In July, summer is fully coming into its own and "activating the intense heat regime". In the middle of summer, many people want to refresh themselves at the seaside or in the mountains. But not everyone likes a beach holiday, and not everyone can handle the constant descents and ascents of the peaks. Kidpassage recommends travelling to the capital of Spain for tourists hungry for new impressions, whose curious mind demands knowledge and whose eyes demand beautiful views.
Madrid is a master of transformation. One moment, it appears to you as a wise and calm old man who appreciates moderation and silence, but before you know it, in the blink of an eye, it turns into a fiery young Spaniard spinning in a passionate dance.
This is a city that knows how to charm and win hearts. You should definitely come here at least once in your life. If you have planned a trip for July, then before visiting, learn about all the nuances associated with this month.
Holidays in Madrid in July: pros and cons
It is worth noting that people with poor health and tourists with small children are better off postponing the trip, as July in Madrid is very hot. On the Internet, you will find both positive and negative reviews about holidays in Madrid in July. An intense heat spoiled someone the rest, and someone quite well endured the heat and was pleased with the trip.
Here is what tourists call the benefits of visiting this city in the middle of summer:
- Clear days. There is no rain during this period, so don't worry about precipitation interfering with your walks.
- Few tourists. Most people prefer to come here in late spring and early autumn — this is the ideal time to visit the city. Holidaymakers with children are also better off travelling to Madrid in the off-season. But July is not the most popular month among tourists.
- Low level of humidity. Although the temperature can rise above +30 ° C, the heat is easier to bear here because of the relatively low humidity.
- Corrida (the bullfight). The bullfighting season starts in March and lasts till October. You can see bullfights every Sunday at the arena "Las Ventas".
The main disadvantage of Madrid in July is the intense heat, which means certain limitations in the sightseeing programme. It is simply unbearable to be outside during the day. Even tourists start taking siestas because the heat peaks in the afternoon hours.
The weather in Madrid in July
From mid-summer onwards, high temperatures almost completely paralysed active city life. The weather in Madrid in July and August is unsuitable for family holidays: even adults, let alone small children, are uncomfortable outdoors during the day.
The weather in early July is still more or less gentle; the thermometer is just beginning to reach maximum summer temperature.
Tourists at this time can still go for long walks without fear of getting a sun stroke. The temperature in Madrid in mid-July already makes holidaymakers uncomfortable, especially during the daytime. In addition, the temperature fluctuations during the day and at night become very noticeable.
The sun heats the city streets in the last decade of the month. The weather in Madrid at the end of July is hot and cloudless. Precipitation in mid-summer is not expected. However, tourists and locals are more disappointed than pleased by this fact.
Air and water temperature
Madrid's continental climate ensures dry and hot summers. It is noteworthy that winters here are colder than in the Mediterranean regions of Spain. The most comfortable time to visit the capital is autumn and spring.
Air temperature in Madrid in July
The average daytime and nighttime temperatures in Madrid in July are +33.6 °C and +22.2 °C, respectively. During this period, travellers should not do without hats, sunglasses and high SPF cream.
Precipitation
July is considered to be one of the driest periods of the year. The average precipitation rate for the whole month is only 10 mm. On average, only one rainy day is expected in mid-summer.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Madrid is the sunniest city in Europe. There are approximately 250 sunny days a year. In June, the number of such days is 29, or 91%. Cloudy weather accounts for 6% of the month, while cloudy weather accounts for only 3%.
Tour Holidays
The capital of Spain will not disappoint the expectations of tourists who plan to see impressive architecture, visit museums and take photos against the background of unusual monuments.
There are more than 70 museums in Madrid, the city streets are considered the greenest in Europe (according to statistical calculations, each Madrid resident has 17 trees), and the oldest restaurant in the world and one of the world's oldest universities.
It's no wonder that more than 6 million tourists come to Madrid every year — there are so many sights to see that even a month is not enough time to see them all.
Casa de Campo
Midsummer is not a great time for outdoor sightseeing, but tourists still have the chance in early July. The Casa de Campo Park has five themed zones. The Natural Zone has a zoo, an aquarium and a dolphinarium. This is an excellent option for a walk with children. However, young tourists will also like the Mechanical Zone, with various attractions.
It is worth noting that the park has a special Children's Zone, equipped just for family holidays. Tourists can feel the harmony with nature, being secluded in the Tranquil Zone, and then go to the last zone — "Grand Avenue", where they will be offered a snack and buy souvenirs.
