Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Europe › 🇪🇸 Spain › Madrid
Updated: March 2026
August is a good time to visit Madrid (7/10). With 13 daily sunshine hours and only 2 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 4th sunniest of the year in Madrid. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find August a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak June without sacrificing all the good weather. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Madrid's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
Planning a trip to Madrid in August? Days warm to 32°C on average while evenings hold at 18°C, giving you a clear sense of what to pack. The month delivers roughly 13 hours of sunshine per day and 8mm of rainfall spread across 2 wet days, so there is plenty of fair weather to work with.
32°C
90°F
Avg High
18°C
64°F
Avg Low
2 days
8 mm total
Rain Days
13h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
The 14°C day-to-night swing is large enough to require a deliberate layering strategy, what works at noon will be noticeably cold by 10pm. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 9 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Wind averages 15 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 90°F average high, 64°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Madrid in August means dressing for 32°C days and 18°C evenings. A lightweight linen or cotton shirt with loose-fit trousers or a sundress handles the 32°C daytime heat. Evenings drop 14°C to around 18°C, a notable shift that catches underprepared visitors off guard. Pack a dedicated evening layer. For footwear, breathable walking sandals work for casual exploration, but closed-toe trainers are better for uneven surfaces in the historic centre.
Local tip: Many of Madrid's museums and galleries maintain cool interior temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions. A compact layer in your daypack lets you move between warm streets and chilled exhibition halls without discomfort.
August has no major festivals or public holidays in Madrid, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 32°C average highs and 2 rainy days
Madrid's August weather is dominated by the Azores High, a semi-permanent subtropical anticyclone that blocks Atlantic rain systems from reaching the Mediterranean. As a result, August delivers reliably sunny, dry conditions with temperatures averaging 32°C. The sea moderates extreme heat and keeps overnight lows around 18°C, making the city noticeably more comfortable than inland Mediterranean destinations. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Madrid in August
August ranks 4th sunniest of the year in Madrid, with an average 13 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are July, August, and June. July is the hottest month (32°C avg high); January is the coolest (9°C). From here, temperatures fall 6°C into September. Compared to last month (July: 32°C high, 1 rain days), August is similarly warm and wetter. August sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Madrid, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 1°C | 7 | 7h | View |
| February | 12°C | 1°C | 6 | 9h | View |
| March | 15°C | 4°C | 7 | 10h | View |
| April | 18°C | 6°C | 8 | 11h | View |
| May | 22°C | 10°C | 7 | 13h | View |
| June | 28°C | 15°C | 3 | 14h | View |
| July | 32°C | 19°C | 1 | 14h | View |
| August | 32°C | 18°C | 2 | 13h | View |
| September | 26°C | 14°C | 4 | 11h | View |
| October | 20°C | 10°C | 7 | 9h | View |
| November | 13°C | 5°C | 7 | 8h | View |
| December | 10°C | 2°C | 7 | 7h | View |
January
7 rain days, 7h sun
February
6 rain days, 9h sun
March
7 rain days, 10h sun
April
8 rain days, 11h sun
May
7 rain days, 13h sun
June
3 rain days, 14h sun
July
1 rain days, 14h sun
August
2 rain days, 13h sun
September
4 rain days, 11h sun
October
7 rain days, 9h sun
November
7 rain days, 8h sun
December
7 rain days, 7h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Madrid
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.