Does It Snow In Madrid? The Ultimate Guide for an Epic Trip!
Thinking about a trip to Spain in the winter and wondering “Does it snow in Madrid?” because you’re worried that you’ll get snowed in and ruin your vacay? We’re here to help!
Madrid is truly the gem of Spain in me and Caleb’s opinion – and we’ve visited at least 10 of the cities! It’s the city we keep coming back to (we’ve been almost 10 times!) because it’s so full of life, culture, and the WINE AND CHEESE. Unreal. Whether you’re a couple who wants to visit museums or eat tapas until your turkey dinner is full, you’ll want to visit Madrid over and over!
Another thing we love about the Spanish Capital? The mild weather that makes it a perfect city anytime we need a couples getaway – but does it snow in Madrid in the winter? The short answer is that yes, it does snow. But it’s unlikely and more complicated than that.
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So, let’s get into everything you need to know about visiting Madrid in winter, starting with a quick video I made you with quick facts!
From the author: We are slightly obsessed with Madrid and have personally traveled there, and all around Europe in the winter! We feel like we can very accurately talk about the winter weather so if you have any questions, please leave a comment so we can help!
The “TLDR”
If you’re like Caleb and I and are a busy couple with little time to read this post but need to know if it snows in Madrid, here’s the “too long didn’t read”: Yes, it CAN snow in Madrid, but it’s pretty dang rare. The most memorable recent snowfall was in January 2021 with Storm Filomena, which was a standout, marking the heaviest snow Madrid had seen in decades.
I mean….I can hear the tourists taking pictures and the Instagram live feeds! *I say this knowing I would 100% be that person too. NO SHAME IN MY PHOTO GAME*
I’m not a betting gal but I would be willing to be that you won’t be seeing snow if you’re planning an itinerary to our favorite Spanish city during the winter months (but you can still drink amazing Spanish mulled wine – HELLO!) Caleb and I have personally traveled to Madrid in the winter and we’ve never once seen snow. The temperatures weren’t cold enough for it – we only needed a jacket because we were walking around in 50-60-degree weather in January. IT WAS NUTS.
While the city itself sees little snow, the surrounding mountainous areas like Navacerrada and Valdesquí are more likely to offer snowy landscapes, making them great spots for winter sports if you’re trying to see snow in Spain.
Details on Winter weather in Madrid
Madrid, Spain Climate
Madrid has what is known as a semi-arid, cold climate. In the winter, the climate plays a BIG role in the whole lack of snow in the city situation! The climate, while bringing colder temperatures in winter, doesn’t usually come with the conditions needed for snowfall.
One of the main reasons for this is Madrid’s altitude. Situated approximately 650 meters above sea level, the city is one of Europe’s highest capitals, which might sound like something you don’t care about BUT!!! What this means for you guys is cooler temperatures in winter but not necessarily consistent snowfall. The cold air is often too dry, lacking the moisture needed for snow to form. You most likely won’t be throwing snowballs at each other which could be a good or bad thing depending on how competitive ya’ll are…..Let’s just say; Caleb is competitive and I like the whole “lack of snow” situation.
Additionally, Madrid’s distance from the sea influences its winter weather. Coastal areas benefit from the ocean’s moderating effect, which brings more humidity/rain. But, that’s not Madrid – it’s inland. The capital misses out on this moisture-laden wind which gives it a drier climate, where even when temperatures drop, the air is just too dang dry for regular snow. (Should it try some St. Ives?) So, you’ll get the annoying cold but not the beautiful snow that you’ll get in other cities.
The surrounding mountain ranges can also pose a bit of a “no-go” for snow as they intercept moisture and rain, leaving the city with clear and dry conditions. The odd time that a cold front DOES sweep through, they often lack the moisture to produce substantial snowfall in Madrid.
Madrid Winter Temperature
Here’s a table, or “weather guide” if you will, with the high, low, and average temperatures for winter in Madrid, Spain according to Weather Spark.
| Month | High Temperature (°F) | Low Temperature (°F) | Average Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 58°F | 40°F | 48°F |
| December | 51°F | 34°F | 42°F |
| January | 51°F | 33°F | 41°F |
| February | 54°F | 34°F | 44°F |
| March | 61°F | 39°F | 50°F |
It’s pretty dang moderate don’t you think? This is one of the MANY REASONS that Caleb and I just keep going back to Madrid every single year. Yes – we’re obsessed and think that it’s a good time to go to Madrid in ANY season!
