Climate & Weather in Madrid (2026)

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: climatestotravel.com, weatherspark.com

Madrid is on a high plateau (650 m/2,130 ft elevation), which amplifies temperature swings and makes winter nights colder than you'd expect from the latitude.
Large day–night temperature variation year-round; summer evenings cool significantly, making late-night terraces pleasant even in peak heat. Pack layers.
UV index is high year-round, second only to Athens among major European capitals; protect accordingly even on cooler days.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and thinner crowds. May is especially recommended.
July and August are extremely hot with minimal rain and frequent tourist crowding; locals often leave the city then. City is quieter but interior spaces may lack reliable air conditioning.
Winter snow is dramatic when it arrives (especially January cold snaps), but don't expect it as routine. Heavy snow causes visible disruption because infrastructure isn't built for it.
Typical annual rainfall is modest (~455 mm/18 in); Madrid is one of Europe's sunniest capitals with 2,000–3,000 sunshine hours yearly.
Humidity varies sharply: winter 75–76% (damp), summer 32–39% in July (very dry and crisp).

Frequency: Rare but possible; averages 3–4 snowy days annually, though often light and temporary
Typical Months: Late December through January most likely
Recent Exception: January 2021: 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in 30 hours—heaviest in over a century, but exceptional event
Accumulation Pattern: Light snowfalls usually melt quickly due to daytime thaw; significant accumulation rare

Season: Summer to early autumn (April–October)
Rainfall: Very low; June–September is particularly dry
Characteristics: Hot, sunny, little rain; intense heat July–August can reach 35–40°C (95–104°F)

Autumn: September–November: September still warm but cooling; October mild (15–16°C (61°F)/59–61°F); November wetter and chilly (7°C (45°F)/45°F); excellent light and lower crowds mid-September through October
Spring: March–May: Cool early spring (12–13°C (55°F)/54–55°F) with possible rain; May approaches summer warmth (~21°C (70°F)/70°F); pleasant by late May
Summer: June–August: Very hot and very dry; July is hottest (average high 32–34°C (93°F)/90–93°F); occasional thunderstorms possible but rare
Winter: December–February: Cold with highs around 10°C (50°F); nights near freezing; December has afternoon fog possible; generally dry but occasional Atlantic systems bring rain

Season: Winter (November–February)
Rainfall: Moderate rainfall, especially October–November; January and February drier than surrounding months
Characteristics: Cold, relatively dry; occasional rain; some frost and rare snowfall

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.