Madrid, Spain, is known for its diverse climate that attracts visitors from around the world.
The hot season in Madrid typically lasts from mid-June to early September, with daily high temperatures often reaching above 83°F.
This period sees the hottest month, July, with average highs of 91°F and lows of 63°F.
In contrast, the cool season spans from mid-November to early March, where temperatures drop below 58°F on average, making it a great time to explore indoor attractions like museums.
During the winter, January stands as the coldest month in Madrid, with average temperatures hovering around 43°F.
Nighttime lows can dip to around 35.5°F, occasionally reaching as chilly as 26.5°F.
Despite the colder weather, the city’s charm remains, and places like Retiro Park offer a peaceful retreat even in brisk conditions.
Autumn is another delightful time to visit, with pleasant weather that includes increased rainfall but plenty of sunshine, ranging from 5.2 to 8.7 hours per day.
The climate graph for Madrid reveals these patterns clearly, showing the city’s unique blend of sun, rain, and mild temperatures throughout the year.
This makes Madrid not only a year-round destination but also a place where you can enjoy different facets of its beauty in each season.
For more detailed climate information by month, visit the Madrid Climate by Month page.
Average Temperature in Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s climate varies throughout the year with distinct seasonal changes.
January, the coldest month, sees an average temperature around 43°F (6.3°C), with lows often reaching 35.5°F (1.9°C) and highs up to 51.4°F (10.8°C). It can get as cold as 26.5°F (-3°C) on the coldest nights.
February remains chilly, with average temperatures ranging between 36°F (2°C) and 54°F (12°C).
March starts to warm up, with temperatures averaging from 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (16°C).
April sees further warming, with low temperatures around 45°F (7°C) and highs reaching 66°F (19°C).
May has pleasant weather with average highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows around 52°F (11°C).
| Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 35.5 | 51.4 |
| February | 36 | 54 |
| March | 40 | 60 |
| April | 45 | 66 |
| May | 52 | 73 |
June brings the start of hotter temperatures, with averages between 59°F (15°C) and 82°F (28°C).
July, being the hottest month, sees daily temperatures often rise from 63°F (17°C) to a scorching 91°F (33°C).
August remains hot, with high temperatures regularly hitting 90°F (32°C) and lows of 62°F (17°C).
As September approaches, it begins to cool down, with averages ranging from 56°F (13°C) to 81°F (27°C).
| Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 59 | 82 |
| July | 63 | 91 |
| August | 62 | 90 |
| September | 56 | 81 |
October has moderate temperatures, with lows around 50°F (10°C) and highs up to 69°F (21°C).
November cools down further to 41°F (5°C) at night and around 58°F (14°C) during daytime.
By December, temperatures drop again, with averages from 36°F (2°C) to 53°F (12°C).
| Month | Low (°F) | High (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| October | 50 | 69 |
| November | 41 | 58 |
| December | 36 | 53 |
Madrid’s yearly temperature patterns show significant variation, ranging from hot summers to cold winters.
Average Precipitation in Madrid, Spain
Madrid experiences varying levels of precipitation throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry periods. Understanding patterns of both rainfall and snowfall provides a complete picture of the city’s climate.
Average Rainfall in Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s rainfall is characterized by significant variations between wet and dry months.
June through August are typically the driest months, with July being the driest at an average of 7 mm of rain. The wettest month is October, averaging about 64 mm of precipitation.
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.2 |
| February | 0.9 |
| March | 1.0 |
| April | 1.4 |
| May | 1.3 |
| June | 0.3 |
| July | 0.3 |
| August | 0.3 |
| September | 1.1 |
| October | 2.5 |
| November | 1.4 |
| December | 1.2 |
Autumn and spring are the rainy seasons, with substantial rainfall in months like October and April.
Rainy days are more frequent in these periods, contributing to lush scenery.
Average Snow in Madrid, Spain
Snowfall in Madrid is quite rare due to its generally mild winters. When snow does fall, it is usually light and does not accumulate significantly.
Typically, snow can be observed during late December and January.
| Month | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.4 |
| February | 0.2 |
| March | 0.1 |
| December | 0.5 |
The city’s elevation can lead to occasional snowfalls, particularly in January and December.
However, snowfall does not impact daily life much as it melts quickly.
Due to low accumulation, skiing and winter sports are not common in Madrid.
No links were added for snow-related conditions in this section due to limited relevance.
Average Sun in Madrid, Spain
Madrid enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, making it an attractive destination for those who appreciate clear skies.
The city experiences variations in daylight hours depending on the season, with longer days in summer and shorter days in winter.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Madrid, Spain
Madrid receives significant solar energy, particularly in the summer months.
