When is the best time to visit Madrid? Late April to June and mid-September to October: afternoons reach 19 to 29 °C (66 to 84 °F), evenings are mild and the terraces are full. July and August are very hot (an average high of almost 33 °C (91 °F)), and winter is sunny but cold in the morning.
Madrid has a Mediterranean climate with a continental tendency, shaped by its altitude (about 650 m, or 2,133 ft) and distance from the sea. The swings are large: 10 °C (50 °F) in the afternoon in January, almost 33 °C (91 °F) in July, with cool nights for much of the year. Rain is light, mostly in autumn and spring, and sunshine dominates. For a city explored on foot, where life happens outdoors in the evening, summer heat is the main factor to weigh. Here is how to choose, based on the official normals of AEMET, the Spanish meteorological agency.
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When to go to Madrid at a glance
- Best times late April to June, mid-September to October
- Hottest month July, with an average high of 32.8 °C (91 °F)
- Coldest month January, with 10 °C (50 °F) in the afternoon and 3 °C (37 °F) at night
- Wettest month October (64 mm (2.5 in)), followed by November and May
- Driest month July (9 mm (0.4 in), 1 to 2 rainy days on average)
- Major festival San Isidro, the city’s patron saint, around May 15
- Cheapest period January–February and part of August, when many locals leave the city
When to go to Madrid by priority
- Best weather: May, then June, September and October: 20 to 29 °C (68 to 84 °F) in the afternoon and little rain
- Cheapest: January–February, outside trade fairs, and often August, when many locals leave the city
- Fewest crowds: January–February and August, with a quieter city but strong heat
- Events: Three Kings parade on January 5, San Isidro festivities around May 15, Pride in late June or early July, neighborhood festivals in August
Madrid: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, September, October
Madrid weather month by month
The table below uses the normals of the Madrid-Retiro station, located in Retiro Park in the city center. It is the reference station for the city; Barajas airport, farther out, records slightly colder nights.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0 °C (50 °F) | 3.0 °C (37 °F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cold and dry, good for museums |
| February | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 3.7 °C (39 °F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool and sunny, low prices |
| March | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 6.3 °C (43 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | Moderate (Holy Week some years) | Moderate | ⚠️ Mild in the afternoon, cool mornings |
| April | 18.9 °C (66 °F) | 8.2 °C (47 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | Moderate to high (Easter) | Moderate → high | ✅ Pleasant spring, a few showers |
| May | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | High (San Isidro) | High | ✅ One of the best months |
| June | 28.9 °C (84 °F) | 16.5 °C (62 °F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | High | High | ✅ Hot and dry, long evenings |
| July | 32.8 °C (91 °F) | 19.5 °C (67 °F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Very hot, sightsee early in the morning |
| August | 32.0 °C (90 °F) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | Low to moderate | Low → moderate | ⚠️ Heat, quieter city, neighborhood festivals |
| September | 26.5 °C (80 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | High | High | ✅ Bearable heat returns |
| October | 19.7 °C (67 °F) | 11.1 °C (52 °F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | Moderate to high | Moderate | ✅ Mild, but the wettest month |
| November | 13.5 °C (56 °F) | 6.4 °C (44 °F) | 52 mm (2.0 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Cool and wetter |
| December | 10.3 °C (51 °F) | 3.7 °C (39 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | Moderate to high (holidays) | Moderate → high | ⚠️ Cold, Christmas lights |
According to the same normals, Madrid averages 7 days of rain (at least 1 mm (0.04 in)) in October, compared with 1 to 2 in July and August. Sunshine rises from about 125 hours in December to 355 hours in July. These averages smooth out the extremes: in summer, heat waves regularly push the thermometer well beyond 35 °C (95 °F), and in winter occasional snowfall is possible.
