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Madrid has one of Europe's most extreme capital climates: temperatures range from -5°C in winter to 40°C+ in summer. The city sits on the Castilian plateau at 667 metres elevation, which creates large day-night temperature swings — including cold nights even in July and August when daytime highs are scorching.
That elevation is Madrid's ventilation advantage. Even in July, nights drop to 18–20°C, creating a 15–18°C swing between afternoon and pre-dawn. Nocturnal ventilation — opening windows from 11 PM through 7 AM — is one of the most effective passive cooling strategies available, capable of dropping indoor temperature to comfortable levels before the next afternoon peak.
Madrid's air quality has improved significantly since the Madrid Central low-emission zone launched in 2018. The city centre regularly sees AQI below 30. The main summer challenge is ground-level ozone, peaking on hot, still afternoons — exactly when temperatures already argue against opening windows.
In July, the warmest month in Madrid, afternoons reach 35 °C on average and nights fall to 20 °C. The coolest air arrives between 06:00 and 09:00 (21 °C on average): that is when opening the windows cools the home fastest.
In January, the coldest month, air the rooms for 5–10 minutes around 17:00, the mildest hour (10 °C on average). Average humidity is 78%, so short, wide-open airing keeps condensation and mould away without losing much heat.
Fine particles (PM2.5) are usually lowest around 17:00 (7 µg/m³) and highest around 23:00 (12 µg/m³).
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Humidity | Coolest hours | PM2.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11 °C | 2 °C | 78% | 08:00–11:00 | 14 |
| February | 14 °C | 3 °C | 71% | 07:00–10:00 | 14 |
| March | 16 °C | 5 °C | 67% | 07:00–10:00 | 9 |
| April | 20 °C | 8 °C | 58% | 06:00–09:00 | 8 |
| May | 25 °C | 12 °C | 50% | 06:00–09:00 | 6 |
| June | 30 °C | 17 °C | 44% | 06:00–09:00 | 9 |
| July | 35 °C | 20 °C | 31% | 06:00–09:00 | 7 |
| August | 35 °C | 21 °C | 32% | 06:00–09:00 | 9 |
| September | 27 °C | 15 °C | 53% | 06:00–09:00 | 7 |
| October | 22 °C | 12 °C | 64% | 07:00–10:00 | 8 |
| November | 15 °C | 6 °C | 79% | 07:00–10:00 | 11 |
| December | 11 °C | 4 °C | 83% | 08:00–11:00 | 14 |
Data: Open-Meteo historical archive, hourly averages 2021–2025 (air quality 2023–2025), local time.
How to air your home in winter in Madrid without condensation and mould →
In Madrid, the best ventilation times are typically early morning (5–8 AM) and late evening (after sunset) when outdoor temperatures drop below indoor levels.
Yes, in most weather conditions. Open windows can drop indoor temperature by 2–5°C in 30 minutes if outdoor air is cooler. Check the live recommendation above for tonight.
Above 80% humidity, opening windows can make indoor air feel sticky. Combine with dehumidifier or wait for drier hours.