Live real-time clock for Madrid — Central European Time (CET/CEST)
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Astronomical data for Madrid (40.4168°N, 3.7038°W)
Waxing Gibbous
Madrid operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) despite geographically belonging to the Western European Time zone (UTC+0). In 1940, Spain moved its clocks forward to align with Germany, and the change was never reversed. This means Spanish days start and end later than in countries at similar longitudes, contributing to Spain's famous late-night culture.
The traditional Spanish siesta runs from approximately 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During this period, many small shops and businesses close. While the siesta is less common in modern Madrid's corporate environment, many restaurants still observe a break between lunch service (1:30-4:00 PM) and dinner service (8:30-11:30 PM). Understanding this schedule is crucial for travelers.
Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid matches follow La Liga scheduling. Weekend matches typically kick off at 2:00 PM, 4:15 PM, 6:30 PM, or 9:00 PM CET. Champions League midweek matches start at 9:00 PM CET. The Santiago Bernabéu and Metropolitano stadiums are accessible via metro, and fans typically arrive 30-60 minutes before kickoff.
Madrid is famous for having the latest dinner times in Europe. Restaurants fill up at 10:00-10:30 PM. Tapas bars are busiest from 8:00 PM to midnight. Clubs don't open until midnight and peak at 2:00-4:00 AM. The afterparty scene can continue until 8:00 AM. This schedule stems from Spain's timezone misalignment, which shifted all daily activities later.
The Madrid Metro runs from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM daily. Cercanías commuter trains operate from 5:00 AM to midnight. The AVE high-speed train connects Madrid to Barcelona (2.5h), Seville (2.5h), and Valencia (1.5h). Night buses (búhos) cover major routes from midnight to 6:00 AM on weekends.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather for visiting Madrid. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. Winter is mild but can be cold. The Madrid cultural calendar peaks in May (San Isidro festival) and September-October (cultural season opening).
Madrid uses CET (UTC+1) in winter and CEST (UTC+2) in summer, despite being geographically in the UTC+0 zone.
Traditional siesta is from 2 PM to 5 PM. Many shops close, though this is less common in modern Madrid.
La Liga matches kick off between 2 PM and 9 PM CET on weekends. Champions League games start at 9 PM CET.
Spain uses +34. Madrid's area code is 91.
Spain adopted CET in 1940 to align with Germany. The change was never reversed, contributing to Spain's late-night culture.
Spanish dinner is typically between 9 PM and 11 PM — among the latest in Europe.
Yes, Spain switches to CEST (UTC+2) in March and back to CET (UTC+1) in October.
No, Madrid is 1 hour ahead of London year-round.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal weather.
Traditional: 9 AM-2 PM and 5 PM-8 PM. Modern continuous: 9 AM-6 PM.