Madrid Climate

Last updated: December 20, 2024

Abstract: Madrid, Spain, experiences a diverse climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csb (Mediterranean with dry summers), Csa (Mediterranean hot-summer), and BSk (semi-arid). The city features extreme temperature variations, with a minimum recorded at -12°C (11°F) in January and a soaring maximum of 42°C (108°F) in August. The average annual temperature hovers around 14°C (58°F), reflecting the city's blend of seasonal contrasts and climatic influences. This unique climatic profile shapes the urban environment and affects both the local ecosystem and human activities throughout the year.

Madrid temperature by month

The temperature in Madrid, Spain, exhibits significant seasonal variations, with January experiencing the lowest minimum of -12°C (11°F), while August frequently reaches a maximum of 42°C (108°F). The monthly averages range from 4°C (40°F) in January to 25°C (78°F) in both July and August. Spring and autumn months show moderate temperatures, with March averaging 9°C (49°F) and October at 15°C (59°F). The transition into summer sees temperatures escalate, peaking during May, June, July, and August, illustrating the stark contrasts between the cooler winter months and the intense heat of summer in this Mediterranean climate.

Monthly Temperatures in Madrid, Spain

The chart illustrates Madrids temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec394648536271797768594843
Data source: Madrid temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

The temperature in the region surrounding Madrid varies significantly, offering a distinctive Mediterranean climate. In Madrid, the temperature ranges from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperature in Madrid. Nearby, Alcala de Henares experiences slightly milder conditions, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) in January and a maximum of 40°C (105°F) in August, which can be explored further in the monthly temperature in Alcala de Henares. Moreover, Aranjuez records a minimum temperature of -10°C (15°F) in January, while it peaks at 42°C (107°F) in August, as noted in the monthly temperature in Aranjuez. These data reflect the diverse climatic conditions that characterize this vibrant region of Spain.

Precipitation Patterns in Madrid

Precipitation in Madrid, Spain, is characterized by a varied distribution throughout the year, with a total annual rainfall concentrated primarily in the spring and autumn months. January and February both receive approximately 36 mm (1 in) and 35 mm (1 in) of precipitation respectively, with rain typically falling over about 5 days each month. As spring approaches, March sees a notable increase with 56 mm (2 in) over 8 days, while April experiences the highest rainfall of the year at 85 mm (3 in), delivered over 12 days.

As summer unfolds, precipitation diminishes significantly, dropping to 27 mm (1 in) in June and further to 14 mm (1 in) in July, with only 2 days of rain in the latter month. August brings a slight increase to 20 mm (1 in) over 3 days. The trend shifts back to a wetter pattern in the fall, with October and November recording 55 mm (2 in) and 61 mm (2 in), respectively, accompanied by 5 to 10 days of rainfall, while December wraps up the year with 51 mm (2 in) over 8 days.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Madrid, Spain

The average monthly precipitation in Madrid, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the regions precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec363556853827142037556151
Data source: Madrid precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

Sunshine Duration in Madrid

Madrid, Spain, enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine throughout the year, making it a desirable location for sun-seekers. The city experiences its lowest sunshine duration in January with 192 hours, gradually increasing through the winter months. February provides 253 hours of sunshine, while March sees a notable rise to 315 hours. The arrival of spring ushers in even more sunlight, with April receiving 333 hours and May reaching an impressive 403 hours.

As summer approaches, Madrid basks in peak sunlight, with June providing 416 hours and July achieving the highest total of 433 hours. In August, the sunshine duration begins to taper slightly, offering 405 hours. The autumn months continue to showcase substantial sunshine, with September at 347 hours and October at 313 hours. As the year closes, November and December experience lower totals of 240 hours and 231 hours respectively, yet Madrid still maintains a relatively sunny climate compared to many other regions.

Monthly Sunshine in Madrid, Spain

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Madrid receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec192h253h316h334h404h416h434h405h348h314h241h232h
Data source: Madrid sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Madrid UV Index Trends

The UV Index in Madrid, Spain, varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation during different seasons. In the winter months, January and December record a moderate UV Index of 3, while February sees a slight increase to 4. As spring arrives, the UV Index rises sharply, with March reaching 7 and April climbing to 9, signaling a greater potential for skin damage and the need for protection against the sun's rays.

