Hi Jeremy,

I am coming to Madrid on September 14th
to study language at the Uni Complutense. A few of myfriends want to visit Madrid while I am there, but the problem is that one of them is a student and the only convenient time for her to come is over her winter
break. Seeing that it is her first trip outside of the US barring Tijuana, I want her to have a fabulous time (which I am positive she will find in Madrid). I spent 6 weeks in Salamanca during the summer, so I
have no idea what to expect regarding climate for Madrid winters. I read one of the posts stating that it will be about -2 to -4 degrees Celcius, which isn't
too bad (although we are Californians). The problem, though, is that I want her to see the Spain that I saw...where everyone sits outside in the plazas and the tunas walk around until the morning hours, etc. Is
Madrid still like that in the winter or does it close up a bit more? I don't want her to lose any flavor due to adverse weather conditions, you know. What have you experienced living in Madrid over the
winters? Is the Mediterranean feel less obvious? Would she be better off just waiting until May or June?

Thanks so much for anything you can tell me about this. I appreciate your help.

-Erin

Well Erin, Madrid is amazing all year round so I would have her over whenever she can make it.

Obviously in December you ladies will not be able to enjoy the outdoor dining on the "Terrazas" that the warmer months offer but there is much more to the city than that as you know

As for the climate, I am from N.Y. so I do not find the winters here in Madrid bad at all. In fact, my girlfriend and I spent the month of December last year in N.Y. and she (being from Madrid) thought it was the coldest place on earth

I guess being from California, it will be different for you and your friends but I encourage you to take advantage of X-mas time in Madrid for it is, although different than the summers, a great time to be here with all the holiday cheer and festivities

You can see my Madrid calendar at www.multimadrid.com/madrid_calendar/mad_calendar.htm for events that take place in the city throughout the yeat to see what the winter months are like.

Also, the -2�, -4� temps are not the norm for the winter here in the city so you can assume it will normally be a bit warmer (ie 1�-5�) which is not bad at all. Keep in mind that the cold in Madrid is not as bad as people may think because it is a "dry cold" rather than a "wet cold" (with high humidity) that is usually more bone-chilling.

Saludos,
jer...

p.d. If you want her to see the Madrid you know and love (tunos, terrazas,etc...) I would highly recommend her waiting for May for it is, in my opinion, the best month to be in Madrid, once again, go to www.multimadrid.com/madrid_calendar/mad_calendar.htm and flip through the months until you hit May, you will see what i mean
.