Retiro in July

April through June brings perfect weather for park strolls and outdoor museum queues, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. September and October offer similar conditions with fewer crowds and golden light that photographers love. Summer gets brutal - Madrid hits 95°F+ regularly in July and August. Museums blast air conditioning, but walking between them becomes a sweaty ordeal. Many locals flee the city in August, so some restaurants close, but museum lines are shorter. Winter works if you don't mind gray skies and temperatures in the 40s. January and February see the fewest tourists, meaning shorter waits at the Prado and Reina Sofía. Just pack layers - Madrid's dry cold cuts through light jackets.