character better than any Mediterranean cliché.
Summer is dry and glaring: July brings 8 mm (0.3 in) across one rain day, with twelve hours of sunshine daily. Anyone arriving in August finds a half-empty city — many Madrileños leave, and numerous restaurants close. For the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the centre that is arguably pleasant; for anything outdoors it is not.
The best months are April, May and October: 19–24°C (66–75°F), long evenings and the terraces open. October is, however, the wettest month of the year at 72 mm (2.8 in) — Madrid takes its rain concentrated in autumn and spring. Winter is cold but sunnier than in central Europe; five hours of sunshine in January is more than Munich manages in March.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 11° (52°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 13° (55°)5– (41–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)8– (46–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)11– (52–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)15– (59–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)20– (68–)36 (97) | 34° (93°)27– (81–)38 (100) | 33° (91°)26– (79–)38 (100) | 28° (82°)19– (66–)33 (91) | 22° (72°)13– (55–)28 (82) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)16 (61) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)10 (50) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)12 (54) | 12° (54°)5– (41–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)9– (48–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)24 (75) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)12 (54) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h UV 4 | 7h UV 5 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 8 | 9h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 | 5h UV 4 |
🌧Rain Days | 4d32mm (1.3") | 4d37mm (1.5") | 5d51mm (2.0") | 6d55mm (2.2") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 3d21mm (0.8") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 1d11mm (0.4") | 3d37mm (1.5") | 6d72mm (2.8") | 5d49mm (1.9") | 4d43mm (1.7") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From May to August, UV levels in Madrid reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Madrid with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Madrid?
- The best time to visit Madrid is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Madrid?
- In summer, daytime highs in Madrid average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 2°C (36°F), dropping to around -4°C (25°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Madrid get?
- Madrid has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunSep
