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Madrid--how unbearable in early Sept?

Hola:

In the first week of September, my spouse and I will fly from Berlin to Spain, landing at Madrid airport on Sept 3. Then, on Sept 8, we will fly out of Madrid to Menorca.

So, I am wondering what we should do on Sept 3-7. This gives us 4.5 days to explore in one place. My spouse's company has a Madrid office and he can work there during those days. The rationale is that, since it'll be so hot in Madrid, he should just stay in an air conditioned environment during the day and get paid for it. We will rent a vacation rental with a pool for sure.

Alternatively, we can find a cooler place to go visit, but it seems that 4.5 days isn't really enough to fully explore one place, taking into account transit time. Also, cooler cities in Northern Spain, such as Bilbao, aren't connected with the high speed rail system. This means that we have to take the slow trains (spouse wants to reduce flying), which my spouse will most likely not ride.

So, I am wondering, how bad is summer heat in Madrid really? How does it compare to say, Southern California and Northern California? I was just in Madrid for 1.5 days, during which it was 88-91F. It was not as bad as I imagined, esp. if one finds a shade.

So, to work or not to work, that is the question. I need your advice. Muchos Garcias.

Posted by
10344 posts

You'll be staying/sleeping in an air-conditioned place--yes?

Posted by
1603 posts

We were in Madrid in the middle of September in 2017, and temps were in the 80's. We found it very tolerable.

Posted by
1434 posts

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, I will be sleeping in an apt with AC.

Posted by
10344 posts

You won't have an accurate idea of the actual weather until about a week before your trip, when you can get actual forecasts instead of averages.

Posted by
4573 posts

Wunderground website gives you historical temps and precipitation. I look at the past 3-4 years for trends.

Posted by
1434 posts

Thanks, everybody. I'd better be prepared for heat due to global climate change. Thus, I will book a hotel/apartment with a pool.

Posted by
6897 posts

If you're sleeping somewhere with AC you'll be fine. Air conditioned cabs and ubers are cheap, there's AC in the metro, stores are plentiful for a cooling break, museums are cool inside... Even if it's 95F you'll be able to get around and enjoy the city. Just avoid direct sun.

Posted by
4573 posts

Pools aren't that common and may close in September. Check before committing.

Posted by
1434 posts

Thanks. Yes, I am shocked to find out what pools aren't that common even at hotels. I will be in Madrid in the first week of Sept (staying at Airbnb with gym and pool) and then in mid-Sept (staying at hotel with pool).

I easily get heat-stroke and therefore must take every precaution.