Madrid in August is a city of contrasts, where the sun-baked and dusty earth meets the calm waters of its ancient seas. The heat is something you can feel and smell; it's almost tangible on the skin in the summer months.
The weather here is never too humid and never too cold. It's just right for enjoying the city's many museums, art galleries, and parks. And there's always a breeze to keep you cool at night, making it the perfect time to go out dancing until dawn breaks over Madrid.
What makes Madrid in August Special?
- Madrid's population swells during the summer months, with many people escaping the heat of Spain's southern regions. The city is home to over 3 million people and has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment, culture, and sightseeing. There are many festivals in August including Fiestas de San Cayetano, Fiestas de San Lorenzo, and Verbena de la Paloma.
The city is also known for its wide variety of tapas, bars, and restaurants. Madrid has many museums including the Museo del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. The Royal Palace of Madrid is also a popular tourist attraction in August, along with the Plaza Mayor square with its numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. August also makes the perfect time for day trips, outdoor picnics, visiting water parks, and many more exciting activities.
Madrid Weather In August
Madrid's average temperature in August ranges between 32 degrees to 36 degrees Celcius. The weather is usually warm and sunny, with a few scattered showers. It can be windy sometimes, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures rise quickly due to high humidity levels. The average rainfall for August is 1 to 3 inches.
Visting Madrid in August: Things To Do
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Prado Museum
The Museo del Prado is a world-famous art museum located in Madrid. It features the most extensive collection of paintings in Spain, which includes works by Hieronymus Bosch, Francisco de Goya, and El Greco. The museum also presents temporary contemporary art exhibitions and hosts many cultural events. You can look for events in the museum in August and hop in for an artistic exploration on a warm August afternoon.
August Timings
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Sundays and holidays: 10 AM -7 PM
C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
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Royal Palace of Aranjuez
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a royal residence in the town of Aranjuez. The palace is surrounded by stunning gardens and fountains, making it one of Spain's most popular tourist attractions today. The palace was declared a UNESCO world heritage site for its exquisite architecture and vast gardens. You can explore this beautiful palace on a sunny August day or attend one of its many events throughout the year.
August Timings
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Pl. de Parejas, s/n, 28300 Aranjuez, Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
3
Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofia Museum is one of Madrid's most famous art museums. Located in the heart of Madrid, the museum houses many works by various modern artists from Spain and worldwide. You may like to spend hours exploring this vast museum on a quaint August day learning about the history of Spanish art.
August Timings
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 AM - 9 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
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Hop-on Hop-off Tour
If you want to get to know the beautiful capital city of Spain at your own pace, hop on and off the bus during a Hop-On, Hop-Off Madrid Tour! This is the best way to see all of Madrid's most famous sights and attractions at your own pace. You can hop off at any stop and explore on foot, re-board when ready to continue your journey, and skip the ones that don't interest you. This is a great way to get acquainted with Madrid's key landmarks and spend a sunny August day exploring the famous places in the city!
August Timings
10 am onward. Last bus is at 6 pm.
Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
5
Royal Palace of Madrid
If you want to witness some of the most impressive buildings in Madrid, don't miss the Royal Palace of Madrid! This is where Spain's monarchs have lived and ruled since the 17th century, and it features beautiful gardens, fountains, statues, etc. It's also home to several museums worth exploring during your stay in Madrid. It's a great place to be with your family on a warm August day and learn about the rich Spanish history.
August Timings
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 4 PM
C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
6
Day Trip to Toledo
Toledo is one of the most famous day trip destinations from Madrid. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo boasts abundant history and culture. The city is home to the eponymous museum, which houses masterworks by hometown artist El Greco. The Puerta de Bisagra—an important gate in Toledo—is also worth visiting. The Alcázar sprawls across the hillside and offers stunning views of the Tagus River and beyond.
August Timings
Depends on the tour chosen
Toledo,
Spain
Getting There ›
7
Santiago Bernabeu Tours
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid, one of Europe's most successful football teams. Tourists can enjoy a guided tour of this impressive stadium, which has hosted several high-profile matches over the years. The tours provide an insight into the history of both Real Madrid and Spanish football as a whole. You must include a visit to the stadium in your Madrid bucket list if you're a football enthusiast!
August Timings
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am-7 pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: 10 am-6:30 pm
Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
8
Liria Palace
The Liria Palace is an exquisite architectural building in Madrid. It was the official residence of the Dukes of Alba in the 18th century and offers tourists a glimpse into Spain's rich history. The building is neoclassical, with marble columns and large windows that let in plenty of natural light in the summer. The palace is a popular tourist attraction in Madrid and features an impressive art collection that includes paintings by Goya, Rubens, and Velázquez
August Timings
Monday: 10:15 - 12:45 PM
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:15 - 12:45 PM, 4:15 - 7:15 PM
C. de la Princesa, 20, 28008 Madrid,
Spain
Getting There ›
Madrid in August: Events to Look Out For
Fiestas de San Lorenzo 2023
August 6 - August 15
A festival that honors the patron saint of Madrid, San Lorenzo. The celebration occurs in the second week of August and features bullfighting and fireworks. It's a 9-day event filled with concerts, dance, procession, sports, religious occasions, and many more activities.
