Madrid in July: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in high-season July means you’ll experience sizzlingly hot summer weather, long sunny days, a feast of lively festivals, and lots of fellow tourists at a time when many locals head to the cooler coast for their own vacation. If you’re in the market for a super-hot, city-based summer vacation in Europe, read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in July, along with tips on how to plan your perfect trip to the cultured capital of Spain.

Is July a good time to visit Madrid?

The answer to that question will be determined by how you feel about intense heat. And we mean intense.

July is one of the hottest months in Madrid — second only to August — which can make it a pretty challenging time to visit, with the extreme midday heat likely to make outdoor sightseeing somewhat sticky.

Indeed, as mentioned above, many locals head to the coast or countryside during July and August, just as tourist numbers ramp up.

On the plus side, with 10-11 hours of sunshine, plenty of festivals and evening events, and stunning places to escape the more intense heat of the city, Madrid has plenty to offer folks in July.

Just be sure to plan outdoor sightseeing activities for the cooler early mornings and evenings — luckily many cultural events and festivals are held in the evening, some of which are covered below.

You can also escape the intense midday heat by visiting indoor attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace, before enjoying the lively 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 July

Sitting in summer, the weather in Madrid in July is super-hot, with an average low temperature range of 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C), rising to average highs of 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C).

July in Madrid also offer long 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, July is also one of the driest months of the year, with just 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm) of rainfall seen across the month.

This is less than June, which typically experiences around 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 July, 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 July, and the best summer destinations in Europe.

What about the crowds and cost?

There’s no getting away from the fact that July sees Madrid in the throes of high season, which means it’s very busy with tourists, while lots of locals flee the city for cooler climes. 

Major attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace will be busy, though you may find the streets quieter during the hottest parts of the day.

As July sits in Madrid’s peak tourist season, travel costs are also high. Put simply, flights and accommodation will be more expensive than they are during the shoulder seasons.

Booking in advance is essential, especially if you have your heart set on a particular hotel or tour.

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 July

Considering the sizzling hot weather in Madrid in July — and peak season visitor numbers — 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. The air-con will come as very welcome relief.
 

Dive into local culture at Veranos de la Villa

Featuring outdoor concerts, theater performances, flamenco shows, dance and cinema in venues across the city, Madrid’s Veranos de la Villa cultural festival runs through July and August.

Many events are held in parks, plazas, and other outdoor spaces, often in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Experience the exuberance of Madrid Pride 

Held in the first week of July, Madrid Pride (Orgullo Madrid) is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Europe. 

Expect a week of celebratory parades, concerts and street parties, the highlight of which is the Pride Parade through Madrid’s main streets.

Explore Madrid’s outdoor spaces in the cooler mornings

El Retiro Park is one of the best places to visit in Madrid’s cooler mornings, or evenings, for that matter.

With its shady trees, lakes, and peaceful vibe, it’s a great spot to take relaxing walks, row on the lake, or tuck into a picnic with produce bought fresh from one of Madrid’s markets.

Beyond Retiro Park, we also recommend Casa de Campo and Parque del Oeste.

Editor’s tip: visit Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras) early in the morning to explore its cafés and bookshops ahead of the hottest time of the day.

Chill out in Madrid’s rooftop bars

Rooftop bars are perfect for cooling off in the evening while enjoying panoramic views of Madrid’s skyline. Popular options include Azotea del Círculo and Ginkgo Sky Bar.

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. 

Visit scenic Segovia and Toledo on day trips

In our view, UNESCO-designated Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain, and Segovia, with its awe-inspiring Alcázar Castle and Ancient Roman aqueduct, are unmissable attractions around these parts.

Offering history, and opportunities to eat, drink and shop against spectacular scenery, you’ll want to set off early to take advantage of the cooler mornings. 

Plan your trip to Madrid in July

If you’re traveling to Madrid in July, you might want to make use of these tips to 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 July being high season, 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.