The summer months bring the highest UV Index values, peaking at 12 in June, indicating extreme UV exposure risks. July follows closely with an Index of 11, while August dips slightly to 10. As autumn approaches, the UV Index decreases to 8 in September, gradually lowering to 7 in October before returning to 4 in November. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the importance of UV awareness and protection, especially during the sunnier months when exposure is at its highest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Madrid, Spain

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Madrid. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3479101211108743
Data source: Madrid UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Madrid

In Madrid, Spain, average daylight duration fluctuates throughout the year, closely aligning with seasonal changes. The winter months of January and December experience the shortest daylight, averaging just 9 hours each. February sees a slight increase to 10 hours, while as spring approaches, daylight extends further, with March offering 11 hours and April reaching 13 hours. The trend continues upward in May, where residents enjoy about 14 hours of daylight.

Summer months bask in extended daylight, peaking at 15 hours in June, before slightly decreasing to 14 hours in July and 13 hours in August. As autumn sets in, daylight begins to shorten again, dropping to 12 hours in September and 11 hours in October. By November, daylight reduces back to 9 hours, completing a cyclical pattern that emphasizes the significant variation in daylight exposure throughout the year in this vibrant city.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Madrid, Spain

This chart shows the total daylight hours Madrid receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec577h638h717h797h866h900h881h821h744h664h594h558h
Data source: Madrid daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Madrid's Popular Destinations

Alcalá de Henares experiences a varied climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) in January to highs reaching 40°C (105°F) in July and August. The city receives an average annual precipitation of around 42 mm, with the wettest months being April and October. Sunlight is abundant, particularly in the summer, with July enjoying around 432 hours of sunshine. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Alcala de Henares climate.

Aranjuez, Spain experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (41°F) in January to a peak of 27°C (82°F) in July and August, with maximums occasionally reaching up to 42°C (107°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in April at 78 mm (3 in) and minimizing to just 10 mm (0 in) in July. Despite some rainy months, Aranjuez enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from May to July, where sunshine durations exceed 400 hours. For more information, visit Aranjuez climate.

Cercedilla, Spain experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -9°C while July can reach maximums of 36°C. Precipitation is heaviest in April (112 mm), and rainfall decreases significantly by July (22 mm). The region enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in July with 434 hours. For more detailed information, visit Cercedilla climate.

Chinchón, Spain, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and hot summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -8°C (18°F), while July and August reach maximums of 41°C (105°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in April at 80 mm (3 in), with warmer months generally experiencing less rainfall. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in summer, with July recording around 433 hours. For more detailed information, visit Chinchon climate.

El Escorial, Spain, experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging 4°C (39°F) and July reaching up to 25°C (76°F). The region sees significant precipitation, peaking in April with 76 mm (3 in), while the summer months are relatively drier with only 16 mm (1 in) of rain in July and August. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer, with July enjoying around 433 hours of sunshine. For detailed climate information, visit El Escorial climate.

Guadarrama, Spain experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -9°C (16°F), while July can peak at 37°C (99°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with April receiving the highest rainfall at 112 mm (4 in), and generally dry months in July and August. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in the summer, peaking at 434 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Guadarrama climate.

Madrid experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January sees average temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and minimal precipitation, while July and August can reach highs of up to 41°C (106°F) with lower rainfall. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 433 hours in July, which contributes to its warm, dry summers. As autumn arrives, temperatures gradually cool, with November averaging 10°C (49°F) and increased precipitation. For more details, visit Madrid climate.

Manzanares el Real, Spain, experiences distinct seasonal variations in climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop to -8°C (18°F), while summer months like July and August see highs of 38°C (100°F). The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in July, with up to 434 hours, but precipitation is more pronounced in spring, peaking in April at 97 mm (4 in). For more detailed information, visit Manzanares el Real climate.

Navacerrada, Spain experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to -9°C (16°F) but gradually rise, reaching averages of 19°C (66°F) in February. Summers are warm, with average highs of 36°C (97°F) in July and August, while precipitation peaks in April with 112 mm (4 in) of rainfall. The area enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July seeing the most at 434 hours. For more detailed information, visit Navacerrada climate.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -9°C (16°F) and maximums reach 16°C (61°F), while July boasts average highs of 25°C (76°F) and can peak at 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is highest in April with 76 mm (3 in) and decreases during the summer months, notably in July and August with only 16 mm (1 in) each. Sunshine duration peaks in July with 433 hours, providing ample sunlight during the warmest months. For more detailed information, visit San Lorenzo de El Escorial climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Madrid, Spain, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by hot summers, cool winters, and significant variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The city experiences extreme temperatures, peaking at 42°C (108°F) in August, while winter months can bring cold spells down to -12°C (11°F). With moderate precipitation primarily in spring and autumn and an abundance of sunshine, Madrileños enjoy long daylight hours, peaking at 15 hours in June. Understanding these climatic factors not only enhances awareness of the environment but also aids locals and visitors in making informed decisions regarding outdoor activities and health precautions throughout the year.