Madrid — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Madrid.
Madrid climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | -1°C | 33mm | 72% |
| Feb | 12°C | 1°C | 34mm | 68% |
| Mar | 15°C | 4°C | 28mm | 62% |
| Apr | 18°C | 7°C | 44mm | 60% |
| May | 22°C | 10°C | 43mm | 55% |
| Jun | 28°C | 15°C | 26mm | 45% |
| Jul | 34°C | 20°C | 11mm | 36% |
| Aug | 33°C | 19°C | 10mm | 35% |
| Sep | 28°C | 15°C | 25mm | 46% |
| Oct | 20°C | 9°C | 42mm | 59% |
| Nov | 13°C | 4°C | 47mm | 70% |
| Dec | 10°C | 1°C | 48mm | 76% |
Climate overview
Madrid sits on the high central plateau of Spain, the Meseta, at around 650 metres above sea level — one of Europe's highest capitals. Its altitude and distance from the sea give it a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) with a strong continental flavour, bordering on semi-arid.
Summers are hot and very dry, with highs of 33–34°C in July and August and humidity often around 35%. Winters are cool and sunny, with highs near 10°C and frosty nights. Annual rainfall is low at about 430 mm, most of it falling between October and May.
Köppen classification: Csa — hot-summer Mediterranean (continental influence)
Madrid through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinter days are often bright and crisp, with highs of 10–12°C and lows around 0°C. Frost is common on clear nights, and the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north is often snow-capped. Snow in the city itself is uncommon but possible.
Spring
March – MaySpring warms from 15°C in March to 22°C in May. April and May bring some showers but plenty of sunshine. This is one of the best seasons to explore Madrid's parks, terraces and museums.
Summer
June – AugustSummer is hot and dry. July averages 34°C, and heatwaves regularly push afternoons above 38°C. Low humidity and big day-night swings mean nights can still feel comfortable, cooling to around 20°C.
Autumn
September – NovemberSeptember is warm at about 28°C, cooling to 20°C in October. Rain returns in October and November, and nights become fresh as the season progresses.
What makes Madrid's weather distinctive
Madrid's altitude explains much of its weather. Clear, dry air allows strong sunshine by day and rapid cooling at night, so a 12–15°C gap between afternoon and night is normal. Locals often describe the climate as 'nine months of winter, three months of hell', a joke that exaggerates but captures the strong contrast.
Summer heat can be intense, so Madrid's daily rhythm shifts later: lunch around 2 pm, and streets and terraces come alive in the cooler hours after sunset.
Best time to visit Madrid
The best times to visit Madrid are April to June and September to October, when highs of 18–28°C suit museum days, park strolls and late dinners outside. July and August are very hot; winter is cool but sunny and good for city breaks with fewer visitors.
What to pack
- Light clothing and a hat for summer sun
- A jacket or sweater for cool nights, even in spring and autumn
- A warm coat for winter — the dry cold feels sharp in the mornings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses year-round
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry plateau air
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Madrid in summer?
July and August average 33–34°C, and heatwaves often bring temperatures above 38°C. Humidity is low, so nights are more comfortable than in coastal cities.
Does it snow in Madrid?
Snow is uncommon in the city but possible in winter. The nearby Sierra de Guadarrama mountains get regular snow.
Why is Madrid colder than Barcelona in winter?
Madrid sits around 650 metres above sea level on an inland plateau, far from the moderating effect of the sea, so its winter nights are colder.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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