When to go to Madrid?

Aline's tips, Local guide in Madrid

Madrid is a city marked by a continental Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. The maximum temperatures vary between 51°F in winter (January) and 91°F in August. The climate is rather dry with a lot of sunshine even during the winter months. Madrid is a city that can be visited year round.

Located about 400 km from the coast, the capital of Spain is a city that attracts many travellers for city breaks thanks to its quality of life, its beautiful monuments, its links to Europe by plane and especially its mild and sunny climate.
Winters in Madrid are cool with temperatures of around 51°F during the day in January. There can be rain in December but it never lasts too long and it is common to have very fine days. If you are a little cold, you can always warm up in the many beautiful museums of the capital. Winter sees fewer tourists, so you can enjoy Madrid on a limited budget.
Spring is the most enjoyable season to discover Madrid. Temperatures exceed 68°F, ideal for strolling in the city’s parks and gardens as they start to blossom. Rain can be frequent but the sun quickly reappears and you can start to enjoy the increasingly lively terraces and streets.
In Madrid, the summers are very hot with temperatures that rise to 91°F during July. The rain disappears and gives way to a generous sun all day long. Cool off in the air-conditioned museums during the hottest hours of the day and stroll through parks and gardens in the early evening. In August, the city’s inhabitants leave and you will have less competition when sightseeing.
Autumn remains the perfect season to visit the city. Temperatures are mild 80°F C in September), but beware the arrival of October which brings the return of the rain. Parks and gardens are bedecked with beautiful autumn colours in different hues of red and ocher.

Madrid is a city that can be visited throughout the year; enjoy museums when it's cool in winter or too hot in summer, and the parks and gardens in spring and autumn. May, June and September are the most pleasant months. The temperatures are very mild, rain is non-existent and the many parks of the city explode with a thousand colours.

Essential events in Madrid:

January 5/6: Epiphany On the afternoon of the 5th, a 'cabalgata' (parade) is organised in the streets of Madrid. The following day, children receive presents and it is the moment to savour the delicious "roscón de reyes" (cake of the kings).
- 1st to 6th March: Carnival . The capital is adorned with the most creative costumes for this famous parade through the streets of Madrid.
- May 2nd: Fiestas del dos de mayo . The district of Malasaña is alive with concerts, activities of all kinds, good cheer and street celebrations for the day of the "comunidad de Madrid".
-May 15: Fiestas de San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. On this occasion, the people of Madrid celebrate their patron saint in several neighbourhoods with endless public shows of music, religious ceremonies and leisure activities. It is complete cultural programme combining tradition and modernity.
- July / August: Los veranos de la Villa is a program of activities that has become essential in the summer months and includes open-air concerts, dance performances, and theatrical performances in different and unique venues each evening, such as the Sabatini Gardens of the Royal Palace.
- August 7th and 10th: San Cayetano and San Lorenzo Fiestas . The district of Lavapiés is transformed and filled with music and an incredible party atmosphere.
- August 15th: Verbena de la Paloma . Every year on August 15th, the district of La Latina fills to celebrate he Virgin of Paloma. The streets are decorated and become improvised bars and dance floors with a very festive atmosphere.
- October 12: Día de la hispanidad . Similar to Bastille Day in France, Madrid organises a very impressive armed forces parade in the presence of the king and the royal family.