Las Ventas Arena
The majestic red building immediately catches the eye. The Las Ventas Arena has its unique architecture, which gives it an austere monumentality. Traditionally, bullfights are held here from March to October. More than 20 thousand spectators can watch the bullfight. Ticket prices depend on the location of the seats — the closer to the centre, the more expensive.
In addition, the price of shaded seats increases in summer. We also recommend visiting the Bullfighting Museum, which includes paintings of matadors, sculptures and even a costume soaked in the blood of one of the bullfighters.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
At the end of July, tourists want to hide from the heat in cool rooms. This can be done in the walls of the Tissen-Bornemissa Museum, which is included in the three museums «Golden Triangle of Arts» together with the Prado and Queen Sofia Museum. Tourists will see an extensive collection of paintings by famous artists such as Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and others. The museum is open daily.
If you do decide to come to Madrid with your children, visit the following locations:
- Warner Madrid amusement park, located an hour's drive from the city.
- Museum of the Americas.
- Museum of Natural Science.
- Perez Mouse Museum.
- Madrid Rio Park.
Holidays, events and festivals
The Spanish are a cheerful people, and fiestas are very frequent. And each province has its own official public holidays. As for the capital, there will probably be fiestas in Madrid in July because the locals cannot leave the city's guests without spectacles and vivid impressions.
Since 2016, the Mad Cool Multi Genre Madrid festival has occurred in Madrid. This "crazy" festival features pop and rock legends such as Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, The National and others.
There are also religious festivals in July, such as the Day of Our Lady of Carmen. This holiday is celebrated in different parts of the city on other days. It is noteworthy that there are religious rites and entertainment events. Locals and guests of the capital participate in sports competitions, dance, and have fun.
Cost of vacation
The cost of holidays in the capital certainly changes throughout the year, but there are usually no sharp jumps. Prices in Madrid in July correspond to the average level. There are not as many tourists during this period as in spring or autumn, so tour operators and hotel owners do not inflate the cost of their services.
Package Tours
The cost of package tours gradually increases with each subsequent summer month. In July, tours to Madrid rise in price by 11% compared to the first summer month. In August, prices rise slightly, by 2% on average.
Airfares
In early and mid-summer, airfares remain unchanged. In August, there is a decrease in prices. At the end of summer, the flight becomes cheaper by less than 1%.
Accommodations
The highest prices for accommodation in local hotels were recorded in June. In July, guests pay half as much. And renting a room is even 5% cheaper in August. Thus, in June the cost of accommodation is €239, in July — €109, in August — €103.
Food and Transport
Spanish cuisine is rightly considered one of the most delicious in the world. Even those who have never been to Spain know the names of such dishes as tortilla, gazpacho and tapas. Be sure to visit the local cafes to experience the incredible flavours of these legendary dishes. In a medium-sized café, visitors pay around €5 for breakfast (coffee with croissants or churros) or €8-10 for a more substantial meal.
In a restaurant, the cost of breakfast starts from €10. But high-end restaurants are rarely open from the very morning; they usually begin welcoming guests in the afternoon or the evening, after the siesta.
In Madrid, you can get from A to B by any means of transport that suits you: by bus or metro for €1.5-2.0, by tram, train or taxi. The last mode of transportation is usually charged as follows: €3 for boarding and a minimum of €1.3 for each kilometre travelled.
- What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
- Spanish Fruit and Vegetables — A Seasonal Guide
What clothes to pack for Madrid in July?
When choosing what clothes to take with you on holiday, you should focus on two main criteria — practicality and lightness. The clothes should be comfortable, not restricting movement, because you will have to walk a lot in Madrid.
In addition, keep in mind the weather conditions. Leave warm clothes at home and pack light summer outfits in your suitcase: T-shirts, linen shirts and loose-fitting trousers.
Advice for travellers with children
Even though Madrid has many advantages for family holidays, especially the variety of children's activities, it is best to avoid visiting the city in July. If you can't postpone your holiday, at least go at the beginning of the month rather than the end. The thermometer will not reach its maximum value in the first decade of July.
The intense heat is the only reason you should not go to the Spanish capital with children, especially infants. Otherwise, the city is perfect for family holidays: restaurants have children's menus, public transport is comfortable for mothers with prams, and ramps are installed in many shops and shopping centres for convenience.
You can get to know the Spanish capital quickly before taking the plane. Just read Kidpassage's article "10 interesting facts about Madrid" to do this. You will fall in love with this city, and when you see all its beauties in person, your admiration will become a hundred times stronger.
