After Spring makes it's entrance and the clocks go forward in March, the whole city seems to become a much more joyous place. More daylight hours and flowering parks make Madrid the ideal city to visit and wander through. Bring waterproofs when coming in April, though, since what rain there is tends to fall in this month and early May. Summer in Madrid means blistering heat, reaching its zenith in late July and the month of August. Madrid virtually closes in August, the Madrile os escaping from the concrete to Spain's coastal areas and many bars, restaurants and some museums shutting shop for the month.
Autumn is a particularly attractive season, bringing golden colours to Madrid's parks.
The warm temperatures normally continue through to late October, making this time of year one of the most recommendable for visiting the city. During the winter months in central Spain, a warm overcoat and gloves will be needed to protect you from sometimes fierce cold and winds. Otherwise, no special recommendations are necessary - just check the average temperatures for the time of year you're going to be here and be yourself. Madrid is not as relaxed as most coastal areas where shorts and sandals are concerned, but certainly it's not so rigid that you'll look out of place if this is your choice of summer clothing. Madrile os are well accustomed to seeing tourists in shorts.