You’ll find the weather in Madrid comfortable, but maybe not as ideal as the Mediterranean climates found elsewhere in Spain. The city has a pleasantly warm and dry continental climate, although there is a broad variation between winter and summer temperatures due to its altitude of 2,100 feet (650m) and proximity to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

Summer temperature typically hovers around 77°F (25°C), although the heat can get intense and can, at times, reach 104ºF (40ºC) during the day. Many locals even leave during August in search of cooler climates.

Winter temperatures can drop as low as 32°F (0°C) but typically average around 41°F (5°C) in January, the coldest month of the year.

Rainfall is low and occurs mainly in October and occasionally in spring, with October being the wettest month.

 

Expat interviews

"Spain is the sunniest country in Europe (3,000+ hours of sunshine per year) and its winters are quite mild, especially in comparison with Canada."

Read more of Canadian expat Mimi's experiences in this expat interview on life in Madrid.

Further reading

►Learn more about adapting to life in this European country in Local Culture in Spain

Are you an expat living in Madrid?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Madrid. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.