Climatological averages, historical records, packing tips and best time to visit Madrid during May. 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 May, Madrid typically shows poplar and elm blossoms; windy dusty days. The average high temperature is around 22°C and the average low around 10°C, with monthly rainfall of 46 mm spread over roughly 8 rain days and about 265 hours of sunshine. Average relative humidity stands at 57% and wind speed averages 11 km/h.
The local calendar in May is shaped by San Isidro feria and bullfighting season, 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 May, Madrid has recorded both unusually warm spells and cold incursions across recent decades.
For a typical stay we recommend short sleeves by day, hoodie at night. 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 May usually offer the best balance in Madrid: moderate crowds, friendlier prices and weather that remains representative of the month. Late May 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, May is the 5th warmest in Madrid and the 3rd wettest. It collects 48 mm, 12 % of the whole year’s rain, spread over 9.8 days with appreciable precipitation, of which 1.6 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 May Madrid is the 27th warmest, with a mean maximum of 23.2 °C, and the 14th wettest. The wettest of them that month is San Sebastián, with 122 mm against Madrid’s 48 mm.
Averages hide what can actually happen. At the Madrid, Retiro observatory, a May has reached 35.5 °C as an absolute maximum and 1.9 °C as a minimum: that is the real range to reckon with, not the 17.5 °C mean. Relative humidity runs around 54 % and mean wind 8.1 km/h.
AEMET climatological normals 1991-2020, Madrid, Retiro observatory (667 m above sea level). Sources and methodology → · Forecast for Madrid →
