Madrid Weather in January

Madrid sits on the central Iberian plateau at approximately 650m elevation, making it one of Europe's highest capital cities with a continental Mediterranean climate of extreme temperature swings. The Sierra de Guadarrama to the northwest acts as a barrier to Atlantic weather systems while channeling cold winter winds into the city. Summers are intensely hot and dry on the plateau, but elevation differences across the city and the Manzanares river valley create meaningful microclimate variation between districts.

Pack according to the city's specific climate.

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.

• ✓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