Last updated: April 17, 2025
Madrid, Spain exhibits a diverse climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa, Csb, and BSk. Characterized by hot-summer Mediterranean and semi-arid conditions, the city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The minimum temperature can plunge to -12°C (11°F) in January, while the average annual temperature hovers around 14°C (58°F). The city can also witness sweltering heat in August, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 42°C (108°F). These climatic traits underscore Madrid's unique climatic profile, impacting its ecology and urban environment.
In Madrid, Spain, temperature exhibits significant seasonal variability, with the coldest month being January, where minimum temperatures can fall to -12°C (11°F) and average around 4°C (40°F), while maximums reach 19°C (66°F). As spring approaches, February and March see a rise in temperatures, with minimums ranging from -9°C (16°F) to -6°C (22°F), average temperatures increasing to 9°C (49°F), and maximums peaking at 26°C (80°F) by March. The transition into summer brings more heat, particularly in June and July, where average temperatures hover around 22°C (72°F) and 25°C (78°F), with extremes of 41°C (106°F) and 42°C (108°F), respectively. By August, temperatures remain high, but taper off slightly in September, where averages drop to 20°C (69°F). As autumn sets in, the temperatures continue to decline, with the year's coolest averages averaging 6°C (44°F) in December and maximums at 18°C (66°F), illustrating a clear mediterranean pattern in Madrid's climate.
The temperature in and around Madrid showcases notable variations, reflecting its Mediterranean climate. In Madrid, for instance, temperatures can dip to a minimum of -9°C (17°F) in January but can reach a scorching 41°C (106°F) in August, making it an intriguing destination for weather enthusiasts, as detailed in the monthly temperature in Madrid. Similarly, Alcala de Henares experiences a minimum temperature of -8°C (18°F) in January and peaks at 40°C (105°F) in August, detailed further in the monthly temperature in Alcala de Henares. Meanwhile, Aranjuez records slightly colder January temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and a maximum of 42°C (107°F) in August, as explored in the monthly temperature in Aranjuez. These temperature trends highlight the striking contrasts across the region's microclimates.
Precipitation in Madrid follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with rainfall being most abundant in spring and autumn. The wettest month is April, accumulating 85 mm (3 in) of rain over approximately 12 days, indicative of the region's transitional weather. While March sees an increase with 56 mm (2 in) over 8 days, other spring months like May also contribute with 38 mm (2 in) from 7 days of rain. Conversely, the summer months of July and August are notably drier, receiving only 14 mm (1 in) and 20 mm (1 in), respectively, often spread across just a few days, which defines the hot and dry characteristics of the season in Madrid.
In contrast, the autumn months present a resurgence in precipitation, with November experiencing 61 mm (2 in) over 10 days, and October featuring 55 mm (2 in) across 5 days. January and February also contribute 36 mm (1 in) and 35 mm (1 in) of rainfall, respectively, typically spaced over 5 days each month. Overall, Madrid's precipitation averages 35-85 mm (1-3 in) throughout the year, reflecting its continental Mediterranean climate and significant influences from its geographical positioning.
Madrid's humidity exhibits a dynamic pattern throughout the year, beginning with a notably high 90% in January and December, which are the city's wettest months. As winter transitions to spring, humidity gradually decreases, reaching a low of 59% in the sweltering summer months of July and August. This dip hints at the drier heat that characterizes Madrid's warm season, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. However, as autumn approaches, humidity levels begin to rise again, peaking at 87% in November. Overall, Madrid’s humidity trends illustrate a clear seasonal rhythm, where the crisp, dry summers contrast with the damp chill of winter, creating a climate that is as varied as its vibrant culture.
Madrid enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, with the duration peaking during the summer months. July stands out, offering an impressive 433 hours of sunshine, closely followed by June at 416 hours and August with 405 hours. This abundance of sunlight during the summer months not only contributes to the city's vibrant atmosphere but also supports various outdoor activities and tourism, making it a desirable destination in Spain.
As the seasons change, sunshine duration tends to decrease, particularly during the winter months. January records 192 hours of sunlight, while December and November provide 231 hours and 240 hours, respectively. Spring months see a gradual increase in sunshine, with April reaching 333 hours and May climbing to 403 hours. Overall, Madrid's annual sunshine duration underlines its pleasantly bright climate, appealing to residents and visitors alike.
The UV Index in Madrid reflects significant variations throughout the year, with peaks occurring during the summer months. In June, the index climbs to a maximum of 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, making midday sun precautions essential. Following closely, July and August feature UV Index values of 11 and 10, respectively, underscoring the importance of sun safety measures during the hottest times of the year.
