Know what you are getting into
Madrid sits on a high plateau in the middle of Spain, far from the sea. In July and August, afternoons are regularly very hot and the sun is intense. Many residents leave the city for the coast in August, and some family-run shops and restaurants close for a few weeks. Even so, summer has a special atmosphere: the streets are calmer, evenings are long and warm, and life moves outdoors after dark.
The key is to adapt your schedule rather than fight the heat.
Restructure your day
Do your walking early. Mornings can be pleasant, and it is the best time for outdoor sights such as the Royal Palace gardens, the Retiro or a stroll through the old town. By early afternoon, head indoors: Madrid's big museums are cool and spacious, and a long lunch in an air-conditioned restaurant is entirely in keeping with local custom.
Take a proper rest in mid-afternoon. When the sun drops, the city wakes up again, and terraces fill from around nine until well after midnight.
Summer pleasures
Rooftop terraces are at their best on summer evenings, offering a breeze and views across the skyline. Open-air cinema screenings and concerts are typically held in parks and cultural centres across the city. In August, several central neighbourhoods celebrate traditional street festivals, with decorations strung across the streets, music, dancing and people in traditional costume.
For a swim, Madrid has a network of municipal outdoor pools that are hugely popular with residents, and the Madrid Río park along the Manzanares river has fountains and shady paths. For something more dramatic, the mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama, about an hour away, offer cooler air, hiking trails and natural swimming spots.
Staying comfortable
Choose accommodation with reliable air conditioning, and ideally a room that does not face west. Light, loose clothing, a hat and sunscreen are essential, as is a refillable water bottle; the city's tap water is good to drink.
Order drinks the local way too: a tinto de verano, red wine with lemon soda over ice, is lighter than sangria and widely drunk, while horchata, a sweet chilled drink made from tiger nuts, is a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
If you are flying in with a Classic or Flex fare, your checked baggage allowance leaves room for a beach bag and sun gear in case you decide to escape to the mountains or extend the trip toward the coast.
Good to know
- Plan outdoor sightseeing before noon and after 7 pm.
- Check whether restaurants you want to visit close for holidays in August.
- Pack sunscreen in your checked bag or buy it locally, as large containers will not pass cabin liquid limits.