Spain, Europe

Madrid in August

Many locals leave and some family businesses close. Neighborhood verbenas in early to mid August are the upside.

Think twiceVery hot, highs near 90F (32C)

Gran Via and the Madrid skyline — MadridPhoto: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Madrid. Many locals leave and some family businesses close. Neighborhood verbenas in early to mid August are the upside.

Weather: Very hot, highs near 90F (32C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in Madrid

August is still very hot, with highs near 90F (32C). Many locals leave the city, and some family restaurants, bars and shops close for a week or more. Major museums, sights and chains stay open. Crowds and prices dip. The upside is the neighborhood verbenas in early to mid August, with street parties and traditional music.

It is a month to avoid for most travelers. If you go, embrace the verbenas, plan indoor afternoons and expect a quieter city. For the best Madrid, come in September or October instead, when the whole city is back.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Madrid this month.

Neighborhood verbenas

The fiestas of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma bring street parties and music to the old neighborhoods.

Quiet museums

With locals away, the big museums feel calm, though tourists still come.

Lower prices

Hotel rates are lower than spring or fall, a small consolation for the heat.

What to pack for August

Light, breathable clothing
Sunscreen and a hat
A refillable water bottle
Sandals for hot evenings

Our timing tip

Call ahead to favorite restaurants, since many family-run places close for part of August.

Book Madrid for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Madrid
Opens a hotel search for Madrid in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Madrid
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Madrid
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madrid for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

August verbenas

Early to mid August

The neighborhood fiestas of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma, with street parties and traditional music.

Things to do in Madrid

Full guide

Museo del Prado

Velazquez, Goya, and Bosch. Free entry runs the last two hours of most days, with long lines; buy a timed ticket instead for a calmer visit.

Tickets and tours →

Museo Reina Sofia

Home of Picasso's Guernica. Closed Tuesdays; free evening hours on several days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

A superb private collection spanning centuries, and usually calmer than the Prado.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Royal Palace

One of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Still used for state ceremonies, which can close it on short notice.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Retiro Park

Rowboats on the lake, the Crystal Palace, and the rose garden, especially in May and October.

Tickets and tours →

Mercado de San Miguel and La Latina

A glass-and-iron market near the Plaza Mayor, then Sunday tapas in La Latina after the El Rastro flea market.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book the Prado for a morning timed entry rather than the free evening hours, which draw long lines.
Visit the Royal Palace at opening or late in the day, and check it is not closed for an official event.
Adopt local hours: museums in the morning, a long lunch, a rest in the heat, then tapas after 9pm.
Visit El Rastro early on Sunday morning, before it gets packed by late morning.

Know before you go

In August, some family restaurants, bars, and shops close for a week or more. Major museums, sights, and chains stay open.
Many museums close one day a week, most often Monday; the Reina Sofia closes on Tuesdays.
Spanish holidays like January 6, May 1, and Holy Week bring closures and reduced hours. May 2 and San Isidro on May 15 are local holidays in Madrid.
Many smaller shops close for a midday break outside the main shopping streets, roughly 2pm to 5pm.

Madrid in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Madrid?

August is a month to think twice about visiting Madrid. Many locals leave and some family businesses close. Neighborhood verbenas in early to mid August are the upside.

What is the weather like in Madrid in August?

Very hot, highs near 90F (32C).

Is Madrid crowded in August?

August is one of the quieter months in Madrid; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Madrid in August?

August verbenas (early to mid august).