And when it does get a little nippy for you to be walking around Madrid? You know how that old wives tale goes: enough manchego and rioja in your belly act like a cozy blanket.
Now you’re googling to see if it’s a real saying. I see you. 😏
The Details About When It Snows in Madrid
Does it snow in November?
In November, snow in Madrid is very uncommon. The city experiences cooler weather for sure, but it’s not cold enough for snow.
Does it snow in Madrid in December?
Snow in Madrid during December is rare. The month does bring colder weather so you MIGHT get lucky. The festive atmosphere in the city is lovely though – just don’t expect to see them with a blanket of snowfall or a white Christmas. You’ll be sad and want to drown your sorrows in Rioja (which we see no problem with 😅)
Does it snow in January?
January, being the coldest month in Madrid, sees a slightly higher chance of snow, but it’s still as rare as you both agreeing on what Netflix show to watch in under 10 minutes. While the temperatures drop, consistent snowfall is not common, making any snow during this time a BIG deal if you do catch it!
Does it snow in February?
Snow in Madrid during February is possible but less likely than in January. The city begins to transition away from the coldest winter temperatures, making the chances about as likely as the two of you agree on what temperature to set the thermostat.
Caleb and I have personally experienced temperatures in the low 60s when we visited Madrid in February. I know – we were confused too.
Does it snow in Madrid in March?
The likelihood of snow in Madrid in March is very slim. Honestly, I would pretty much say you’re safe to bet your left arm that it doesn’t snow (Don’t bet both. You need a backup, just in case.) As spring approaches, the days start getting way too warm for snow.
How Madrid Reacts to Snow:
Accustomed to sunnier skies, Madrid’s residents (locally called Madrileños) often react with a mix of excitement….andddd confusion. The city, not being fully equipped for heavy snowfall, can experience some big disruptions:
- Public transportation may face delays, especially buses and above-ground trains, while the metro usually remains reliable.
- Roads can become slippery, prompting cautious driving and slower traffic. Good thing you don’t need a car in Madrid!
- In rare cases of heavier snow, schools and some businesses might close which means you might get pegged by a kiddo throwing snowballs at you.
- The wide pavements that make Madrid so walkable become like ice skating rinks that you didn’t want to go to.
FAQ
When did Madrid last have snow?
The last time Madrid experienced its heaviest snowfall was during Storm Filomena in January 2021. This storm brought the city its heaviest snow in decades!
How often does Madrid get snow?
Madrid does not get snow often. On average, the city might see snowfall every two to three years. However, when it does snow, it’s usually a light dusting that melts away quickly, rather than a heavy or long-lasting snowfall.
Is snow rare in Madrid?
Yes, snow is very rare in Madrid. The city’s geographical and climatic conditions make significant snowfall not very common. While the winters are cold enough for snow, the dry air and Madrid’s inland location make it not-so-good for snowfall to occur!
What is the coldest it gets in Madrid?
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Madrid was -10.1 degrees Celsius (13.82 degrees Fahrenheit) in February 1945. While such extreme cold is HIGHLY unusual (I mean, did you read that we experienced low 60s F in February!) winter temperatures in Madrid can frequently drop below freezing at night, especially during the coldest month, January.
Let’s Wrap This Up: So, Does It Snow in Madrid?
To sum it all up, it CAN snow in Madrid but the odds that you will see it are highly unlikely. Caleb and I love visiting Madrid frequently for the moderate climate and the snow does NOT love visiting Madrid for the same reason. You’re bound to have more clear, sunny, and cold days in the winter as opposed to cold and snowy! Depending on the kind of couple you are, you may find this a fabulous thing (like us!) or you may want to head to the mountains near the Spanish capital to get your snow fix!
We hope this post has helped you decide to visit Madrid in Winter because it’s a time of year that Caleb and I think is worth visiting! Less tourists and cheaper prices – we’ll flamenco to that!
So, do you think you’ll visit in Winter?
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