Madrid’s seasons: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): the ideal season for walking
March is still cool in the morning (6 °C (43 °F)) but pleasant in the afternoon (16 °C (61 °F)). April (19 °C (66 °F)) and May (23 °C (73 °F)) are mild, with a few showers: along with October, these are the wettest months, though the rain never lasts long. Retiro Park and the Campo del Moro gardens are in bloom, and the terraces come back to life. Easter and the early May holidays attract many visitors.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for sightseeing on foot, parks in bloom, long evenings on the terraces from May
- Cons: possible showers, mornings still cool in March–April, higher crowds and prices at Easter
- Our tip: May, for the weather and the San Isidro festivities; book early
Summer (June to August): sun, heat and late evenings
June is still very pleasant (29 °C (84 °F) in the afternoon) and dry. July and August are the hottest months (32 to 33 °C (90 to 91 °F) average highs), with nights staying around 19 °C (66 °F). Life shifts: people sightsee in the morning, shelter in air-conditioned museums in the afternoon and go out in the evening. In August, many locals go on vacation: some shops and restaurants close, but the neighborhood festivals liven up the center.
- Pros: guaranteed sun, long evenings, open-air festivals, hotels sometimes cheaper in August
- Cons: crushing heat in the afternoon, heat waves, summer closures of some businesses
- Who is it for? People who can handle the heat and enjoy nightlife; others will prefer June
Autumn (September to November): mild weather returns
September is still hot (26.5 °C (80 °F)) but far more bearable than August, and the city picks up its pace again after the summer break. October is mild (20 °C (68 °F)); it is also the wettest month (64 mm (2.5 in)), over just a few days. November cools down noticeably (13.5 °C (56 °F)) and the days get shorter.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures, the cultural season restarts, lovely colors in the parks in late autumn
- Cons: more rainy days in October–November, trade fairs that push prices up some weeks
- Our tip: the second half of September and October are the best compromise between climate and crowds
Winter (December to February): cold sun and museums
Winter is dry and often sunny, but cold: 10 to 12 °C (50 to 54 °F) in the afternoon and 3 to 4 °C (37 to 39 °F) at night on average, with possible frost. It is the best season for the big museums, without the summer crowds. December is lively with Christmas lights, the Plaza Mayor Christmas market and New Year’s Eve at the Puerta del Sol.
- Pros: low prices in January–February, quieter museums, often clear skies
- Cons: cold mornings, less pleasant terraces, crowds around the year-end holidays
- Who is it for? A cultural or food-focused city break, in any season
When to go to Madrid by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Museums (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen) | Year-round; ideal in winter and during the hot hours of summer | Paseo del Prado |
| Walks and parks | April to June, September–October | Retiro, Madrid de los Austrias, Madrid Río |
| Terraces and nightlife | May to September | La Latina, Malasaña, Chueca, Lavapiés |
| Day trips (Toledo, Segovia) | April to June, September to November | Less than an hour away by train |
| Local festivals | May (San Isidro), August (neighborhood festivals) | La Latina, Lavapiés, San Isidro meadow |
| Budget | January–February, outside trade fairs | Everywhere |
| Families | April–May, September–October | Retiro, Royal Palace, parks |
Major events in Madrid
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 5 | Three Kings parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) | City center |
| March or April | Holy Week (dates vary): processions | Historic center |
| May 2 | Community of Madrid Day (regional holiday) | Whole region |
| Around May 15 | San Isidro festivities, the city’s patron saint: concerts, traditional dances, castizo costumes | San Isidro meadow, Plaza Mayor, La Latina |
| Late June or early July | Madrid Pride (dates vary) | Chueca and the center |
| August | Neighborhood festivals: San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, La Paloma | Lavapiés, La Latina |
| December | Christmas market and lights; New Year’s Eve and the twelve grapes | Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol |
Comparing Madrid with other Spanish destinations
Madrid is more continental than the coasts: colder in winter than Barcelona or Andalusia, and just as hot, or hotter, in summer. If you want to combine city and beach, favor June and September, and see our pages on when to go to Barcelona and when to go to Andalusia. For an overview of the country, see when to go to Spain.
Madrid weather month by month: what to expect
Madrid in January: The coldest month (10 °C (50 °F) in the afternoon, 3 °C (37 °F) at night), dry and often sunny. Sales, low prices, quiet museums.
Madrid in February: Still cool (12 °C (54 °F)) but the days are getting longer. A good month for an affordable cultural city break.
Madrid in March: Mild in the afternoon (16 °C (61 °F)), cold mornings. Holy Week some years: check the date of Easter.