As seasons shift, the UV Index experiences a decline, especially in the colder months. January and December see lower readings at 3, while February and November hover around 4. The spring months experience a gradual increase, with March reaching 7, and April climbing to 9. By May, the UV Index rises to 10, signaling the onset of more intense sun exposure. Understanding these fluctuations in UV levels is essential for residents and visitors to protect against potential sun-related health risks in Madrid.
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Daylight duration in Madrid exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with shorter days in winter and longer days in summer. In January and December, the average daylight lasts around 9 hours, providing limited sunshine and contributing to the cooler, darker winter months. As spring approaches in March, daylight increases to 11 hours, reaching a peak in June with 15 hours of daylight. This extended daylight supports a vibrant outdoor life and various activities during the summer.
As summer transitions to autumn, the daylight hours gradually decrease. July maintains a high average of 14 hours, while August sees a slight decline to 13 hours. By September, daylight reduces to 12 hours, and further decreases in October to 11 hours. The cycle continues into the cooler months, with November reverting back to 9 hours of daylight. This natural rhythm highlights the significant variation in daylight throughout the year, influencing lifestyle and activities in Madrid.
Alcala de Henares, Spain, experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -8°C to 18°C, while July can reach up to 40°C. Precipitation peaks in April with 88 mm, contributing to the region's lush springs. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in summer, with July boasting 433 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Alcala de Henares climate.
Aranjuez, Spain experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) in January to a hot 27°C (81°F) in July and August, with maximums reaching up to 42°C (107°F) during peak summer. The region sees the most rainfall in April (78 mm) and November (58 mm), while July is notably dry with only 10 mm. Annual sunshine significantly increases from 198 hours in January to a peak of 431 hours in July, making the summer months particularly bright. For more detailed information, visit Aranjuez climate.
Cercedilla, Spain experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -9°C (16°F) to 15°C (60°F), while July sees highs reaching 36°C (97°F). Precipitation peaks in April with 112 mm, while the summer months experience lower rainfall. The area enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, achieving up to 435 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Cercedilla climate.
Chinchón, Spain, experiences a diverse climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) in January to a peak of 27°C (81°F) in July and August. The region receives moderate precipitation, with April being the wettest month at 80 mm (3.2 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer months, reaching up to 433 hours in July. For more details, visit Chinchon climate.
El Escorial, Spain, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -9°C (16°F), while July sees highs around 37°C (99°F), with July and August being the hottest months. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, peaking in April with 76 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall, while the summer months enjoy the least rain. The area also enjoys significant sunshine, especially in July, which boasts 434 hours of sun. For more details on the climate of El Escorial, visit El Escorial climate.
Guadarrama, Spain, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. Temperatures range from a chilly -9°C (16°F) in January to a hot 37°C (99°F) in August, with moderate averages throughout the year. Precipitation is most abundant in spring, particularly in April, which receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while summer months like July and August see less, around 22 mm (0.8 in) to 26 mm (1.0 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in July with 435 hours, making it a pleasant destination during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit Guadarrama climate.
Madrid experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while July sees highs up to 41°C (106°F). The city receives the most rainfall in April, totaling 70 mm (2.8 in), yet boasts abundant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July having around 433 hours. Overall, Madrid's climate offers a mix of seasonal extremes, making it a vibrant destination year-round. For more information, visit Madrid climate.
Manzanares el Real, Spain, experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C to a maximum of 16°C, while July sees highs reaching 38°C. Rainfall is more frequent in spring and autumn, peaking at 97 mm in April, whereas July receives only 18 mm. The area enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly from May to August, with July recording the highest at 435 hours. For more detailed information, visit Manzanares el Real climate.
Navacerrada, Spain, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly -9°C (16°F) to a mild 15°C (60°F), while July sees warm averages of 23°C (73°F) and peaks at 37°C (99°F). The area receives considerable rainfall, especially in spring with April averaging 112 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation. Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, peaking at 435 hours in July, which contrasts with the shorter days of winter. For more detailed information, visit Navacerrada climate.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can range from a minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), while July sees much warmer averages peaking at 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is highest in April with 76 mm (3.0 in), while sunnier months like June and July boast over 400 hours of sunshine. The transition from winter to summer shows a significant shift in both temperature and sunlight, making it a picturesque location year-round. For more detailed information, visit San Lorenzo de El Escorial climate.
In conclusion, Madrid's climate is characterized by distinct temperature variations, notable precipitation patterns, abundant sunshine, significant UV Index fluctuations, and varying daylight durations throughout the year. The hot-summer Mediterranean climate results in scorching summers and cooler winters, influencing outdoor activities and tourism. Coupled with a mixture of sunny days and necessary precautions against UV exposure, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle while being mindful of seasonal transitions. Understanding these climatic aspects is essential for making informed decisions regarding health, recreation, and travel in this dynamic Spanish capital.