Madrid Weather Guide
Spain
Best Time to Visit
April, May, October, November
Avoid
July, August (extreme heat)
Climate
Hot semi-arid — very hot dry summers, cold winters, minimal rainfall
Annual Rainfall
15 inches (374 mm)
Overview
Madrid sits on the Castilian plateau at 2,100 feet (640m), giving it more extreme temperatures than coastal Spanish cities. Summers are scorching and dry (one of Europe's hottest capitals); winters are cold and crisp. Spring and fall are ideal.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Spring
March–May
46–70°F
8–21°C
Madrid's best season. The Retiro Park blooms, terrace season begins, and weather is ideal for the Prado and outdoor exploration.
- →El Retiro rose garden (Rosaleda) peaks in May
- →Semana Santa (Easter) brings tremendous religious processions
- →Perfect museum-and-tapas-bar weather
Summer
June–August
79–96°F
26–36°C
Brutally hot and dry. July temperatures regularly hit 99–104°F (37–40°C) in heat waves. Many Madrileños flee to the coast in August.
- →Activities before 11 AM and after 8 PM only
- →Retriro Park's shade is invaluable
- →Rooftop hotel bars are the social scene
Fall
September–November
55–73°F
13–23°C
Excellent. September is still warm; October golden; November cooling rapidly. The city returns to life after the summer exodus.
- →Best terrace dining season returns in September
- →Retiro Park autumn colors (November) are spectacular
- →Teatro de la Zarzuela and cultural season resumes in October
Winter
December–February
36–50°F
2–10°C
Cold and sunny. Snow falls 2–4 times per year. January 2021 saw 50cm of snow (Storm Filomena) — unprecedented in modern memory.
- →Madrid's dry cold is more bearable than damp Atlantic cold
- →Christmas lights in Gran Vía are spectacular
- →Ski resorts in the Sierra Guadarrama are 1 hour away
What to Pack for Madrid
- ✓Sunscreen and hat essential June–September
- ✓Layers for dramatic temperature swings in spring/fall
- ✓Light jacket for cool evenings even in summer
- ✓Winter coat and scarf December–February
Madrid Weather FAQ
How hot does Madrid get in summer?
July and August average highs of 95–97°F (35–36°C). Heat waves regularly push temperatures to 104–108°F (40–42°C). Madrid holds the record for the hottest reliably measured temperature in Spain — 113°F (45°C) is possible during extreme events.
What is the best time to visit Madrid?
April–May and October–November offer ideal conditions: 60–73°F (16–23°C) with abundant sunshine and the city at full cultural pace. May is peak season with perfect weather for combining the Prado with outdoor terraces.
Neighborhoods in Madrid
Each neighborhood in Madrid has its own microclimate. Check real-time conditions below: