Beautiful and incredibly multifaceted Spain is one of the most colourful and impressive European countries. Once in this country, tourists fall in love with its orange groves, incredible architecture, the grandeur of cathedrals and the atmosphere of absolute optimism, happiness and fun that reigns on every Spanish street.
Kidpassage recommends starting your exploration of Spain with its capital, Madrid. The heart of this Iberian Peninsula country promises a rich sightseeing programme, top-class European service, comfortable hotels and other benefits that travellers so appreciate. If you decide to go here in June, we advise you to read Kidpassage's recommendations related to holidays in Madrid in early summer.
Holidays in Madrid in June: pros and cons
You must be too sophisticated a traveller to be indifferent to Spain, especially if you visit it during the high tourist season in summer. Disappointed can be, perhaps, only those who counted on a beach holiday because there is no sea in the Spanish capital. In general, reviews of holidays in Madrid in June are positive. Let's look at the main advantages of the European resort in early summer:
- Weather. Of course, the main plus is the air temperature. This time in Spain is already warm and comfortable, but there is no exhausting heat yet.
- A large number of clear and sunny days.
- Long daylight hours. In June, the hours of daylight are 14.9-15.1. You can walk around the city all this time, enjoying the unique local colour.
- Few tourists. The beach season in Spain lasts from May to October. However, it should be noted that tourists come to Madrid throughout the year, regardless of the season. But still, in June, the influx of people has not yet reached its peak. Visitors can count on free places in hotels and restaurants and the absence of long queues in museums.
- Suma Flamenca Festival. Every year, in the first summer month, the capital hosts a festival of traditional Spanish dance — flamenco.
Madrid in June, as a rule, does not disappoint tourists. The ancient city pleases with the summer vitality of nature, warm sunny weather, the absence of rain, a mass of attractions and the hospitality of locals. In short, it is difficult to find any significant disadvantages to cancel a trip at this time of year.
The weather in Madrid in June
The Spanish capital is really hot in summer, but the sun only becomes too scorching in the second half of the season.
The weather in Madrid in June and July is sunny, and rainfall is minimal.
In mid-summer, the heat peaks, so this time is not very suitable for holidays with small children. But the weather in early June will please those planning a family trip. Guests of Madrid spend hours walking around the city without feeling the desire to hide from the aggressive sun in the shade of trees or under the air conditioning.
The temperature in Madrid in the middle of June rises but does not exceed +30 °С. The sky remains cloudless and clear. If you have already put an umbrella in your suitcase, it is better to replace it with sunglasses.
The weather in Madrid at the end of June does not present unpleasant surprises, remaining stable. The only thing to pay attention to is that it gets much hotter in the last decade of the month. Therefore, people who can't tolerate high temperatures and tourists with small children should plan their trip for the beginning of the month.
Air and water temperature
The local climate is a little different from the coastal resorts of Spain. Summers are hot, moderate temperatures characterise the off-season, and winters are usually cold but not bitterly frosty (daytime temperatures will stick around 10°C-15°C, and can feel warmer if it's sunny.).
Air temperature in Madrid in June
The average daytime temperature in Madrid in June is +29.1 °C. In the evenings, there is a slight cooling. The thermometer drops to +18,4 °С. It is comfortable to walk along Madrid streets at any time of day.
Precipitation
Lousy weather in summer is a rarity in this city. Weather reports show there are usually only two rainy days in June. The average rainfall for the month is 8.8 mm.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The city's main square is called Puerta del Sol for a reason, which means "Square of the Sun". Madrid is a very sunny city. In June, clear days occupy about 80% of the whole month (24 days). Cloudy weather is 17%. It will be cloudy only 3% of the time.
Tour Holidays in Madrid
Majestic Madrid is one of the most famous European tourist cities.
Surprisingly, even after many years, the place retains the austere spirit of ancient times with the authentic atmosphere of Spanish culture.
Millions of tourists from all over the world come here yearly to see the city's many natural and architectural beauties.
The Prado Museum
Perhaps the most famous attraction of the city is the Prado Museum. Today, the gallery is one of the three most popular museums on the planet, along with the Hermitage and the Louvre. Visitors to the Prado will see paintings by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Bosch and other famous artists and an exhibition of sculptures and a collection of jewellery.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 but closes an hour earlier on Sundays and public holidays. By the way, at the end of the working day, there is a chance to get into the Prado Museum for free — two hours before closing time, you can get a free ticket at the ticket office.
Buen Retiro Park
In the very centre of the capital, the picturesque Buen Retiro City Park stretches over 120 hectares. The weather in early June is perfect for strolling along the park paths in the shade of spreading trees. Previously, only royalty could walk here, but now everyone can enjoy the local scenery, see sculptures, fountains, a beautiful rose garden and the architectural pride of the park — the Crystal Palace.
Puerta del Sol Square
It would be an unforgivable omission to visit Madrid and not look at the city's main square.
At the end of June, the weather is such that it's clear why this place was named Sun Square.
