Climatological averages, historical records, packing tips and best time to visit Madrid during October. 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 October, Madrid typically shows sharp day-night temperature contrast. The average high temperature is around 19°C and the average low around 9°C, with monthly rainfall of 55 mm spread over roughly 7 rain days and about 202 hours of sunshine. Average relative humidity stands at 67% and wind speed averages 9 km/h.
The local calendar in October is shaped by Hispanidad and Madrid autumn, 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 October, Madrid has recorded both unusually warm spells and cold incursions across recent decades.
For a typical stay we recommend warm layer and a compact umbrella. 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 October usually offer the best balance in Madrid: moderate crowds, friendlier prices and weather that remains representative of the month. Late October 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, October is the 6th warmest in Madrid and the wettest. It collects 64 mm, 15 % of the whole year’s rain, spread over 10.0 days with appreciable precipitation, of which 2.3 exceed 10 mm. The warmest month is July.
Among the 50 Spanish cities with AEMET climatological normals on this site, in October Madrid is the 40th warmest, with a mean maximum of 19.7 °C, and the 25th wettest. The wettest of them that month is Vigo, with 208 mm against Madrid’s 64 mm.
Averages hide what can actually happen. At the Madrid, Retiro observatory, a October has reached 29.5 °C as an absolute maximum and 1.8 °C as a minimum: that is the real range to reckon with, not the 15.4 °C mean. Relative humidity runs around 66 % and mean wind 6.4 km/h.
AEMET climatological normals 1991-2020, Madrid, Retiro observatory (667 m above sea level). Sources and methodology → · Forecast for Madrid →
