Summer in Madrid means long, dry days, tons of sunshine, and high temperatures that really shape how people live in the city. Expect average daytime highs around 30–35 °C (86–95 °F), though plenty of afternoons push close to 40 °C (104 °F).
Nights cool off more than in a lot of other hot cities, often dropping to the mid-teens Celsius. That makes evenings a lot nicer for walking or eating outside.
Rain barely shows up during summer, and skies usually stay clear from June through August. Humidity stays low, so even when it’s hot, the dry air helps it feel a little less intense than on the coast.
You’ll see the city’s rhythm change—afternoons go quiet, and people get more active late in the evening, once the air finally cools down.
With some of the longest daylight hours of the year, Madrid’s summer gives you loads of time to explore. In July, sunshine averages over 10 hours per day, so there’s no shortage of bright conditions for sightseeing or day trips.
If you get a handle on the heat, dryness, and long daylight, you’ll have a much easier time planning your days and staying comfortable in the city.
Overview of Madrid’s Summer Climate
Madrid gets long, dry summers with hot days and cooler nights. The city sits inland and at a higher elevation, which creates sharp temperature swings and keeps rainfall low.
Continental Climate Characteristics
Madrid lies on Spain’s central plateau at about 650 meters (2,130 feet) above sea level. That elevation keeps things less humid than the coast, but it also means bigger differences between day and night temperatures.
Summers here fall under a continental Mediterranean climate. You’ll face hot afternoons, often above 35 °C (95 °F), but nights can drop to 15–20 °C (59–68 °F).
The air stays dry, so the heat feels a bit more manageable than in coastal Spain. Still, shade and staying hydrated are key.
Rain barely makes an appearance in summer. July and August average only 15 mm of rain each month, usually just quick storms. Sunshine is everywhere, with 11–12 hours of daylight in midsummer.
Madrid ranks as one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, clocking about 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. Dry air and clear skies give you long, bright days but also fast cooling after sunset.
Summer Weather Trends
From June to August, temperatures keep climbing and usually peak in late July. Average highs run from 29.8 °C in June to 33–34 °C in July, and sometimes they’ll spike above 40 °C (104 °F).
Afternoon heat builds and usually hits its highest point around 5 p.m. Even after sunset, it might stay above 30 °C (86 °F) for a while. Locals often wait until later in the evening to head out, when things finally cool down.
Humidity hangs low, usually 30–40%, which helps with comfort but means dehydration can sneak up on you. Nights cool off, so you get some relief, though heat waves can make those drops less noticeable.
Rain is rare, but if it shows up, it’s usually a quick thunderstorm. These pop up more often in late spring or early summer, not so much in mid-July or August.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Madrid
Madrid’s summer means hot days, mild nights, and barely any humidity. Temperatures rise steadily from June through July, and August stays very warm before things finally ease up toward September.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During summer, Madrid’s average highs usually land between 85°F and 92°F (29°C to 33°C). On the hottest days, you might see it hit 99°F (37°C), especially in late July.
Nighttime lows are much more comfortable, usually between 60°F and 66°F (16°C to 19°C). That nighttime drop makes the heat a lot easier to handle, and the dry air keeps things from feeling sticky.
For a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 82°F (28°C) | 59°F (15°C) |
| July | 92°F (33°C) | 64°F (18°C) |
| August | 90°F (32°C) | 63°F (17°C) |
You can use these numbers to get a sense of what to expect.
Monthly Temperature Variations
June feels warm but not too intense, with daytime highs in the low 80s°F (around 28°C). By July, daily highs hit their peak and often hover near or above 90°F (32°C).
July is Madrid’s hottest month, and heat waves can push those numbers into the upper 90s°F (35–37°C).
August stays hot, but the edge comes off a bit compared to July. By the end of August, evenings might start to feel a little cooler. In September, highs usually drop back into the upper 70s°F to low 80s°F (25–28°C).
Late summer is definitely more comfortable for being outside than mid-July.
