The climate of Madrid
Madrid,
Spain is situated within the Mediterranean climatological zone reffered as the Köppen climate classification of Csa. This climate class is characterized by a hot summer season, while geographic positioning of Madrid encourages unique weather patterns, resulting in a blend of climatological parameters.
Throughout the year, fluctuations in weather parameters such as temperature, rainfall, daylight hours, sunshine duration, and UV index can be observed. Daylight hours range from the minimal 9.3 in
December to the peak of 15 hours in
June. Correspondingly, the duration of sunshine follows a similar trend with 4 hours in December and extending up to 11.6 hours during
July.
Temperature projections reveal a noticeable difference in the city’s climate pattern. The lowest average high temperatures are witnessed in December and
January, at around 10°C (50°F), while they rise significantly and peak at over 32°C (89.6°F) in July. Rainfall data indicates least precipitation during the summer months, particularly from July to
August with approximately 10mm (0.39") to 12mm (0.47") of rainfall. There is a sharp increase in precipitation during autumn, achieving its maximum in
November with 60mm (2.36") of rainfall.
The UV index is highest during the summer period, reaching a peak of 9 in July, which can be particularly harmful for unprotected skin. During winter months, it falls to as low as 2, indicating relatively safer conditions.
The best time to visit Madrid
Considering the varied weather parameters, the best time to visit
Madrid is generally during the Spring and Autumn months. During these periods, the temperatures are moderate, falling in the range of 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) in Spring and 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F) in Autumn. Additionally, the city experiences relatively less rainfall and enjoys considerable daylight. During these periods, visitors can enjoy Madrid's scenic beauty with a more pleasant, mild climate.
The worst time to visit Madrid
Visiting
Madrid during summer months may not be suitable for all, especially those inept to withstand high temperatures.
July, the hottest month, witnesses the maximum temperature exceeding 32°C (89.6°F). Furthermore, the UV index is also quite high during this time. Conversely, winter months, particularly
December and
January, can be cold, with very high chances of rainfall, lesser sunshine period, and shorter daylight hours.
Spring weather in Madrid
Spring in
Madrid typically spans from
March to
May. The city begins to warm up, with temperatures gradually rising from 16.3°C (61.3°F) in March to 22.2°C (72°F) by May. These months also experience the longest hours of daylight, stretching from 12 hours in March to up to 14.4 hours in May. Consequently, Madrid sees a noticeable increase in sunshine hours. However, there is a slight increase in rainfall; from 25mm (0.98") in March to 51mm (2.01") in May with an equivalent increase in rainy days.
Summer weather in Madrid
The summer period in
Madrid is characterized by high heat and an extended sunshine period. The months between
June and
August witness temperatures ranging from 28.2°C (82.8°F) to the maximum of 32.1°C (89.8°F) in
July. The amount of rainfall significantly drops to as low as 10mm (0.39") to 12mm (0.47") during these months. Correspondingly, summer is the sunniest season with 10.3 to 11.6 hours of sunshine per day.
Autumn weather in Madrid
Autumn heat in
Madrid gradually gives way to cooler temperatures. Ranging between 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), the average high and low temperatures smoothly transition across the months from
September to
November. The city experiences an increased volume of rainfall during this period, with rainfall peaking at 60mm (2.36") in November. Despite the increased rainfall, Autumn days in Madrid are fairly sunny with sunshine duration standing between 5.2 to 8.7 hours.
Winter weather in Madrid
During the winter season spanning from
December to
February,
Madrid experiences lower temperatures, with average highs ranging from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). The city also receives considerable rainfall with the volume ranging from 33mm (1.3") to 51mm (2.01") over this period. The daylight hours are the shortest during these months, with sunshine duration being at its least, from 4 to 5.6 hours. The UV index is also at its lowest point, averaging at around 2, indicating safer outdoor conditions despite the cold.
Weather in January
A typical
January in
Madrid,
Spain, is characterized by relatively cold temperatures with the high and low averages fluctuating between 2.7°C (36.9°F) and 9.8°C (49.6°F). The start of the year often witnesses overcast skies as daylight is limited to approximately 9.7 hours per day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the winter season persists,
February in
Madrid experiences a slight upturn in temperatures, though still considered chilly by locals. The volume of rainfall, measuring around 35mm (1.38"), is similar to that of
January, maintaining the saturated ambiance.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather transitions to a more pleasant climate in
March as
Madrid welcomes the onset of spring. No dramatic spikes in temperature occur, getting ready for warmer months ahead. With a slight decline in monthly rainfall, about 25mm (0.98"), the frequency of wet days drops significantly.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a considerable shift in the weather with the spring season in full bloom. Temperatures experience a noticeable increase from those of
March, affirming the city's transit into warmer conditions. The monthly amount of rainfall, which reaches 45mm (1.77"), ushers in frequent rain showers interspersed throughout the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May embraces much warmer conditions, a far cry from the cool beginnings of the year. Rainfall slightly inches up, approximately 51mm (2.01"), but the cityscape is largely dominated by clear skies interspaced with occasional showers.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sees the arrival of summer in
Madrid, with the city bathing in a warm and comfortable glow. Monthly high temperatures escalate significantly resulting in balmy days and mild nights. The simultaneous decrease in monthly rainfall to a mere 21mm (0.83") dramatically reduces the number of rainy days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With the steady rise in
Madrid's temperatures,
July emerges as the hottest month of the year with a notable high of 32.1°C (89.8°F). The city experiences a dry spell as the rainfall hits its annual low of 12mm (0.47"), turning the lush landscapes into dry and sunburnt vistas.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August maintains the scorching summer trend with a sweltering high temperature of about 31.3°C (88.3°F). The city remains primarily dry with a rainfall measurement of a mere 10mm (0.39"), the lowest in the year. Extended daylight of about 13.7 hours continues to dominate, representing long sunny days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September witnesses a gradual change in weather as autumn arrives. The searing heat from
August tapers off, providing respite to locals and tourists alike. Rainfall inches up to about 22mm (0.87"), signaling the end of
Madrid's dry spell.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The advent of
October heralds a prominent shift towards a cooler climate in
Madrid. A significant rise in rainfall, measuring approximately 60mm (2.36"), marks the peak for the year, mirroring the frequency of cloudy and overcast days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Moving further into late autumn,
November in
Madrid remains markedly chillier. An increased frequency of overcast days is matched by a heightened level of rainfall, approximately 58mm (2.28"). Daylight hours drop to around 10 hours a day, with the waning light of the day giving way to longer nightlife.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The month of
December welcomes the winter season with a sharp dip in temperatures.
Madrid experiences a colder climate with occasional rain showers, amounting to about 51mm (2.01") of precipitation. Daylight hours are at their annual minimum, with approximately 9.3 hours per day.
Weather in December »