Madrid in April: Pleasant spring (19 °C (66 °F)), a few showers. Higher crowds and prices at Easter.
Madrid in May: One of the best months: 23 °C (73 °F), parks in bloom, San Isidro festivities around the 15th. Book early.
Madrid in June: Hot and dry (29 °C (84 °F)), very long evenings. An excellent month for the terraces, before the big heat.
Madrid in July: The hottest (33 °C (91 °F)) and driest month. Sightsee early and take refuge in museums in the afternoon.
Madrid in August: Still very hot (32 °C (90 °F)). A quieter city, some shops closed, neighborhood festivals in Lavapiés and La Latina.
Madrid in September: More bearable heat (26.5 °C (80 °F)) and the return of cultural life. A very good month, often in demand.
Madrid in October: Mild (20 °C (68 °F)) but the wettest (64 mm (2.5 in)). A good month to combine Madrid, Toledo and Segovia.
Madrid in November: Cool (13.5 °C (56 °F)) and wetter. Moderate prices, ideal for museums.
Madrid in December: Cold (10 °C (50 °F)), Christmas lights and market. Heavy crowds between Christmas and New Year.
When to book your trip to Madrid
For Easter, May, September and the year-end holidays, book your accommodation 2 to 3 months ahead. Madrid also hosts large trade fairs that push prices up some weeks: compare before fixing your dates. In January–February and August, a few weeks’ notice is generally enough. You can fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, which is connected to the city center by metro and commuter trains. If you are still torn with the Catalan capital, our Barcelona or Madrid comparison sets budget, climate and atmosphere side by side.
Planning your trip to Madrid
- Entry requirements: passport and visa rules depend on your nationality: see our entry requirements for Spain.
- Time difference: Madrid is on Central European Time (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer): 1 hour ahead of London all year and, most of the year, 6 hours ahead of New York (details).
- Currency: the euro. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.
To plan your visit, see our Madrid travel guide. To combine Madrid with other regions, see our Spain travel guide. To compare with other destinations, see also our picks for where to go in May.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Madrid?
May, followed by June, September and October: 20 to 29 °C (68 to 84 °F) in the afternoon and little rain. May also has the San Isidro festivities; October is quieter but a little wetter.
Is Madrid too hot in summer?
July and August average about 32 to 33 °C (90 to 91 °F) highs according to AEMET, and heat waves go well beyond these values. Sightsee early in the morning, enjoy air-conditioned museums in the afternoon and go out in the evening, like the locals.
Is Madrid cold in winter?
Yes, more than on the coasts: 10 to 12 °C (50 to 54 °F) in the afternoon and 3 to 4 °C (37 to 39 °F) at night in December–January, with possible frost. The weather is often dry and sunny, though.
What is the wettest month in Madrid?
October, with 64 mm (2.5 in) according to AEMET’s 1991–2020 normals, followed by November (52 mm (2.0 in)). It rains about 7 days a month then; the rest of the time the sky is often clear.
When should you go to Madrid to pay less?
In January–February, outside trade fairs, and often in August, when many locals leave the city. Avoid Easter, May and the year-end holidays if your budget is tight.
What is the rainy season in Madrid?
Madrid has no real rainy season. The wettest months are October (64 mm (2.5 in)), November (52 mm (2.0 in)), May and April (46 to 48 mm (1.8 to 1.9 in)); July and August are very dry (9 to 10 mm (0.4 in)), according to AEMET’s 1991–2020 normals at Retiro.
What is the weather like in Madrid in April?
Pleasant: about 19 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon and 8 °C (46 °F) in the morning on average, with a few showers (46 mm (1.8 in) over the month). Pack a jacket for the evenings.
Is Madrid pleasant in August?
Yes, if you can handle the heat: the city is quieter and the neighborhood festivals liven up Lavapiés and La Latina. Expect some shops and family-run restaurants to be closed.
Our sources
- Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET): 1991–2020 normals for the Madrid-Retiro station (Retiro Park, city center, 667 m (2,188 ft) above sea level)
- Our methodology
To combine with the islands, see when to go to the Balearic Islands.
Updated November 2026.
