Madrid weather,
live right now

April-May and September-October. Mild (15-25°C), perfect for terraces, walking, Retiro Park. Madrid has the best spring light in Europe and crisp warm autumn. AVOID July-August: 35-40°C+, brutal Castilian sun, half the city closes for vacation. November-March is cold (4-12°C), sometimes snow (Filomena 2021 dumped 50cm), but cheaper and atmospheric. The Madrileños' favourite is October.

Light, light, light. Linen shirts, lightweight trousers or long shorts, sun hat with brim, real UV sunglasses, sandals that won't slip on dust-blown plazas. The sun is intense (UV 9-10), much stronger than coastal Mediterranean. Refillable water bottle — Madrid's tap water is excellent, fountains everywhere. A light jacket for restaurants with fierce AC. Avoid black and synthetic. Madrileños dress up at night; bring one nicer evening outfit.

Madrid is inland and elevated (650m, Europe's highest capital), with no coastal moderation. Summer afternoons regularly hit 40°C+ while Barcelona stays at 30°C. The dry Castilian heat is intense but you sweat less than humid coastal heat. Winters are reversed — Madrid gets colder (down to -5°C) and occasional snow; Barcelona stays mild (8-15°C). This altitude also makes Madrid skies bigger and bluer, with light photographers chase. Bring layers any season — temperatures swing 15°C in a day.

Survive Spanish-style. The siesta exists for a reason — be out 7-11am and after 7pm. Spend midday in: the Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza (Triángulo del Arte). The Templo de Debod and Sabatini Gardens have shade. Mercado de San Miguel is air-conditioned and beautiful. El Retiro park has dense tree cover. Take refuge at a horchatería (try Horchatería Bilbao) for cold valencia drink. Tapas don't start until 21:00; dinner at 22:00. Madrid genuinely lives at night.