Madrid is one of the sunniest cities of Europe. After all its main square is called The Puerta del Sol (Spanish for "Gate of the Sun") for reason. Also it is fourth of European hottest capital cities. Global location, features of relief and hydrography of the region result mixed weather conditions with features of continental and Mediterranean climate.

Average annual temperature is 14 °C (57 °F). Summers are dry and hot while winters are cool and rainy. Due to elevation of 667 m (2188 ft.) above sea level nights are cool even in hottest of summers. In general climate of Madrid is shifty with wide range of temperature.

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Madrid

Spring is the best season in Madrid. It is warm and sunny and exhausting heat. Mountain air and occasional showers create exceptional freshness. At evening air become crisp and cool however by afternoon of next day temperature rises back to 17-22 °C (62-71 °F).

The look of the city changes in spring. Over 40 of local parks start to bloom. Locals go outside for strolls in the Buen Retiro Park or on the Plaza Mayor. And even increasing amount of rainfall cannot prevent growing influx of tourists.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +15 °C (59 °F) Min average t°: +5 °C (41 °F) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 35 mm (1.4")

April Max average t°: +17 °C (63 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 11 days Precipitation: 55 mm (2.2")

May Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Sundial in the day: 9.5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 40 mm (1.6")

Spring Holidays

March – Carnival.
First Sunday of March – Festival of Jesús de Medinaceli.
March 17 – St. Patrick's Day.
March 19 – The festival of San José.

March-April – Easter Cepebrations.
April-May - Our Lady of Valverde.

May 1 – Labor Day.
May 2 – Festival of the Autonomous Community of Madrid.
May 15 – San Isidro Labrador, Patron Saint of Madrid.

Summer in Madrid

Summer in Madrid is usually dry and hot. Daytime averages hover above 30 °C (86 °F) and occasionally even rise to 40 °C (104 °F). At afternoon the city hollows for it is time for siesta. Traffic calms down and streets become empty. Many locals had gone for vacation on Mediterranean coasts. However it better to avoid outdoor activities at this time because heat can harm health. After couple of hours temperature starts to decrease. Night averages are in range of 13-16 °C (55-61 °F) so evenings have comfortable and safe temperature for most of activities.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: +27 °C (81 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 13.5 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 25 mm (1.0")

July Max average t°: +31 °C (88 °F) Min average t°: +18 °C (64 °F) Sundial in the day: 12 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 15 mm (0.6")

August Max average t°: +31 °C (88 °F) Min average t°: +17 °C (63 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 10 mm (0.4")

Summer Holidays

June 13 – San Antonio de la Florida.
June 23-24 – Festival of San Juan.
June 29 – San Pedro and San Pablo.

First Sunday of July – Our Lady of the Victories.
July 8-17 – Virgen del Carmen.
July 25 – Festivities to honor Santiago Apóstol, Patron Saint of Spain.

August 7-8 – San Lorenzo and San Cayetano.
August 15 – Virgen de la Paloma.

Autumn in Madrid

In terms of temperatures autumn in Madrid is similar to spring. September and October are most comfortable months with daytime averages of 29-21 °C (84-70 °F). Amount of days with significant precipitation is almost twice higher than in summer however fast showers of short periods of drizzle are rather promoting wandering among streets of the city.

In November weather gains more features of autumn. Range of daily temperatures shifts to 15-4 °C (59-39 °F) and relative humidity grows to 75%. Combined with rains and winds it form chilly weather. So it is necessary to pack clothes for some layering for visit to Madrid in autumn.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: +26 °C (79 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 30mm (1.2")

October Max average t°: +20 °C (68 °F) Min average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 45 mm (1.8")

November Max average t°: +13 °C (55 °F) Min average t°: +5 °C (41 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 65 mm (2.5")

Autumn Holidays

September 2 – La Merced.
September 5-13 - La Melonera.
September 24-29 – Fiestas de Otoño or Autumn Fair.

October 12 – Our Lady of El Pilar.
November 1 – All Saints' Day.
November 9 – Virgen de la Almudena, Patron Saint of the City.

Winter in Madrid

Wide range of daily averages is true in winter too. While at afternoon air warms up to 10-12 °C (50-53 °F) at night it may drop even slightly below freezing. Though winter is the rainiest season there are many sunny days. Relative air humidity reaches 80% so it may seem cooler than it actually is. Probability of snow is extremely low. In average there is only one snowy day in February. Travelers should be prepared for great difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 4.5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 55 mm (2.2")

January Max average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 45 mm (1.8")

February Max average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 5.5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 45 mm (1.8")

Winter Holidays

December 6 - Constitution Day.
December 8 – Immaculate Conception.
December 25 – Christmas Day.

January 1 – New Year.
January 5 – Procession of the Three Wise Kings.
January 6 – Three Wise Kings Day.
January 17 – San Antón.

February 3 – Festival of the San Blas neighborhood.
February 14 – St. Valentine's Day.