Is Madrid Cold in Winter?
For those who are about to travel to Madrid in winter, you might be confused about if the city is cold. Read on in this article to see what the average temperatures, climate and what to expect when visiting Madrid in winter.
The Climate of Madrid in Winter
Madrid has a Mediterranean climate, warm and humid in summer and cold and dry in winter. The temperatures are not as cold as some European cities but can get quite cold during the winter months.
From December to February Madrid is a winter city, the coldest month being January. Daytime temperatures will be around 8 to 15 degrees Celsius (46 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit) and fall to 1 to 6 degrees Celsius (34 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.
What to Pack
In case you are visiting Madrid in winter, in this article we will discuss some tips regarding what to pack to stay warm and comfortable. These are some things you should include in your winter packing list:
Warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and thermal layers
To protect yourself from the cold, scarves, hats, and gloves
A sturdy pair of waterproof boots with you to possibly navigate to potentially wet streets
Protection from rain or snow under umbrella
Packing these will help you deal with the mood of the air and the Madrid winter weather, so that you can enjoy your time at Madrid without being influenced by how cold is.
Indoor Activities
Madrid has plenty of indoor attractions and activities to entertain if instead you prefer to remain indoors during colder weather. Some indoor activities you can do in Madrid:
Museums
World class museums are in Madrid such as the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. Invest a day soaking in the history and art of these marvelous institutions.
Shopping
It is known that Madrid offers the best shops. In Gran Via or Salamanca quarters you will find high end boutiques, and in El Rastro flea market sit down and explore some unique finds.
Indoor Markets
You can not only sample local food in Mercado San Miguel or Mercado de San Anton, but also completely get lost in the hustle and bustle of the Spanish markets as well.
Outdoor Activities
Madrid still has plenty to offer if you’re not bothered too much by the cold and you want to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the outdoor activities you can consider are:
Royal Palace
Go to visit the Royal Palace, and its wonderful gardens. Fortunately, it is still chilly but the surroundings have a unique charm in it because of winter scenery.
Retiro Park
Retiro Park is a location you have to visit in every season. Rent a row boat on the lake if you want, enjoy a leisurely walk around the park or if you want warm up with a hot drink, one of the park’s quaint cafes will do.
Christmas Markets
If you’re visiting Madrid in December, you really shouldn’t miss the enchanting Christmas markets. Discover the art stalls crammed with festive decorations, savoury street food and peculiar gifts.
Final Thoughts
Madrid can be cold but still a great time to visit this fun city. With a bit of packing with clothing as well as indoor and outdoor activities thought through, you can make the most of your Madrid winter trip. Relax and enjoy the culture, delicious food and the special bite to the Spanish capital in winter.
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