Barcelona vs Madrid: Weather & Climate Compared
The annual temperatures are close. Barcelona has more sunshine, while Barcelona records more rainy days, so those differences are more useful than naming one warmer city.
Barcelona vs Madrid weather right now
At this moment, Barcelona is the warmer of the two by 10°F (5°C).
Where Barcelona and Madrid actually differ
Barcelona takes the temperature crown. Averaged over all twelve months it runs 61°F (16°C), about 1.6°F (0.9°C) above Madrid's 60°F (15°C).
For the full seasonal context behind this comparison, see the Barcelona monthly climate guide and Madrid monthly climate guide.
The tie-breakers
The tie-breakers: sunshine, daylight and rain
| Month | Barcelona sun | Madrid sun | Barcelona daylight | Madrid daylight | Barcelona wet-day chance | Madrid wet-day chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.9 h | 7.0 h | 9.5 h | 9.6 h | 13% | 21% |
| February | 8.7 h | 8.4 h | 10.6 h | 10.6 h | 21% | 19% |
| March | 9.8 h | 9.2 h | 11.8 h | 11.8 h | 22% | 29% |
| April | 10.7 h | 10.8 h | 13.3 h | 13.2 h | 28% | 30% |
| May | 12.3 h | 12.6 h | 14.5 h | 14.4 h | 24% | 21% |
| June | 13.0 h | 13.3 h | 15.1 h | 15.0 h | 20% | 15% |
| July | 13.5 h | 13.9 h | 14.9 h | 14.8 h | 14% | 3% |
| August | 12.2 h | 12.7 h | 13.8 h | 13.8 h | 22% | 6% |
| September | 10.2 h | 11.0 h | 12.4 h | 12.4 h | 39% | 17% |
| October | 8.8 h | 8.6 h | 11.0 h | 11.0 h | 30% | 28% |
| November | 7.8 h | 7.3 h | 9.8 h | 9.9 h | 25% | 27% |
| December | 7.7 h | 6.4 h | 9.2 h | 9.3 h | 12% | 22% |
Barcelona vs Madrid month by month
| Month | Barcelona high / low | Madrid high / low | Barcelona rain days | Madrid rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56° / 41° | 51° / 34° | 4 | 6 |
| February | 58° / 43° | 56° / 37° | 6 | 5 |
| March | 61° / 46° | 61° / 41° | 7 | 9 |
| April | 64° / 50° | 66° / 46° | 8 | 9 |
| May | 71° / 57° | 76° / 53° | 7 | 6 |
| June | 78° / 65° | 85° / 62° | 6 | 4 |
| July | 83° / 71° | 94° / 68° | 4 | 1 |
| August | 83° / 71° | 92° / 68° | 7 | 2 |
| September | 77° / 65° | 80° / 59° | 12 | 5 |
| October | 71° / 59° | 71° / 52° | 9 | 9 |
| November | 63° / 49° | 58° / 43° | 8 | 8 |
| December | 59° / 43° | 53° / 38° | 4 | 7 |
When the small temperature gap changes
These two trade places through the year - Barcelona leads in 6 months, Madrid in 6, so the better-weather answer depends on when you ask. The starkest contrast comes in July, when Madrid runs about 10°F (6°C) warmer; March is the great equalizer.
Best months for sightseeing
Counting months with average highs between 64°F and 82°F (18–28°C) and fewer than 12 wet days:
- Barcelona: May, June, September, October (4 months)
- Madrid: April, May, September, October (4 months)
Both cities are at their most comfortable in May, September, October, the easiest window for a trip that takes in both.
Seasons compared
| Months | Barcelona high / low | Madrid high / low | Barcelona rain days | Madrid rain days | Barcelona sun | Madrid sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December - February | 58° / 42° | 53° / 36° | 14 | 19 | 8.1 h | 7.3 h |
| March - May | 65° / 51° | 68° / 46° | 22 | 24 | 10.9 h | 10.9 h |
| June - August | 82° / 69° | 90° / 66° | 17 | 7 | 12.9 h | 13.3 h |
| September - November | 70° / 58° | 70° / 51° | 28 | 22 | 8.9 h | 9.0 h |
Dataset extremes, distance and time difference
- Barcelona 2015–2024 extremes: highest daily value 99° in July, lowest 29° in January. These are reanalysis values, not all-time station records.
- Madrid 2015–2024 extremes: highest daily value 107° in August, lowest 12° in January. These are reanalysis values, not all-time station records.
- Distance: Barcelona and Madrid are about 313 miles (504 km) apart as the crow flies.
- Time difference: the two cities share the same local time right now.