There are many different sights to see here: the bear with the strawberry tree, the symbol of the city, the clock towers, the statue of Charles III, and the equestrian statue of Charles III. On Puerta del Sol, eight Spanish streets converge; the square is the zero kilometre, from where the calculation of all distances in Spain begins.
Where to go for tourists with children to entertain young travellers? Here are some ideas:
Holidays, events and festivals
It seems that in Spain the fiesta never stops for a day. The fiery Spaniards never tire of dancing, singing and energising the city's guests. As throughout the year, holidays are celebrated in Madrid in June.
Suma Flamenca, a festival of traditional Spanish art, kicks off every year in the first summer month.
The contestants present not only dance numbers but also sing and recite on stage, and there are exhibitions and round tables as part of the festival. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate Spanish culture in all its manifestations. By the way, such flamenco festivals are held not once a year — a few weeks of June are not enough to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the passionate Spanish dance.
The night of 23 to 24 June, the whole country celebrates San Juan Day, or the Festival of Bonfires. It is customary to celebrate San Juan Day near bodies of water. Still, since Madrid can not boast of their presence, the city festivities are held in the picturesque Retiro district. Spaniards dance around huge bonfires, and the bravest even jump over them.
Every year in early summer, the city hosts the International Book Fair. Publishers, sellers of new books and secondhand booksellers, collectors and simply bookworms words walk in the Retiro Park. Visitors to the fair buy books at significant discounts and get autographs from authors.
The bullfighting season, which traditionally begins in May, continues in June. The capital's guests can see the legendary spectacle with their own eyes. Every Sunday, the Las Ventas arena hosts the fights.
Cost of vacation
Since tourists come to the resort all year round, there are usually no critical jumps in the cost of holidays. However, it should be noted that summer is the season of holidays and school holidays, so the number of holidaymakers increases compared to the cold season. Prices in Madrid are higher than in May, but the price increase is insignificant.
Package Tours
From the end of spring until August, the cost of tours gradually increases. In June, tour operators' services usually become more expensive by 19%. In July there is also an increase in price by 11%.
Airfares
The cost of air travel remains virtually unchanged. Flight prices in June decrease by 1%. But the June and July prices stay the same.
Accommodations
In June, tourists pay 16% more than in May. In mid-summer, the cost increases by 4% compared to June. For example, the average price for accommodation in May is €189, in June — €219, in July — €229.
Food and Transport
Gastrotourism is very well developed in Spain, and some foreigners come here specifically to savour the national cuisine.
Even if the purpose of your trip is entirely different, you should not refuse to visit local restaurants. Tourists pay about €12 for a set lunch in cafes in Madrid. In restaurants, the price is slightly higher — about €25.
The price does not include drinks. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the portions in local establishments are pretty large, so do not order several dishes at once; ask also to bring you half a piece.
Don't forget that there is a siesta in Spain, during which time establishments close.
The capital has a well-developed transport system; you can get around the city by metro, buses, trains and trams. A metro or bus journey costs 1.5-2.0 euros — children under four travel free of charge.
We recommend buying a pass for several days. For example, a tourist card will cost around €8.5-35.5 (depending on the validity period). Taxis also run around the city. The cost of boarding is about 3 euros, and for each subsequent kilometre — €1.3. In summer, bike hire is a popular service in the city; you'll pay around €5 for an hour's ride.
- 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 June?
In summer, the weather in the Spanish capital is warm and sunny so tourists can do without warm clothes. It is worth putting a few sweatshirts and jeans in your luggage if the weather turns foul. In early summer, resort guests mostly dress lightly: short-sleeved shirts and T-shirts, breeches, linen trousers or shorts.
Bring your swimming costume and swimming trunks if you intend to visit the water parks around the city.
Pay special attention to footwear, as you must walk a lot. They should be as comfortable and breathable as possible. Summer trainers, moccasins or leather sandals are good. Do not forget about panamas and sun hats. This is especially true for those who come on holiday at the end of June.
Take care of your safety and your children's health so that the sunstroke does not spoil the impression of the holiday. Among the mandatory attributes of a comfortable holiday in your suitcase should also be protective cream and sunglasses.
Tips for travelling with children
The first half and middle of June are perfect for holidays with children. Even tourists with babies feel pretty comfortable. The temperature is perfect for walking, and Madrid has plenty of places to walk and things to see for young sightseers (Kidpassage recommends reading the article "Children's itinerary: Madrid").
Besides, there are other advantages of family holidays in the Spanish capital: hotels provide excellent conditions for children, in cafes you can ask for children's menus and high chairs, and even the city's transport system is ideally designed for mums with prams. But the end of June is unsuitable for family holidays, as the temperature increases rapidly.
Walking around the city in the last decade of June is uncomfortable. In addition, at this time, children have to acclimatize to the weather conditions. If you still doubt whether to come to Madrid in early summer, the answer is unequivocally positive — of course you should! June is the perfect time to get to know the capital of Spain. Thanks to the excellent weather, you can walk the city streets for a long time, and the bright sun will allow you to take good photos.
