Madrid experiences a Mediterranean climate with strong continental influences (Köppen climate classification: *Csa*), largely due to its high elevation and inland location.
* **Temperatures:** Summers are hot and dry, with July and August highs routinely exceeding 32°C (90°F) and occasionally breaching 40°C (104°F). Winters are cool to cold, with average daytime highs around 10°C (50°F) and nighttime lows frequently dropping to near freezing. * **Precipitation:** Rainfall is relatively sparse, averaging about 400 mm (16 inches) annually. It peaks during autumn and spring. * **Snowfall:** Snow is rare in the city center but occasionally occurs, usually melting quickly. The nearby Sierra de Guadarrama receives significant winter snow. * **Best Time to Visit:** Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the city on foot. * **Natural Disasters:** The region is largely sheltered from major natural disasters, though it can experience summer heatwaves and, very rarely, severe winter storms (such as Storm Filomena in 2021).