Daytime and Nighttime Differences
Madrid’s day-to-night temperature swing is pretty noticeable. During the day, you get strong sun and highs above 85°F (29°C). At night, temperatures often fall by 20–25°F (10–14°C).
That means mornings and evenings feel a lot cooler than the afternoons. You’ll want light clothes in the day, but maybe a sweater or jacket at night, especially in June and late August.
Since humidity is so low, nights rarely feel muggy. The dry air lets heat escape fast after sunset, so you can usually get a good night’s rest even after a scorching day.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Madrid’s summer heat feels strong but not sticky, thanks to the low humidity compared to other European cities. The drier air makes those high temperatures a little easier to handle, especially if you’re outside a lot.
Average Summer Humidity
During summer, you get moderate to low humidity levels. On average, relative humidity runs from about 41% to 50%, depending on the month.
That means the air is dry enough that the heat doesn’t feel as stifling as it does on Spain’s coast.
When temperatures climb into the low to mid-30s °C (high 80s to mid-90s °F), the low humidity helps keep things from feeling heavy and muggy. That really helps with outdoor sightseeing, walking tours, or eating on terraces.
You’ll probably notice that mornings feel a bit cooler and drier. Evenings usually stay comfortable too. Less humidity also means less frizz and fewer sticky clothes—travelers tend to appreciate that.
Monthly Humidity Fluctuations
Humidity changes a bit as the summer moves along. In June, relative humidity averages around 50%, giving early summer a pretty mild and pleasant feel.
By July, humidity drops to its lowest, around 41–42%. That’s when the air feels driest, even though July is also the hottest month, with average highs near 34°C (93°F).
In August, humidity creeps back up to the mid-40% range. It’s still dry, but the slight bump can make evenings feel just a bit warmer than in July.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| June | ~50% |
| July | ~41–42% |
| August | ~44–46% |
This steady pattern of low humidity helps explain why Madrid’s summer heat is tough, but usually not unbearable.
Precipitation Patterns in Summer
Madrid’s summer brings very little rain, with long stretches of dry weather. Showers do happen, but they’re usually brief and don’t show up that often. Most days stay clear and dry.
Rainfall Amounts and Rainy Days
Summer rainfall in Madrid is about as low as it gets all year. July is usually the driest month, with about 7 mm of precipitation spread across maybe five days.
Even then, most of those days just see a quick sprinkle, not a steady rain.
August and June are only a touch wetter, but still average well below 20 mm. Rain tends to show up as short bursts, often after a hot afternoon. These storms move through fast, and the sky usually clears soon after.
With so little rain, you can count on long dry spells and barely any interruptions to your outdoor plans. If rain does show up, it rarely lasts more than a few hours.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~15 mm | 5–6 days |
| July | ~7 mm | 5 days |
| August | ~10–15 mm | 5–6 days |
Comparisons with Other Seasons
If you look at summer next to spring and autumn, the difference in rain is obvious. October is the wettest month, with about 64 mm of rainfall across 11 days.
Spring months like April also bring more showers, averaging 40–50 mm.
Winter isn’t as wet as spring or fall, but it’s still rainier than summer. Light rain and sometimes snow bring totals up to around 30–40 mm per month. Nights get colder, so any precipitation tends to linger longer than it does in summer.
Madrid’s Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and wetter seasons in between. If you visit in summer, you’ll get tons of sunshine and almost no rain.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Madrid’s summers are long and bright, with loads of sunshine and plenty of daylight. Most days stay clear, especially in July, when both sunshine and daylight hit their peak.
Average Daily Sunshine
In summer, Madrid gets some of the highest sunshine levels in Europe. In June, you’ll see about 11 hours of direct sunshine per day. July averages 12 hours and 29 minutes. By August, sunshine dips a little to around 11 hours and 21 minutes.
So, during peak summer, the sun shines for about 75–86% of daylight hours. Clouds rarely get in the way, so you can count on bright skies most of the day.
