Weather in Madrid

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Madrid. In this section, you will find the latest data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you perfectly plan your stay in the city.

The climate of Madrid can be characterized as continental Mediterranean. This means the city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with hot, dry summers and relatively cool winters. Overall, the weather here is distinguished by a large number of sunny days.

In Madrid, four seasons are clearly defined. Summer, especially in July and August, is very hot and sunny, with average temperatures reaching 26-27°C, while maximums can exceed 33°C. Precipitation is minimal during this time. Winter, from December to February, is cool, with average temperatures hovering around 5-8°C, sometimes dropping to 1-2°C at night. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and slightly higher rainfall compared to summer, but still quite comfortable for visiting.

One of the notable features of the weather in Madrid is the low level of precipitation throughout the year, especially during the summer months when rain is a rarity. Even in wetter months, such as April, November, or March, the amount of rainfall remains small, although the number of rainy days may be higher. This makes Madrid an attractive destination for those who prefer sunny weather.

Madrid experiences a significant annual temperature range, which is typical for its continental climate. The hottest months are generally July and August. In July, the average temperature is about 26.7°C, with daytime highs potentially reaching 34°C, while nighttime lows rarely drop below 19.5°C. August is not far behind July in heat, with an average temperature of 26.4°C and similar maximum and minimum figures. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature stays at the 5.8°C mark, with night frosts down to 1.1°C and daytime air warming up to 10.6°C.

The summer period in Madrid, covering June, July, and August, is distinguished by dry and hot weather. Daily average temperatures in these months vary from 22.5°C in June to a peak of 26.7°C in July. The daytime heat can be quite palpable, especially in July and August, when the thermometer regularly rises above 33°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with temperatures ranging from 16°C in June to nearly 20°C in July and August. A characteristic feature of the Madrid summer is the significant diurnal temperature amplitude: the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 13-14.5°C.

Winter in Madrid, from December to February, is quite cool, but without severe frosts. Monthly average temperatures during this period range from 5.8°C in January to 8.1°C in February. Nighttime temperatures often drop to 1-3°C, especially in January, creating a feeling of real winter. During the day, the air warms up to 10-14°C, making walks quite comfortable if you have warm clothing. Daily temperature fluctuations are also noticeable, though not as pronounced as in summer: the difference between nighttime lows and daytime highs averages 9-11°C.

Madrid is characterized by a relatively dry climate throughout the year, however, certain patterns are observed in the distribution of precipitation. The most notable feature is the distinct dry season, which falls during the summer months. July and August stand out as the driest: in July, no precipitation is registered at all (0 mm) with just one rainy day on average, and August also sees 0 mm of precipitation and about two days with rain. During these months, the probability of rain is minimal.

Periods with slightly higher amounts of precipitation occur in spring and autumn. April is the month with the highest number of rainy days – about 10 on average, although the total amount of precipitation is only 2 mm. A similar picture is observed in March and November, when 9 rainy days and also 2 mm of precipitation are recorded. Other months, such as October (8 rainy days, 2 mm) and December (7 rainy days, 2 mm), also contribute to the autumn-winter period with more frequent, but still small volumes of precipitation.

Even in months with the highest number of rainy days, the total amount of falling precipitation in Madrid remains low, rarely exceeding 2 mm per month. This suggests that precipitation generally takes the form of light or moderate rain, rather than heavy and prolonged downpours. Winter months, such as January (1 mm, 6 rainy days) and February (1 mm, 4 rainy days), are also distinguished by low amounts of precipitation. Thus, when planning a trip to Madrid, one can expect predominantly dry weather, with the highest probability of short-term rains in spring and autumn.

When planning a trip to Madrid, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as you will be walking a lot through the charming streets and squares of the capital of Spain. Given the changeability of the weather, especially in the transitional seasons, the principle of layering clothing will become your best ally. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

The summer months in Madrid, especially July and August, are characterized by hot and dry weather. When packing your suitcase, give preference to light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Do not forget sunscreen with a high SPF, headwear (a hat or cap), and quality sunglasses. In winter, from December to February, Madrid can be quite cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. You will need a warm jacket or coat, sweaters, warm trousers, a scarf, a hat, and gloves. Although heavy rainfall in winter is rare, a light windbreaker or waterproof outer layer may come in handy in case of light rain.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are wonderful times to visit Madrid, with moderate and pleasant temperatures. In these seasons, it is worth taking jeans or trousers, t-shirts, long-sleeves, light jumpers or cardigans, as well as a mid-season jacket (for example, leather or a windbreaker). Although the total amount of rainfall is small, there are more rainy days in March, April, October, and November. Therefore, a small folding umbrella or a light waterproof jacket may prove very useful and will not take up much space in your luggage.