madrid has a borderline cold semi-arid climate ("bsk" in the köppen climate classification) and a hot-summer mediterranean climate ("csa" in the köppen climate classification). most rain falls in autumn and spring. the winters are cool because it is high up, and occasionally it snows. the summers are hot and dry. often the temperature is above 30 °c (86 °f) in july and august and can often reach 40 °c (104 °f). at night it is much cooler. this is why many offices and businesses are closed and people have a sleep (siesta) in the afternoon when it is hot. then they come out again in late afternoon and often eat dinner late at night.