In June, the average daily shortwave solar energy is at its peak, reaching around 7.3 kWh per square meter.
This decreases in December, with an average of 2.4 kWh per square meter due to shorter daylight hours.
Table: Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy (kWh/m²)
| Month | Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 2.6 |
| April | 5.8 |
| June | 7.3 |
| August | 7.0 |
| October | 3.9 |
| December | 2.4 |
Madrid’s daylight hours also vary significantly across the year.
In June, there can be up to 15 hours of daylight, while December experiences closer to 9 hours.
Sunrises are typically around 6 AM in summer, and sunsets around 9:30 PM.
Winter sunrises occur around 8 AM, with sunsets as early as 6 PM.
Residents and visitors should be aware that the UV index can be quite high during summer, necessitating proper sun protection.
The city also observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), adjusting clocks one hour forward in spring and one hour back in fall, which impacts daylight patterns.
Average Humidity in Madrid, Spain
Madrid experiences various levels of humidity throughout the year.
The average annual relative humidity in Madrid is around 61%.
Monthly Humidity Levels
Here’s a table that shows the average relative humidity for each month:
| Month | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 77.0% |
| February | 67.0% |
| March | 58.0% |
| April | 54.0% |
| May | 53.0% |
| June | 44.0% |
| July | 41.0% |
| August | 44.0% |
| September | 51.0% |
| October | 66.0% |
| November | 75.0% |
| December | 77.0% |
January tends to be the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%. In contrast, July is typically the driest month, with an average humidity of 41%.
Madrid’s climate varies significantly between the wet and dry months.
March sees lower humidity, averaging 58%, while November experiences higher humidity, around 75%.
During October, there is a noticeable increase in humidity levels, making the air feel a bit more moist compared to the summer months.
The dew point is another measure often used to indicate humidity. On more humid months such as January and December, the dew point tends to be higher.
For a more detailed analysis, you can explore the month-by-month climate and weather data for Madrid on different platforms available online. This helps in understanding how the humidity levels correlate with the general weather patterns throughout the year.
Check the average monthly humidity in Madrid to get more insights and detailed information.
Average Wind in Madrid, Spain
Madrid experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year. Wind speed is measured in miles per hour (mph). Understanding the wind patterns is essential for both residents and visitors.
The average wind speed in Madrid is moderate. The windiest month is usually March, with speeds reaching up to 10 mph.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 6 |
| February | 7 |
| March | 10 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 7 |
| June | 6 |
| July | 5 |
| August | 5 |
| September | 6 |
| October | 7 |
| November | 8 |
| December | 7 |
Wind speeds tend to be lower during the summer months, around 5-6 mph. This pattern makes the summer relatively calm. In contrast, spring and autumn can be breezier.
Understanding the wind patterns is beneficial, and for more detailed insights, one might refer to various articles on wind-related phenomena, such as winds.
Madrid’s average wind conditions make it suitable for various outdoor activities throughout the year. The variability ensures there’s always a gentle breeze, keeping the air fresh and the city vibrant. The wind also plays a role in the city’s climate, influencing temperatures and weather conditions regularly.
Average Air Quality in Madrid, Spain
Madrid enjoys a mix of clear and overcast skies throughout the year. The air quality in Madrid varies with seasons and weather conditions. Clouds and pressure also influence the pollution levels.
Cuatro Vientos Airport often reports data on air quality.
Generally, the air quality is better on sunny days and tends to worsen with increased cloud cover or overcast skies.
Monthly Air Quality Data
| Month | Avg. Air Quality Index (AQI) | Dominant Pollutant | Clear Days | Overcast Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70 | NO2 | 10 | 5 |
| February | 65 | NO2 | 12 | 4 |
| March | 60 | NO2 | 15 | 5 |
| April | 55 | NO2 | 18 | 7 |
| May | 50 | Ozone | 20 | 6 |
| June | 45 | Ozone | 25 | 3 |
| July | 40 | Ozone | 28 | 2 |
| August | 40 | Ozone | 27 | 3 |
| September | 45 | Ozone | 22 | 5 |
| October | 50 | NO2 | 18 | 5 |
| November | 60 | NO2 | 12 | 8 |
| December | 65 | NO2 | 10 | 7 |
Madrid’s air quality fluctuates with weather patterns.
For more precise and updated information, you can refer to Madrid Climate Averages.
Residents and visitors can enjoy better air quality during the summer months, especially in July and August. On the other hand, air quality tends to be poorer during the colder months, particularly in January and December. Maintaining awareness of weather conditions and staying updated with local air quality reports is advisable for those sensitive to pollution.