Veranos de la Villa
July 5 - August 28, 2023
The Veranos de la Villa is a famous summer festival in Madrid in July and August. The event features an exhibition of art, music and dance performances, concerts, plays, workshops, and more. It's one of Spain's most important cultural events and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Festival Gigante 2023
August 31 - September 2, 2023
The Orchard of the Bishop of Alcalá de Henares will host the ninth edition of the Giant Festival. In a beautiful walled enclosure in a World Heritage city, there are three days of music. This year's edition will have a strong international character, with artists such as Alice Wonder Land, Nina Polaca, Lucky Duckes and more!
August Fiestas
August 4 - August 15, 2023
In August, locals decorate the streets of the city, stage parades and processions, and worship their saints and virgins: San Caetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma. These holidays are observed in the first two weeks of August, but residents begin to get ready for them since October of the previous year. The term "madrugadas" is used to describe the early mornings during which women of the city sew their flamboyant costumes.
Madrid August Essentials
LanguageSpanish
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+34
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyEuro (€)
Madrid Weather in August
The average temperature in Madrid is 32 degrees celsius. The city experiences some rain during this time, but it's usually only a light shower. You'll want to pack lightweight clothing for strolls during the day that can be layered if you plan on exploring the city at night.
What To Pack in August
Packing for Madrid in August can be a bit tricky. The weather can be quite hot and humid, so you'll want to pack light, airy clothing that won't make you too sweaty. You'll also want to bring along some sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is also a good idea, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking around the city.
Madrid Accommodation In August
Madrid is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do, and August is a great time to visit. accommodation can be tricky to find during peak season, so it's important to book ahead. Here are some options for your accommodation in Madrid during August.
- Luxury - Rosewood Villa Magna, Four Seasons Hotel.
- Moderate - Hotel Palacio Del Retiro, BLESS Hotel Madrid.
- Budget - Relais and Chateaux Hotel Orfila, ICON Wipton.
Getting Around Madrid in August
Metro - The Madrid Metro, Europe's one of the most extensive subways, consists of 12 lines linking the city and providing transportation from 6 am to 1:30 am. Trains pass by every 2 minutes during peak travel and 15 minutes at other intervals.
Cercanias Renfe - The Cercanias trains run between 5 am and 6 am daily, providing access to nine lines threading through the Madrid region. Metro tickets allow you to travel on the lines of the Metro network, but Bonotren tickets are required for long-distance travel.
Buses - While taking the Metro may be faster, taking the bus is an excellent way to see Madrid. A good way for sightseeing is to take a bus route through Madrid's center, where you can see some of its most famous landmarks, including its architectural landmarks and fountains with intricately carved designs and expansive green spaces.
Madrid in August: What To Eat
The bocadillo de calamares is a popular fried squid sandwich served in Madrid. The dish is usually made with breaded and deep-fried squid, then stuffed into a baguette along with mayonnaise and sauces. You can find this delicacy at any bar or restaurant in Madrid.
The tortilla de patatas, or potato omelet, is a popular Spanish dish made with potatoes and eggs. You can find this dish at any restaurant in Madrid, but the best tortillas are usually served at bars.
Croquetas are popular Spanish snacks made with mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs. The most common croquetas are jamón (ham), but you can also find them filled with chicken or vegetables.
This dish is made from shrimp and garlic, a popular tapas in Madrid. The shrimps are sauteed in garlic sauce and are usually served with bread for dipping in the sauce.
Flan is a classic Spanish dessert with eggs, sugar, and milk. The most popular flan is caramel custard flan, but you can also find other variations, including chocolate, fruit, and tres leches.
Tips for Visiting Madrid in August
- Stay hydrated during the hot August days.
- Carry an umbrella all the time to stay dry during the unpredictable drizzles.
- Pack light, cotton, or linen clothes to get through the hot afternoons.
- Try and opt for indoor activities like visiting museums, art galleries, etc.
- Pack a lightweight coat or a couple of cardigans for cooler August nights.
Madrid August Itinerary
If you have 3 days to spend in madrid, we have put together the perfect itinerary to give you the best experience in the city.
3 Days in Madrid
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FAQs
The weather in Madrid in August is typically hot and dry, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F). However, heatwaves are not uncommon during this month, so be prepared for temperatures to soar into the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) on occasion. Nights are usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures dipping to around 20°C (68°F). rainfall is quite rare during this month, but occasional thunderstorms can occur.
Packing for Madrid in August can be a bit tricky. The weather can be quite hot and humid, so you'll want to pack light, airy clothing that won't make you too sweaty. You'll also want to bring along some sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is also a good idea, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking around the city.
Some of the must-see sights in Madrid in August include the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and Retiro Park. Be sure to also check out the Gran Vía, a busy street lined with shops and restaurants, and the Plaza Mayor, a beautiful square in the center of the city.
The best time to visit Madrid is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, August can also be a good time to visit, as many Spaniards take their vacations then and the city is less crowded. Keep in mind that it can be quite hot in Madrid in August, so be sure to pack light clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
Some good events in Madrid in August include the San Isidro Festival, which is a religious festival that celebrates the city's patron saint; the Prado Museum's Summer Nights program, which offers free admission to the museum after 6pm; and the Madrid International Jazz Festival.
