Are you planning a trip to Madrid in summer and wondering what you should know? You’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know and all my tips so you can spend the best time in Madrid.
I’ll be straight with you: Madrid in summer is hot. You’re looking at highs of around 32 to 34°C, often pushing 35 to 38°C in a heatwave.
The saving grace is that it’s dry heat, not the sticky, humid kind, so it’s more bearable than the number suggests. The sun is strong, but you’re not suffocating the way you might elsewhere.
Some of these tips are relevant all year round and others are specifically for the summer months.
1. Consider a tuk-tuk or walking tour
I’d put this first because it can genuinely save your trip in summer.
If you want to see a lot of Madrid without spending hours on your feet in the sun, a tuk-tuk tour is brilliant.
They whizz you round all the highlights, you’re sitting in the shade, and they’re surprisingly cheap for what you get. Perfect if you’re short on time or don’t fancy the museums.
The one downside is they can’t get into the historic heart, places like Plaza Mayor. So pair it with a walking tour of the old centre, and between the two you’ve covered the city beautifully.
2. Dress for the heat
Pack light, breathable clothing in natural fabrics like cotton, rather than synthetics that leave you sweaty. Shorts are your friend.
You can bring a light layer for the evening, but honestly, you’re more likely to want it at the airport than in Madrid itself.
3. Don’t skip the sunscreen
This one’s important because you don’t always realise you’re burning.
So much of the city is exposed. Either you’re walking the streets with heat radiating off the stone, or you’re somewhere open like Retiro Park. Sunscreen is a must.
4. Bring a hat
For the same reason. It’s very sunny and you’ll be exposed more than you think.
A hat will do more to save you from sunstroke than almost anything else you pack.
5. Start early and adopt the Spanish rhythm
A lot of attractions don’t open until later, but the outdoor sights, the squares, the parks, the streets, are best enjoyed early before it gets too hot. So start your day early and knock those out first.
Then, in the fierce early afternoon, do as the locals do. This is exactly why Spanish people have their siesta: it’s simply too hot to enjoy much.
You have two options. Either rest up and nap, or head to the museums. The afternoon is perfect for the Prado, Reina Sofía or Thyssen, because you’re indoors with air conditioning.
Yes, everyone else has the same idea so they’ll be busier, but you’ll be cool, and you’ll have more energy left for the evening.
6. Book accommodation with air conditioning
You’d think this is a given, but not everywhere in Madrid has AC, or good AC. And it matters enormously, because without it you simply won’t sleep.
When you book, read the reviews carefully, ideally recent ones from summer, to check the air conditioning actually works. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
7. Drink plenty of water
Madrid’s tap water is good and safe to drink. It comes down from the reservoirs of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
So carry a refillable bottle and top up at the public fountains dotted around the city.
If you’d rather, bottled water is cheap from any convenience shop.
8. Don’t stress about food time
You can eat at pretty much any time of day in Madrid.
Spanish people eat late, lunch is often around 2 to 3.30pm and dinner from 9pm onwards, so you’ll never struggle to find food at odd hours.
There’s no need to book ahead for most places either. Just go with the flow and eat when you’re hungry.
9. Wear proper, supportive shoes
It’s hot, so of course you’ll want sandals, but don’t go too flat. You’ll be walking a lot on cobbles and uneven pavements, and it’s brutal on your feet.
I wore a very comfy but very flat pair, and after one day my feet were done.
The ground also gets so hot that it comes up through the soles and practically burns your feet. Go for good quality with a bit of support, not flip-flops.
10. Visit Retiro Park early or late
Retiro is absolutely gorgeous, but it’s far more exposed than it looks, with limited shade.
In the middle of a summer afternoon you’ll find yourself rushing between the few shady spots. Go early in the morning or later in the day and you’ll enjoy it so much more.
11. Make the most of the free attractions and museums
Madrid has a wonderful number of free options.
The Reina Sofía is free at certain times (Sunday afternoons and weekday evenings), and the Prado is free for its last two hours daily.
In Retiro Park, the exhibitions inside the Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Velázquez are free too.
12. Skip the hire car, use public transport
The only real reason to rent a car in Madrid is if you want to explore the rest of Spain.
But to visit the city, don’t bother. Parking is difficult, there’s a low-emission zone in the centre that restricts many vehicles, and you simply don’t need one.
Madrid’s public transport is both excellent and cheap. The metro is extensive and goes almost everywhere, there are plenty of buses, and the trains are great too.
As of summer 2026 you can now tap a contactless bank card at the metro gates for single journeys, which is handy. If you’re hopping on and off a lot, a rechargeable Tarjeta Multi is simplest for multi-trip travel. Either way, it’s very affordable.
13. Pick your terrace seat wisely
This is a small thing that makes a big difference in the heat.
When you sit at a terrace, think about the sun. The easiest move is to choose the side that’s already in the shade.
If it’s half and half and you’re not sure which way the sun is heading, either ask the staff (they’ll know) or wait a minute or two and watch which way the shadows are moving.
And a word of warning: if you spot an empty shaded table while everyone else is baking in the sun, it might not be the bargain it looks. The locals have often worked out that the sun is about to swing round onto it.
14. Check what’s on with Veranos de la Villa
Each summer Madrid runs a brilliant series of cultural events called Veranos de la Villa: concerts, live music, theatre and more, spread across the city.
Many events are free or very affordable, so it’s well worth checking the programme before you go.
15. Stay central to save time
If you’re only in Madrid for a day or two, base yourself in the centre and you’ll make everything easier.
The historic centre or the Atocha area are both great choices.
Why waste precious time on transport when you could be enjoying the city? Staying central means more Madrid and less faff.
16. Watch out for pickpockets
Like any big European city, Madrid has its pickpockets, and it’s worth being extra careful in summer when the streets and squares are packed.
Don’t leave your phone on the table. Keep it in your hand or somewhere secure, and never in a back pocket.
If you carry a handbag, keep it zipped and in front of you in crowds.
I hope these tips help you enjoy Madrid in the summer, heat and all. She’s more than worth it!
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