One of the most beautiful capitals in Europe is Madrid. In addition, this city is one of the five most prosperous populated places in the world. Tourists will find high-class service, comfortable hotels and elite restaurants. But status and fashionability is not the main thing that attracts tourists. The authentic atmosphere, old streets, incredible nature, rhythms of passionate flamenco, and impressive bullfighting attract guests to Madrid.
It is worth noting that only the most courageous and risky tourists come here in August. Not everyone will be able to endure the intense heat that reigns here in the middle and end of summer. Kidpassage will tell you more about the weather and many other important points about visiting Madrid in August.
Holidays in Madrid in August: pros and cons
Some tourists come to Spain in late summer, not even suspecting that they will encounter extreme heat, and some, on the contrary — go just for the sake of it. But reviews of holidays in Madrid in August indicate that there are very few fans of heat among tourists. Only some people are satisfied with their holiday at this time of year.
However, it is worth noting that even the fiercest critics mention the advantages of visiting the capital in the last summer month. Let's name some advantages:
- Warm nights. During the day, tourists do not have the opportunity to walk around the city for a long time because of the intense heat, but at night the temperature drops, making possible the leisurely walks.
- Outdoor swimming pools. Although Madrid has no beach, holidaymakers can still take a refreshing dip in the water. Several outdoor pools in the city are popular with visitors and locals alike during the summer.
- Daylight hours. Although the number of daylight hours during August decreases from 14.3 hours on the 1st to about 13.1 hours by the 31st., the guests of the capital usually have more than enough time for sightseeing holidays.
- There are many museums and exhibitions. They allow you to make a full excursion holiday even in August.
- A small number of tourists. High air temperature discourages travellers who prefer to hide from the sun at sea resorts. At the end of summer in Madrid, it is a little crowded compared to the off-season. However, there are still queues in popular tourist places.
- Bullfighting. The bullfighting season, which opened back in May, continues in Spain. Fights are held every Sunday at the Las Ventas arena.
The biggest and most significant disadvantage is the heat of the sun. It is a disadvantage that crosses all the advantages with a bold line.
It is the heat that disappoints foreigners in Madrid in August. Tourists with children, seniors, and those with health problems (heart disease, asthma, hypertension, etc.) are strongly recommended to avoid travelling to the Spanish capital in late summer.
Weather in Madrid in August
The weather in Madrid in August and September clearly illustrates the separation of the two seasons: in the last summer month, the streets are unbearably hot, but in early autumn, the thermometer drops.
The weather in early August is hot and dry. People who do not tolerate heat and tourists with small children should avoid visiting Spain during this period.
Temperatures in Madrid in mid-August can reach +40 °C. It becomes a little cooler at night, but it is still warm on the streets. In the dark time of the day, holidaymakers perfectly do without warm clothes.
The weather in Madrid at the end of August gradually "calms down": it does not seem as if the sun wants to scorch people with its rays. The surface will start cooling down and the air temperature will drop.
Air and water temperature
Madrid is located in a continental climate zone. The weather is arid in summer, with rain in August being a rarity. On the contrary, there is plenty of sunshine. And clear days are in the capital in this period and throughout the year — Madrid is considered the sunniest city in Europe. It is not for nothing that the city's main square is called Puerta del Sol what is translated as "the Square of the Sun".
Air temperature in Madrid in August
The average daytime temperature in Madrid in August is +33.5 °C. The average night temperature is +22.4 °C. Spending the daytime hours in air-conditioned rooms is recommended to protect yourself from heat stroke and sunburn.
Precipitation
August is considered the driest month of the year. The average rainfall for the entire month is 8.9 mm. The fact that meteorologists do not forecast a single rainy day is frustrating for locals and visitors to Madrid, as rain would cool down the hot streets a bit.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
At the end of summer, the Spanish capital has 29 sunny days, which equates to 91% of the whole month. Cloudy days are usually around 6%. Overcast weather takes up only 3% of the time. As you can see, you can safely put your raincoat out of your suitcase. Better yet, put some sunglasses in your luggage.
Tour Holidays
One of the most famous European capitals offers so much that even the unbelievable heat won't deter tourists from seeing the local sights. But still, don't risk your health and go sightseeing in the heat of the day. Set aside the morning and afternoon hours for walks when the heat subsides a little.
You won't be able to see everything in one trip, so choose only the worthwhile locations based on your preferences.
August is not the most favourable time for outdoor walks. We advise you to give preference to places that are indoors.
The Royal Palace
The former residence of the Spanish monarchs is a must-see for foreign tourists. Not only the architecture of the Royal Palace deserves attention, but also the armoury inside the building, the royal pharmacy, the throne room, the art gallery, and the chapel where a collection of Stradivarius stringed instruments is kept. The Royal Palace is open to the public daily.
The Queen Sofia Art Center
At the beginning of August, tourists already have a strong desire to spend more time in buildings than outdoors. If you feel the same way, head to the Queen Sofia Museum, one of the most visited places not only in Madrid, but even Spain.
