Madrid features a continental Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The city enjoys abundant sunshine – almost 3,000 hours per year – and experiences significant temperature swings between seasons. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them the most popular times for outdoor activities and sightseeing in Spain’s vibrant capital.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Madrid’s climate is defined by its inland location and elevation, resulting in marked seasonal contrasts. Winters (December to February) are cool, with daytime highs averaging 10–12°C and nighttime lows near 2–4°C. Snow is rare but possible, and rainfall is moderate, peaking in November and December. Despite the chill, blue skies are common, and the city enjoys 4–5 hours of sunshine per winter day.
Summers (June to August) are hot, dry, and sunny, with average highs of 32–34°C and frequent peaks above 38°C, especially in July and August. Rain is scarce, humidity is low, and the sun shines for up to 11–12 hours daily. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild, variable weather: spring starts cool and rainy, then warms to 21–24°C by May, while autumn cools from summer’s heat, with pleasant days and crisp evenings. Both seasons see more rainfall than summer, but showers are usually brief.
Madrid’s high altitude (657 m) enhances temperature swings, especially between day and night, and contributes to its famously clear blue skies. Winds are moderate, with spring being the breeziest season. The city’s climate ensures outdoor cafés, parks, and plazas are lively for much of the year, though locals often retreat indoors or to the mountains during the hottest summer afternoons.
| Average climate data for Madrid, Spain | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 10 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 28 | 32 | 31 | 26 | 19 | 13 | 10 | 32 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 33 | 35 | 25 | 46 | 51 | 21 | 12 | 10 | 22 | 61 | 58 | 50 | 423 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 6 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 60 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
The best time to visit Madrid is in spring (April to early June) and autumn (mid-September to October), when temperatures are comfortably warm (17–25°C), rainfall is moderate, and the city’s parks and terraces are vibrant. These seasons offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, outdoor events, and enjoying Madrid’s lively street life.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak of summer (July and August), when temperatures often exceed 35°C and the city can feel deserted as locals leave for holiday. Extreme heat and limited shade make outdoor exploration challenging, though attractions remain open and crowds are thinner.
Madrid has a continental Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round and experiences significant temperature swings between seasons.
Summer temperatures in Madrid often reach 32–34°C, with frequent peaks above 38°C in July and August. The heat is dry, and rain is rare, making sun protection and hydration essential for visitors.
Snow is rare in Madrid but possible, especially in the coldest winter months. When it does occur, it usually melts quickly. Most winter days are sunny, with daytime highs around 10–12°C.
Rainfall is highest in autumn and late winter, particularly in November and December. Spring also sees some rain, especially in April. Summer is the driest season, with very little precipitation.
Madrid is one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, averaging nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Summer days can have up to 12 hours of sun, while even in winter, there are typically 4–5 hours daily.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, and bring layers, a warm coat, and a rain jacket for spring, autumn, or winter. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended year-round.
Madrid is generally dry, especially in summer when humidity drops below 40%. Winters are more humid, but the city’s altitude and clear skies keep the air feeling fresh.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (32 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (9.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 19.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (19 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (2.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 10.1 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is October (60.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is August (10 mm). Over the whole year there are 423.3 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is April (7.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (2 days). Over the whole year there are 59.8 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 11.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 3.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.1 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 9). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.3.
