Most people pack for Spain and get Madrid wrong. The city sits high on a dry plateau, far from any beach, so July and August hit 35°C (95°F) with almost no rain, and December and January nights drop to 3°C (37°F). Pack for the month you're actually going, and pack for walking, because Madrid is done on foot.
Madrid weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 11°C52°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 21°C70°F | 24°C75°F | 30°C86°F | 35°C95°F | 35°C95°F | 27°C81°F | 22°C72°F | 15°C59°F | 11°C52°F |
| Low | 3°C37°F | 3°C37°F | 5°C41°F | 8°C46°F | 11°C52°F | 17°C63°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 7°C45°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 6 | 13 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 6 | 5 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs run 11–14°C (52–57°F) and lows sit at 3°C (37°F), and that dry cold bites harder than the number suggests once the sun drops behind the buildings on Gran Vía. Bring a proper coat, a scarf and closed shoes. Rain is light, 5 to 8 days a month, so the coat matters more than an umbrella.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month here, with 13 rain days and highs of 16°C (61°F), so a light rain jacket earns its spot. By May it's 24°C (75°F) and the terraces around Plaza de Santa Ana fill up. Layers win: a T-shirt for the afternoon, a jacket for mornings and nights that sit at 5–11°C (41–52°F).
Summer
June–AugustThis is the hard one. Highs reach 30°C (86°F) in June and 35°C (95°F) in July and August, July averages 0 rain days, and the heat comes off the pavement long after dark. Locals hide from the afternoon sun and come out late, so do the Retiro early and save the Prado for the hottest hours. Light, breathable clothes and a refillable bottle aren't optional.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still warm at 27°C (81°F). October drops to 22°C (72°F) and brings 11 rain days, the second wettest month of the year. November is 15°C (59°F) by day and 7°C (45°F) at night, so the warm jacket comes back out. A good time to go, just pack for both ends.
What to bring to Madrid
0 of 22 packed- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Madrid has public drinking fountains all over the center, and an 18 oz bottle that stays cold for 24 hours keeps you going through a 35°C (95°F) July afternoon.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
When the street holds 35°C (95°F) at 6 pm and the Metro platform is no better, a handheld fan is the cheapest relief you can pack.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Sol, the Metro and the Rastro are where pickpockets work, and this crossbody keeps your phone, cards and passport in front of you behind lockable zips and a steel-wire strap.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A light, breathable sneaker made for walking all day, which is exactly what a Madrid trip turns into. It's machine washable when the summer dust gets to it.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Cushioned, breathable and washable, so the men's version handles long days between the Prado and the Retiro without wrecking your feet.
Spain's two-pin sockets need an adapter, and this one adds three USB-C and two USB-A ports so one outlet charges everything overnight.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Maps, tickets and photos drain your phone by late afternoon, and this pocket battery plugs straight in with no cable to forget.
Clothing
- Breathable linen shirts · 3July and August hit 35°C
- Light dress or long pants for dinner · 2Dinner runs 9 pm or later
- Sun hat · 1
- Warm coat · 1Dec–Jan nights drop to 3°C
- Sweater · 1Spring and fall evenings
Footwear
- Sandals with support · 1
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1Dry plateau, strong sun
- Compact umbrella · 1March has 13 rain days
- Tote bag · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Lip balm · 1Dry air at about 650 m
- Moisturizer · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Madrid?
Madrid is a walking city with hard, flat pavements and long Metro corridors. Bring one pair of cushioned sneakers you've already broken in, plus something smarter for dinner. Sandals are fine in summer, but the cobbles around Plaza Mayor and La Latina wear thin soles out fast.
What do people wear in Madrid?
Madrileños dress a notch smarter than most tourists. Jeans or chinos, a clean shirt and good sneakers fit in better than gym shorts and flip-flops, especially at dinner, which rarely starts before 9 pm. In summer you'll see light linen and cotton on everyone. Cover your shoulders in churches like the Almudena Cathedral.
What plugs does Madrid use?
Spain uses Type C and F sockets, the two round pins, at 230V. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine, but check anything with a heating element before you plug it in.
Tours and things to do in Madrid
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Madrid.
What should you leave at home for Madrid?
Leave the beach bag unless you're heading on to the coast. Skip a 110V-only hair dryer or straightener, it won't run safely on 230V. And leave the flashy jewelry, because pickpockets work the Metro, Sol and the Sunday Rastro market.
Around Madrid
Packing for Madrid: questions people ask
What should I wear in Madrid in summer?
Light, breathable cotton or linen, and shorts are fine during the day. July and August average 35°C (95°F) highs with almost no rain, so a hat and a water bottle matter more than a jacket.
What should I wear in Madrid in winter?
A warm coat, a scarf and closed shoes. Highs are only 11–14°C (52–57°F) and nights drop to 3°C (37°F) from December to February.
Does it rain a lot in Madrid?
Not much. March is the wettest month with 13 rain days and October has 11, while July averages 0. A packable rain jacket covers you in spring and autumn.
Do I need a plug adapter for Madrid?
Yes, unless you're coming from mainland Europe. Spain uses Type C and F sockets at 230V.
What shoes are best for Madrid?
Broken-in, cushioned sneakers for the day and something a little smarter for dinner. You'll walk a lot on hard pavements and through long Metro stations.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.