Madrid weather by month

When to go to Madrid

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: June, July, August, September. October is the wettest month (58 mm, about 7 rainy days) and July the driest (6 mm).

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD, 14 km from Madrid) takes roughly 2 h 18 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Madrid.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Madrid between 1991 and 2020 reached 40.3°C on 28 June 2019; the coldest fell to -5.7°C on 16 December 2001. In July one day in ten tops 36.5°C and about 78% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to -2.3°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was December 1996 with 171 mm, against a December average of 44 mm.

Spring and autumn: comfortable walking weather, with layers

March starts gently at 16°C by day, but nights averaging 4°C make a warm outer layer useful. April reaches 18°C, though its 8 rain days mean a waterproof still earns its place in your bag. May is the warmer spring option at 22°C, with evenings cool enough for a jacket. September keeps more summer warmth, averaging 26°C by day and 14°C at night, so it suits travellers who want warm afternoons without July's intensity. October drops to 20°C by day and 10°C at night: comfortable for walking in suitable clothing, but less reliable for staying outdoors all day without a rain plan. Choose May or September for warmth; March, April and October suit those happier with cooler air and changeable conditions.

Summer: plenty of sunshine, but plan around afternoon heat

June offers a useful balance of warmth and relatively little rain, with 28°C days, 15°C nights and 3 rain days. July and August both average 32°C by day, making the hottest part of the afternoon less comfortable for prolonged walking. Shift active plans towards mornings, leave room for shaded breaks and carry water. July has 12 hours of sunshine and just 1 rain day; August remains sunny and mostly dry, rather than providing much relief from the heat. Nights average 19°C in July and 18°C in August, so evenings are much milder than in spring. This season suits heat-tolerant travellers; June is the gentler choice if strong afternoon heat would limit your plans.

Late autumn and winter: cool days and cold evenings

November marks a clear cooling, with daytime averages of 14°C and nights at 5°C. December and January both average 10°C during the day, while January nights fall to an average of 1°C. February brings a modest lift to 12°C by day, but evenings still call for proper winter clothing. Pack a warm coat and layers rather than relying on sunshine to keep you comfortable. December and January average 4 hours of sunshine, so keep outdoor plans flexible and make use of brighter spells. Rain is a recurring possibility rather than a reason to rule winter out. These months suit travellers comfortable with chilly walking conditions, not those seeking dependable warmth.