Madrid in August: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in August means you’ll experience super-high temperatures, long, sunny rain-free days, and a few festivals during a month that sees many locals escape the city to vacation on the coast. If you fancy enjoying a sun-drenched, city-based summer vacation in Europe, read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in August along with tips on how to plan your perfect trip to the cultured capital of Spain.

Is August a good time to visit Madrid?

The answer to that question will be determined by how well you cope with intense heat. 

August is the hottest month in Madrid, which can make active outdoor sightseeing pretty challenging, especially during the extreme heat of midday.

In fact, many locals leave the city for cooler coastal areas in August, and you might even find some shops and restaurants are closed for the month. 

On the plus side, if you plan your activities for early morning or late evening — and you don’t struggle with intense heat — Madrid has much to entertain international visitors in August. 

In essence, the key to enjoying Madrid in August is to plan around the heat, focusing on indoor activities during the day. For example, visit indoor attractions like the Prado Museum during the peak afternoon heat.

Come the cooler evenings, you can enjoy tonnes of events, such as those included on the Veranos de la Villa festival programme (more on that below), or chill-out in rooftop bars that come alive after sunset.

Still making up your mind about where to go? Weigh up whether to visit Madrid or Barcelona first. 

Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia — without the hassle of planning, take a look at our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip before talking to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in August

Sitting at the height of summer, the weather in Madrid in August is super-hot, with an average low temperature range of 63°F to 70°F (17°C to 21°C), rising to average highs of 92°F to 100°F (33°C to 38°C).

August in Madrid also offer gloriously extended sunny days, with around eleven hours of sunshine a day. 

This compares with 7-8 hours in April, 6-7 hours in March, 5-6 hours in February, and just 4-5 hours in January. 

Unsurprisingly, August is also one of the driest months of the year. On a par with July, the city experiences a mere 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm) of rainfall across the month.

This is less than June, which typically sees 0.6 to 1.0 inches (15 to 25 mm). For broader context, November — the wettest month of the year — sees 2.0-2.4 inches (50-60 mm). 

Want wider info on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in August, and the best time to go to Spain.

And, if you’re not set on Spain, discover some of the best places to travel in August, and the best summer destinations in Europe.

What about the crowds and cost?

Despite being the peak of the tourist season, Madrid in August can actually feel quieter than other summer months as a result of many locals going on vacation. They tend head to the coast and countryside to escape the heat of the city.

Though there are lots of tourists around in August, popular attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace are often less crowded in comparison with June and July.

When it comes to costs, the picture is also a little hazy — while it’s peak tourist season for international visitors, the departure of locals means that some accommodation and restaurants offer discounts. 

That said, booking in advance is pretty essential, especially if you have your heart set on a particular hotel.

Traveling on a budget? Find out about fabulous free things to do in Madrid.

And, if you’re traveling beyond Madrid, read up on Barcelona's best things to do for free, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Madrid in August

Considering the super-hot weather in Madrid in August, here are some of the best things to do through this festival-packed month.

These suggestions come in addition to exploring the city’s indoor attractions — e.g. galleries like the Prado Museum — during the hottest times of the day. We promise the air-con will come as welcome relief.

Uncover local culture and cuisine at La Paloma 

The La Paloma Festival is a traditional festival celebrated in mid-August in Madrid’s La Latina district. 

It sees the streets come alive with music, dancing and food stalls, giving you a taste of authentic Spanish culture, with events taking places in the cooler evening hours.

Rough Guides tip: read more about the weather in Spain in August.

See shows at Veranos de la Villa

Running through July and August, the Veranos de la Villa festival features open-air concerts, theater performances and dance shows.

Many events take place in parks, plazas, and other outdoor spaces. Happily, they’re often scheduled in the evenings.

Editor’s tip: another great evening activity is to take advantage of Madrid’s open-air cinema season, with screenings held at various outdoor locations, including Parque de la Bombilla and Plaza de Oriente. 

Cool off in Madrid’s pools and water parks

Madrid has several public swimming pools and water parks to cool off in. For example, the Casa de Campo and Madrid Río Beach boast outdoor pools and water areas.

Editor’s tip: El Retiro Park is also one of Madrid’s best outdoor spaces to visit in the cooler mornings and evenings, thanks to its shady trees, lakes and peaceful vibe.

Enjoy late-night tapas and rooftop drinking

In August, it’s common for folks to dine late in Madrid. Head to neighborhoods like La Latina or Chueca for tapas and drinks on cool outdoor terraces that come alive after sunset.

If you fancy chilling out in a rooftop bar, popular options include Azotea del Círculo and Ginkgo Sky Bar.

Editor’s tip: love Spanish food and drink? Without wishing to lure you from Madrid, our customisable Culinary Experience in Seville itinerary has a tempting focus on food.

Take day trips to scenic Segovia and Toledo

When the heat of the city becomes too intense, take day trip to nearby Segovia and Toledo. 

While UNESCO-designated Toledo — the ancient capital of Spain — is known for its temples and El Greco artwork, Segovia hosts the awe-inspiring Alcázar Castle, an Ancient Roman aqueduct, and a glorious Gothic cathedral.

While they’re still hot, their smaller scale makes them more manageable. We suggest setting off early to take advantage of the cooler mornings. 

Plan your trip to Madrid in August

Traveling to Madrid in August? Read on for tips that’ll help you plan your perfect trip.

First up, if you’re not actually keen on the process of planning, why not check out our customisable Spain itineraries?

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect itinerary, book every last detail, and provide support while you’re away, you’ll get to skip the stress of planning, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters. Namely, counting down the days to your vacation.

For example, our customisable five-day Made for Madrid itinerary will see you explore the city’s culture and cuisine in authentic style.

If you're short on time but don’t want to scrimp on experiences, check out our handy day-by-day-itinerary for the perfect weekend in Madrid.

We also suggest taking a look our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding where to go and how long you need, to how to get there, and where to stay.

On that subject, a key part of planning any trip is figuring out where to stay according to your tastes and budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly district (hello, Retiro!), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Malasaña), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Madrid.

And, with August being a high season for international tourism, you’ll want to book early to bag your preferred hotel or guesthouse.

Lastly, for advice on what to see and do in Madrid — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid.