Climatological averages, historical records, packing tips and best time to visit Madrid during December. 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 December, Madrid typically shows anticyclonic cold with possible light snow. The average high temperature is around 10°C and the average low around 2°C, with monthly rainfall of 52 mm spread over roughly 8 rain days and about 134 hours of sunshine. Average relative humidity stands at 78% and wind speed averages 9 km/h.
The local calendar in December is shaped by Christmas lights and Puerta del Sol on New Year's Eve, 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 December, Madrid has recorded both unusually warm spells and cold incursions across recent decades.
For a typical stay we recommend puffer jacket and gloves. 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 December usually offer the best balance in Madrid: moderate crowds, friendlier prices and weather that remains representative of the month. Late December 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, December is the 11th warmest in Madrid and the 5th wettest. It collects 42 mm, 10 % of the whole year’s rain, spread over 9.1 days with appreciable precipitation, of which 1.4 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 December Madrid is the 43rd warmest, with a mean maximum of 10.3 °C, and the 28th wettest. The wettest of them that month is Vigo, with 231 mm against Madrid’s 42 mm.
Averages hide what can actually happen. At the Madrid, Retiro observatory, a December has reached 17.7 °C as an absolute maximum and -5.5 °C as a minimum: that is the real range to reckon with, not the 7.0 °C mean. Relative humidity runs around 75 % and mean wind 5.8 km/h.
AEMET climatological normals 1991-2020, Madrid, Retiro observatory (667 m above sea level). Sources and methodology → · Forecast for Madrid →
