Spain, Europe

Madrid in July

Midday sightseeing is tough. Outdoor evening concerts help, but most of the city lives indoors until sunset.

Think twiceVery hot, highs near 91F (33C), heat waves above 100F (38C)

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

The straight answer

July is a month to think twice about visiting Madrid. Midday sightseeing is tough. Outdoor evening concerts help, but most of the city lives indoors until sunset.

Weather: Very hot, highs near 91F (33C), heat waves above 100F (38C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What July is like in Madrid

July is very hot, with highs near 91F (33C) and heat waves that can top 100F (38C). Midday sightseeing is tough, and most of the city lives indoors until sunset. Outdoor evening concerts help, and Pride carries into early July. Crowds and prices are moderate because many travelers avoid the heat.

This is a month to avoid if you can. If you do go, plan museums for the hottest part of the day, eat late and save walking for early morning and after dark. September and October give you warm, pleasant weather instead.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Madrid this month.

Evening concerts

Outdoor summer concerts bring the city back to life after sunset.

Air-conditioned museums

The Prado and Thyssen are cool refuges during the hottest hours.

Pride into early July

Pride celebrations continue into early July, with the big party energy in Chueca.

What to pack for July

Very light, loose clothing
A wide-brim hat and strong sunscreen
A refillable water bottle
A small fan

Our timing tip

Do outdoor sights before 11am and after 8pm, and spend the afternoon inside a museum or resting.

Book Madrid for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Madrid
Opens a hotel search for Madrid in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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 July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

Madrid Pride (MADO)

Late June to early July

One of Europe's largest Pride celebrations, centered on the Chueca neighborhood.

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Madrid?

July is a month to think twice about visiting Madrid. Midday sightseeing is tough. Outdoor evening concerts help, but most of the city lives indoors until sunset.

What is the weather like in Madrid in July?

Very hot, highs near 91F (33C), heat waves above 100F (38C).

Is Madrid crowded in July?

Crowds in Madrid are moderate in July; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Madrid in July?

Madrid Pride (MADO) (late june to early july).