Best time to visit
Best Time to Visit Madrid
Spain's capital, laid out around grand boulevards and green parks, with one of the world's great art museum districts. It runs on a later daily rhythm than much of Europe — dinner rarely starts before 9pm.
Best time to visit: April to June or September to October — summer here gets very hot.
Local tip: Many Madrid museums, including the Prado, offer free entry during a couple of hours in the early evening — check current hours before visiting.
Getting around: Madrid's metro is extensive, fast, and one of the largest in Europe, making it the easiest way to cover a city that's more spread out than it first appears.
Good to know: Tapas culture here often means moving between several bars over an evening, each known for one or two specialities, rather than a single sit-down meal.
What to plan your trip around
- Prado Museum
One of the world's finest collections of European art, from Goya to Velázquez.
- Royal Palace of Madrid
The official residence of the Spanish royal family, still used for state ceremonies.
- Retiro Park
A large landscaped park in the city centre, popular for walking, rowing, and people-watching.
- Gran Vía
Madrid's main thoroughfare, lined with early 20th-century architecture, theatres, and shops.
Madrid weather by month
Madrid weather by month
Average temperatures and rainfall Madrid gets in each month (2011–2020). Tap a month for the full breakdown.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 0°C | 38 mm | 83% |
| February | 11°C | 0°C | 34 mm | 77% |
| March | 15°C | 2°C | 58 mm | 72% |
| April | 18°C | 5°C | 63 mm | 70% |
| May | 23°C | 9°C | 37 mm | 59% |
| June | 29°C | 14°C | 17 mm | 46% |
| July | 34°C | 17°C | 11 mm | 35% |
| August | 33°C | 17°C | 14 mm | 36% |
| September | 28°C | 13°C | 27 mm | 48% |
| October | 22°C | 9°C | 50 mm | 63% |
| November | 14°C | 4°C | 60 mm | 79% |
| December | 11°C | 1°C | 32 mm | 83% |
Madrid through the year
January · 10° / 0°C · 38 mm
- In Madrid, January is mid-winter.
- Just 40 km apart, but Madrid runs about 2°C warmer than Miraflores de la Sierra this month.
April · 18° / 5°C · 63 mm
- Seasonally, April counts as mid-spring in Madrid.
- Evenings cool off sharply: the daily range is around 13°C, so pack a layer.
July · 34° / 17°C · 11 mm
- Expect a big gap between day and night — about 17°C.
- Rain is well below Madrid's usual level (around 70% less).
October · 22° / 9°C · 50 mm
- Evenings cool off sharply: the daily range is around 13°C, so pack a layer.
- Temperatures are falling — expect highs around 8°C lower by November.
The best time to visit Madrid is May, September and October, when average highs are 22–28°C and rainfall is around 38 mm a month.
At a glance
When to go to Madrid, season by season
December – February
Cold11° / 0°C · 35 mm
Cool to cold days. Fine for museums and city breaks, less so for the beach.
March – May
Good19° / 5°C · 53 mm
Comfortable weather overall, with fewer visitors than peak season.
June – August
Hot32° / 16°C · 14 mm
Very hot days. Plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings and keep the afternoon for shade or the beach.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to visit Madrid?
- For pleasant, fairly dry weather, go to Madrid in May, September and October. Average highs are then 22–28°C.
- Why is May a good time to visit Madrid?
- In May, Madrid averages 23°C by day and 9°C at night, with about 37 mm of rain and 53% cloud cover: warm enough to be outdoors without the peak heat or the wettest weather.
- What is the warmest month in Madrid?
- July is the warmest month in Madrid, with average highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C.
- What is the coldest month in Madrid?
- January is the coldest month in Madrid: average highs of 10°C, dropping to 0°C at night.
- When does it rain the most in Madrid?
- April is the wettest month in Madrid with about 63 mm of rain. The driest is July, with around 11 mm.
- When is the worst time to visit Madrid?
- January is the least pleasant month in Madrid, with average highs of just 10°C. It's still fine for museums and fewer crowds.
- Is the shoulder season a good time to visit Madrid?
- Yes. April, June and November sit just outside the best months for Madrid, with average highs of 14–29°C and about 47 mm of rain a month. Weather-wise, they are a good alternative to the peak months.
- How can I check the weather in Madrid before I travel?
- Compare the live forecast for Madrid from three independent weather services on WeatherCompare. When they agree, the forecast is more reliable.
Cite or embed this data
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Best time to visit Madrid. WeatherCompare, 2026 (climate averages: NASA POWER / ERA5, 2011–2020). https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/spain/madrid
<a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/spain/madrid">Best time to visit Madrid</a> (WeatherCompare)
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