Summer and winter in Madrid are the driest seasons, with most rainfall occurring in the autumn and spring. Summer tends to be warm with temperatures that consistently surpass 30 �C (86 �F) in July and that can often reach 40 �C (104 �F). August is the month when Madrid is at its most peaceful as many of its inhabitants have escaped to the mountains or are sunning themselves on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts. Almost the 3/4 parts of the city's restaurants and markets are closed, but visitors usually find enough for their needs. Only in September does the city open properly for business again.

In July and through most of August, the city simply gets very hot, with temperature frequently touching into the 40's (over 100 Fahrenheit). However, the principal problem with the climat in Madrid during the summer is that it doesn't cool down very much at night, making sleeping uncomfortable for those without air-conditioning. Wear short clothes during the summer in Madrid: Sleeved shirts, shorts, sun glasses, hats to keep the sun off your head. Sandals are a very good idea, and Madrid is a good place to buy them.

If you want to enjoy a formal summer dining, some of the good hotel restaurants have private and peaceful gardens or roof terraces. Some of them are Faisand� Santo Mauro, La Terraza del Casino, El Jard�n de Orfila or the roof terrace at the Hotel Urban.