The pavement café culture of Madrid makes this lively city a particularly pleasant place to visit during the warm summer months of June to September. Be aware, though, that temperatures can climb into the high 30s so visitors who don’t cope well with high temperatures might want to visit in late  spring or early autumn, when temperatures tend to be pleasantly warm without being stifling. During late autumn and winter, roughly speaking from early November to early March, things can get very chilly indeed, sometimes dropping below zero in December, January and February.

Summer Sunshine
Those who can stand the heat will find Madrid a lively place to visit during high summer, when the long, warm nights are filled with music and dancing in the many public squares as fiesta fever takes hold. Unlike many European destinations, the city does not get unpleasantly crowded during the high summer, as many locals escape the city heat and head for beach destinations. Bear in mind that some smaller shops and boutiques will be closed during July and August as their owners take their summer break.

Keeping your Cool
Unlike more southerly Spanish cities, the capital is not blessed with year-round warm sunny weather. Temperatures begin to drop in late September, and cold rainy days become a real possibility. In October and November it is common to see warm sunny days followed by crisp, chilly evenings, so come prepared for dramatic temperature changes. Many pavement cafes are heated, so there’s still opportunity to enjoy al-fresco drinking and dining, although visitors will probably want to take shelter indoors during the depths of winter.

Winter Warmers
The many excellent museums, art galleries and excellent shopping centres mean that there’s plenty to see and do in Madrid’s winter. Christmas markets take place at many of the city’s plazas in December, and the lively club and bar scene does not slow down when temperatures drop. As such, Madrid is a good place for sophisticated clubbers to spend New Year’s Eve. Bear in mind that locals are image-conscious, so you’ll need to put a little more thought into your winter wardrobe than woolly hats and cosy jumpers if you want to feel at home.