All that sunshine drives up daytime temperatures and makes it easy to plan outdoor activities. If you’re into sightseeing, those long sunny days mean you can take your time and not feel rushed.
| Month | Avg Sunshine (hrs/day) | % of Daylight Sunny |
|---|---|---|
| June | 11h 08m | 75% |
| July | 12h 29m | 86% |
| August | 11h 21m | 84% |
Longest Days of the Year
Daylight in Madrid stretches way out during summer. Around the summer solstice in late June, days last close to 15 hours. The longest day is about 14 hours and 53 minutes, which is nearly five more hours than in winter.
In July, daylight stays above 14 hours. In August, it shortens a bit to about 13 hours and 44 minutes. Even then, evenings are still long and full of natural light.
The sun sits high in the sky during summer, reaching almost 73° at noon in June. That high angle makes the sunlight feel intense, so you’ll want to think about shade and sun protection if you’re outside a lot.
Wind Conditions in Madrid’s Summer
Summer in Madrid usually brings calm air and gentle breezes, which helps make outdoor activities more comfortable. The city doesn’t get strong or dangerous winds this time of year, but you might notice a bit of variation depending on the time of day or the weather.
Average Wind Speeds
In summer, Madrid usually gets light winds. Most days, the average sits around 2 meters per second (about 7 km/h or 4.5 mph)—honestly, it just feels like a gentle breeze.
That makes it pretty easy to hang out outside without battling strong gusts.
July and August don’t really shake things up, either. The air often stays calm in the early morning, then picks up a bit during the afternoon as temperatures climb.
Madrid sits on a plateau, so mountains or big lakes don’t block the wind, but even so, you rarely get strong winds in summer.
Spring can get windier, with averages closer to 3 m/s, so summer feels a lot calmer in comparison.
You’ll mostly get light and pleasant breezes—just enough to take the edge off the heat without messing up your plans.
Notable Wind Events
Madrid usually avoids extreme wind in summer, but sometimes short thunderstorms roll in with sudden gusts.
These storms don’t happen often. When they do, winds might jump above 20–30 km/h (12–18 mph) for a bit, then calm down again.
Travelers often notice the strongest breezes in late afternoon, especially after a hot day when the air gets a little unstable.
That can bring quick bursts of wind that cool things off, but they don’t last long.
Since Madrid’s inland, you don’t get those big sea breezes like at the coast.
Disruptive wind isn’t really a worry, but it’s still smart to check the weather when storms are in the forecast.
How Summer Weather Impacts Travel and Home Life
High summer temps in Madrid shape both daily routines and travel plans. The dry heat changes how you explore the city, and locals adapt their homes and schedules to stay comfortable.
Tips for Travelers
Daytime highs often hit 35–40°C (95–104°F), so sightseeing in the afternoon can get pretty rough.
You’ll want to plan most outdoor stuff in the morning or evening, when it’s cooler.
Museums, galleries, and churches give you a break from the heat—and a dose of culture—during the hottest hours.
Carrying a refillable water bottle, a hand fan, and wearing light cotton or linen clothes really helps you manage the dry climate.
Public pools and shady parks like Retiro or Casa de Campo make for great mid-day escapes.
Locals eat late, but if you’re hungry earlier, look for indoor markets or restaurants with air conditioning.
Outdoor terraces feel nice after sunset, especially if they’ve got misting fans or sit near fountains.
If you’re booking a hotel, the northern districts can feel a bit cooler thanks to breezes from the mountains.
Central neighborhoods tend to hold onto heat, so nights there might feel warmer.
Advice for Residents
If you live in Madrid, you know home life shifts with the season. Most people pull down their blinds during the day to block out the sun, then open windows at night to invite in cooler air.
Fans and energy-efficient air conditioners help a lot with indoor comfort. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine getting by without them some days.
Long siestas still make sense, especially when work starts earlier in July and August. By napping or resting at home, folks avoid the worst heat and cut down on appliance use in the afternoon.
People usually handle outdoor chores, shopping, or exercise early in the morning or after the sun goes down. Evenings often mean hanging out in shaded plazas or community pools, where it finally feels bearable to be outside.
Some residents escape on weekends to higher-altitude towns like El Escorial or Ávila, where the air’s noticeably cooler. It’s a nice break from city heat, honestly.