What will visitors see here? Many famous paintings by legendary artists, masterpieces of sculpture, and a vast library. As for painting, there are more modern works here than in the Prado. The centrepiece is Picasso's Guernica; the exposition includes more than 20 canvases by surrealist genius Salvador Dali. The museum is open every day except Tuesday.
The Palacio de Santa Cruz or Palace of the Holy Cross
At the end of August, the weather is still not ideal for strolling the parkways and city streets. But luckily, Madrid has plenty of places of interest that will keep you out of the sun. One such attraction is the Palacio de Santa Cruz. The red brick building will hardly wow you at first sight. To fully appreciate its grandeur, you need to get inside. The guide will tell you the incredibly fascinating history of the Palacio de Santa Cruz.
At first, the building served as a prison, where, incidentally, Lope de Vega, the creator of the legendary play "The Dog in the Manger", once served his sentence.
Then, the building was used as a palace... However, let's not reveal all the cards. It is better to visit the palace and, already on the spot, learn about all this place's secrets. Entrance here is free.
And visiting these places will please, first of all, little travellers:
- Madrid Zoo and Aquarium.
- Faunia Park.
- Teatro Circo Price Circus.
- Micropolix City of Professions.
- Aquopolis Water Park, located near Madrid.
Holidays, events and festivals
In Spain, they love to have fun. It is simply impossible to be sad and bored here. Temperamental Spaniards know how to create a real extravaganza of colours and sounds even on the most insignificant occasion. Tourists will catch religious and secular holidays in Madrid in August.
In the first weeks of the month, the people of Madrid worship three saints — San Caetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma. Each saint is honoured in different parts of the city. Thus, San Caetano is celebrated from 2-8 August in the districts of Rastro and Embajadores. Then comes the turn of San Lorenzo (9-11 August) in Lavapiés. The final stage goes to La Paloma (12-15 August); these days are celebrated in the Latin Quarter.
During the holidays, on the streets hang garlands, flags and coloured lights; during the day, Spaniards arrange processions; in the evening — concerts and fairs. The festive programme is very diverse; adults and children can have fun, as various contests and games are organised for them. At the end of the festivities, the sky is lit up at night with flashes of fireworks.
Cost of vacation
Some people consider August the "dead season" in the Spanish capital. Indeed, there are far fewer tourists at this time than in spring or autumn. In addition, the Spaniards prefer to hide from the heat on the coast. Prices in Madrid in August are pretty affordable, but the cost of many tourist services starts rising from the next month.
Package Tours
At the end of summer, tour operators raise prices by 2% compared to July. In September, the cost of a standard tour decreases by 11%. Thus, this period is the most expensive month in the "July-August-September" trio.
Airfares
Summer airfares are virtually the same. In the middle of summer, travellers pay the same price for a flight as at the end. With the arrival of autumn, the cost decreases by 7%.
Accommodations
Hotel owners reduced the cost of accommodation in August by 5%. But with the arrival of autumn, it becomes 52% more expensive to book a room. In July, the average cost of a hotel room is €109, in August — €103, in September — €218.
Food and Transport
Spanish cuisine deserves your attention. Cold gazpacho will refresh you in the heat, potato tortilla will satisfy your hunger after long walks, and you will remember the taste of the famous churros for the rest of your life. A business lunch in the café will cost about €8-12. If you want to dine in a fashionable restaurant, you must pay at least €30.
The best way to get around the city is by metro, as ground transport often gets stuck in traffic jams. Metro and bus tickets cost the same - €1.5-2.0.
Holidaymakers can purchase a pass for all modes of transport. The cost will depend on the period of validity. Children under four years of age use public transport free of charge. Visitors to Madrid can also use taxi services. Boarding costs about €3, and each kilometre of travel costs from €1,3.
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What clothes to pack for Madrid in August?
The clothes you take with you on holiday should not be too hot and should be as comfortable as possible. Leave too tight clothes, synthetic outfits, and closed warm jumpers and trousers at home — the August weather is not for wearing such clothes. Most likely, the primary type of your holiday will be a sightseeing. So stilettos or simply uncomfortable shoes are immediately put out of your suitcase, replacing them with trainers, loafers or sandals.
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Tips for holidays with children
August is probably the worst time to visit Madrid with children. Adults can hardly endure such heat, which is even more difficult for kids. Therefore, it is better not to torture yourself or your child and refuse a family holiday during this period. Postpone your acquaintance with Madrid to spring or autumn — then you will get a hundred per cent pleasure from visiting this fantastic city. If you still decide to take a risk and come here with children, then observe precautions.
Be sure to take your child a hat and use sunscreen; you should always have a bottle of water with you when walking. Spend the daytime like real Spaniards — enjoy a siesta and walk around the city in the early morning or late evening.
The rhythm of life in Spain will spin tourists into its restless whirlwind from the very first hours of stay in the country. Good mood and positivity are provided to tourists for the whole holiday because, in Madrid, there is never room for boredom and moping. Back home, it will be enough just to look at the memorable photos from the Spanish holiday to feel the dizzying fiesta again.