Topography of Madrid, Spain
Madrid, located at a latitude of 40.4168° N and a longitude of 3.7038° W, lies in the heart of Spain. Its elevation is approximately 2,188 feet above sea level.
The city sits on a high plateau known as the Meseta Central. This plateau is characterized by flat and gently rolling terrain.
Madrid experiences a Mediterranean climate (Csa) according to the Köppen climate classification, although some parts with less precipitation fall into the semi-arid (BSk) category. Precipitation averages around 16.6 inches per year.
Madrid’s surrounding landscape includes the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the northwest, adding to the region’s diverse topography. This range influences local weather patterns, especially in terms of wind and precipitation.
The Manzanares River flows through the city, providing a key geographical feature. This river is relatively small but plays a vital role in Madrid’s ecosystem.
Madrid’s topography contributes to its unique climate, with significant variations in temperature and precipitation across different areas of the city. The center receives less annual precipitation compared to the eastern airport area.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Madrid, Spain
Madrid experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year. These include snowstorms, heatwaves, heavy rains, hail, and severe thunderstorms.
Snowstorms
Madrid can see significant snowfall during the winter months. One notable snowfall occurred in January 2021, trapping vehicles and causing disruptions around the city. Temperatures during these events can drop as low as -25°F. For more details, visit the Vox article on Spain’s snowstorm.
Table: Snowfall and Temperatures in January
| Month | Average Snowfall | Lowest Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6-8 inches | -25°F |
Heatwaves
Summers in Madrid are known for extreme heatwaves.
Temperatures often soar above 100°F, creating challenging living conditions. The extreme heat can last for several days, affecting daily life and public health.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding occur in autumn and spring.
In August 2023, torrential rains led to severe floods after a sweltering summer. This caused significant damage and disruptions. More information is available in this BBC report on flooding in Spain.
Table: Rainfall in August
| Month | Average Rainfall | Flood Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| August | 1-2 inches | Frequent |
Hail and Thunderstorms
Hailstorms and violent thunderstorms are not uncommon.
In June 2024, Madrid experienced intense hail and thunderstorms, causing widespread havoc. The storms often begin in the late afternoon or evening.
For detailed insights into these weather events, check out the Olive Press article.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Madrid, Spain
Madrid experiences varied weather across the seasons. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures and conditions for travelers.
What is Madrid, Spain Like in Spring
Spring in Madrid, covering March through May, brings comfortable and mild temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F.
The city emerges from winter, and flowers begin to bloom in parks like Retiro and Casa de Campo.
This season is perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor cafes, markets, and historical sites.
The weather is ideal for walking tours and other outdoor activities.
Rainfall during spring is moderate, which helps keep the air fresh and pleasant.
Events such as the San Isidro Festival in May offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Spanish culture with parades, concerts, and street performances.
What is Madrid, Spain Like in Summer
Summer spans from June to August and is the hottest season, with temperatures often reaching between 80°F and 100°F.
July and August are particularly intense, with the possibility of heatwaves making midday activities uncomfortable.
Despite the heat, summer in Madrid is lively.
Many locals vacation in coastal areas, resulting in fewer crowds in the city.
This season is great for enjoying open-air events, rooftop bars, and night walks.
Air conditioning is essential when staying in hotels or renting apartments.
Visitors are advised to stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun during peak afternoon hours.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 80-90 | 0.8 |
| July | 85-100 | 0.4 |
| August | 85-100 | 0.3 |
What is Madrid, Spain Like in Fall
Fall, lasting from September to November, is another great time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F.
This season sees the return of cooler mornings and evenings, making it pleasant for sightseeing.
September remains warm, but by October, the weather becomes milder.
Fall foliage adds beauty to places like El Retiro Park.
Fewer tourists make it easier to experience local culture and attractions without long waits.
Events such as Spain’s National Day on October 12 include military processions and street celebrations.
It’s also a great time to enjoy outdoor dining with Spanish tapas and wine.
What is Madrid, Spain Like in Winter
Winter runs from December to February, with temperatures varying from 30°F to 50°F.
While it’s the coldest season, snowfall is rare, though occasional frosty mornings can occur.
Visitors can enjoy Madrid’s numerous indoor attractions during this period.
Christmas lights and markets create a festive atmosphere in December.
January sees quiet streets, offering a serene experience for museum visits and historical tours.
Madrid’s indoor dining options become more inviting, with cozy cafes and traditional restaurants serving hearty winter dishes.
The lesser crowd in winter makes it an excellent time to explore the city at a leisurely pace.