Climatological averages, historical records, packing tips and best time to visit Madrid during August. AEMET / ECMWF reanalysis 1991-2020.
Reference values based on 1991-2020 AEMET / ECMWF climatology. Year-to-year variation can be significant.
| Metric | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|
| All-time high | 42.2 °C | July 1995 |
| Heatwave record | 42.1 °C | August 2012 |
| All-time low | -10.1 °C | January 1971 |
| 24h rainfall | 60 mm | September 1972 |
Official records (AEMET). Secondary stations may have more extreme readings.
In August, Madrid typically shows Saharan dust haze and dry thunderstorms. The average high temperature is around 32°C and the average low around 18°C, with monthly rainfall of 12 mm spread over roughly 3 rain days and about 330 hours of sunshine. Average relative humidity stands at 42% and wind speed averages 11 km/h.
The local calendar in August is shaped by Operacion Salida and La Paloma fiestas, so checking the forecast a few days in advance is worth it before any outdoor activity. Averages give a general picture but extreme events can vary widely: in August, Madrid has recorded both unusually warm spells and cold incursions across recent decades.
For a typical stay we recommend very light clothing, avoid midday effort. UV protection is sensible on sunny days, even in a mild winter month, and a closed-toe waterproof shoe helps on damp days. For multi-day trips bring thin layers that you can combine through the day.
The first two weeks of August usually offer the best balance in Madrid: moderate crowds, friendlier prices and weather that remains representative of the month. Late August starts showing features of the transition to the next month. Use our custom historical lookup to check the actual values for the exact year you plan to travel.
Of the twelve months, August is the 2nd warmest in Madrid and the 11th wettest. It collects 10 mm, 2 % of the whole year’s rain, spread over 3.0 days with appreciable precipitation, of which 0.3 exceed 10 mm. The warmest month is July and the wettest is October.
Among the 50 Spanish cities with AEMET climatological normals on this site, in August Madrid is the 20th warmest, with a mean maximum of 32.0 °C, and the 28th wettest. The wettest of them that month is San Sebastián, with 109 mm against Madrid’s 10 mm.
Averages hide what can actually happen. At the Madrid, Retiro observatory, a August has reached 40.6 °C as an absolute maximum and 11.1 °C as a minimum: that is the real range to reckon with, not the 25.7 °C mean. Relative humidity runs around 42 % and mean wind 7.6 km/h.
AEMET climatological normals 1991-2020, Madrid, Retiro observatory (667 m above sea level). Sources and methodology → · Forecast for Madrid →
