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Madrid is famous for its beautiful architecture, top restaurants, and cultural festivals. And there are many reasons to go– you can visit clubs and bars, see a music concert, or tour the historic cathedral and enjoy coffee in a local café.
Below, we’ll show you the best time to visit Madrid based on weather, prices, and tourism. Discover the best and worst months in Madrid, and learn how to have a great trip no matter what time you visit. Read on to learn more!
Why You Should Visit Madrid
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Madrid is among the best locations in Spain, and the capital is a top tourist destination. It has something for every traveler, from historical sites to world-class cuisine. Take a solo trip and explore the busy streets or bring a group of family and friends.
With our tips, your trip to Madrid will be an unforgettable experience! The rich history of Madrid dates back to the 9th century, and visitors can see ruins and ancient structures.
Islamic leaders, Roman emperors, and modern aristocrats have claimed the area of Madrid over the years, and each culture has left its mark on the region.
Madrid is a beautiful place to admire many styles of architecture and take guided history tours of the city. You’re in luck if you love trying new foods. Madrid hosts some of the best restaurants in the country, from traditional regional eats to international cuisine.
As a city in the central region, Madrid draws from many different culinary traditions of Spain, and you can sample everything from garlic shrimp to Spanish potato omelets. Madrid is a fantastic city to experience history, culture, and good food.
It has some for everyone, including families, groups, and solo travelers, and you can spend a few weeks or get away for a quick weekend. Read on to discover the best time to visit Madrid and other tips about Spain’s capital city.
Overall Best Time to Visit Madrid
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Fall, from September to November, is the best time to visit Madrid. Shops and top destinations are open, and there is plenty to do, despite low tourist traffic.
Madrid is famous for its lush parks and outdoor activities, and the city is beautiful and full of autumnal colors from September to November. The weather is ideal in the fall, and the temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze and a few rainy days.
September is the sunniest month, with nine hours of sunlight, and October is darker, with around five sunny hours a day. The fall isn’t too windy, and speeds hover around five miles per hour.
Besides the beautiful weather, fall is also ideal because of tourism. September, October, and November are the low seasons in Madrid, and you can enjoy the city without all the tourists. There are still a few travelers in the city due to the nice weather, and the streets are lively enough to enjoy the city feel.
Moderate tourism means there are still some events, but the town isn’t as busy as usual. With so many outdoor activities in Madrid, the lower fall temperatures make it an ideal time to visit the city.
Check out the Autumn Festival with dances, concerts, art shows, and more. Or go to the El Rastro Market and do outdoor shopping before the holiday rush.
Cheapest Time to Visit Madrid
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The cheapest time to visit Madrid is between early December and January to March, as hotel rates are lower, and you can find reasonably priced flights easily.
The cold month of December is cheap until prices peak for the holidays, and you can also find good deals in January, February, and March. There isn’t as much to do during this time, but you can still have a great trip, so read on to discover our recommendations.
We suggest booking far in advance to secure the cheapest flights. Two to six months ahead is an ideal time to purchase tickets, and prices will skyrocket if you wait until the last minute.
It’s also a good idea to stay flexible with your schedule, as a cheap flight may open anytime. The weather is not great, and many tourists prefer not to travel at this time.
January is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and only four hours of sunlight per day, and the rest of the winter months are warmer and can reach the 70s.
Temperatures rarely reach freezing in Madrid, and you probably won’t have to worry about snow or weather delays. Compared to the best time to visit, the cheapest time to visit Madrid isn’t as good.
However, despite cold weather and fewer events, there are still some things to do, like the Madrid Carnival in February or the Christmas markets in December.
Least Busy Time to Visit Madrid
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November is the least busy time to visit Madrid. It’s the peak of the Madrid offseason, and few tourists are in the capital city.
Tourists visiting for the summer holidays are gone, but the holiday rush hasn’t begun, making November a great time to visit Madrid. Score deals on flights and book midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday are great days to fly, and you can avoid the weekend rush.
We also suggest avoiding the days leading up to Thanksgiving, as airline prices may increase due to the holiday traffic. The weather during this time is in the upper 50s Fahrenheit, and there are a lot of rainy days.
Madrid gets around 48 inches of rain in November and occasionally a day or two of light snow. Be prepared for short, gray days, as Madrid only gets five hours of sunshine a day in November.
There are plenty of things to do in November, like the La Almudena religious festival in the city plaza. You can also see Christmas lights on the city streets or grab a cup of cocoa at a local cafe.
Worst Time to Visit Madrid
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The height of summer is the worst time to visit Madrid, as June and July are the peak tourist months. Madrid floods with travelers, and the busy city can make your trip miserable, so we recommend choosing another time to visit the city.
However, if you want to visit Madrid in the summer, we have tips to help your trip succeed. Come prepared for the heat in sunny Madrid. June hovers around the upper 80s, but July is the hottest month in Madrid, reaching up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
We suggest packing lightweight clothes and stocking up on sunscreen. You can still get a good deal during this busy time if you book in advance.
Call ahead and see if hotels have any discounts, or you can try to stay with friends if you know anyone in Madrid. The summer can get expensive, so consider cheaper restaurants or free activities like the art galleries and museums on certain days.
The weather doesn’t have to ruin your trip. Take advantage of the heat and go swimming. Many hotels in Madrid have outdoor pools, but the Puerta de Hierro is another option for an outdoor water park.
Things to Consider
Madrid, Spain. July 2019: Hand with Public transport Multi card of Madrid at an underground metro station/Ivan Marc/Shutterstock
- Consider getting a public transport pass, as Madrid isn’t a great city for driving. Narrow streets and one-way roads can make your trip stressful, but the train and bus systems are a great alternative.
- Madrileños tend to dress well. You’ll see all kinds of styles in the city, but dressing nicely is commonplace. Wear what feels comfortable, but be aware that other people in Madrid might not dress casually.
- Expect late dinners. In Madrid, dinner is often around eight or nine o’clock, and lunches are also later in the afternoon. You may have trouble booking a restaurant earlier in the day.
- Check out the tapas! Madrid is famous for this snack-like cuisine, including olives, cheeses, fried meats, and seafood. Consider going to a casual tapas restaurant to grab a beer and small bites.
- Hostels are a great way to save money. Shared accommodation is quite popular in Europe, and hostels are abundant in Madrid. They are ideal for students or anyone looking to budget.
- Go shopping. Madrid is perfect for people who love clothes shopping, and you can update your wardrobe in this fashionable city.
- You don’t have to tip. In Madrid, the restaurant staff doesn’t expect you to offer tips. Instead, express your thanks by saying ‘gracias!’
Frequently Asked Questions
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Read on to discover the answers to common questions about visiting Madrid:
How many days do you need in Madrid?
Two or three days are enough to see many major sights in Madrid, but you can find plenty to do with a week or two in the city. Stay in the city center near the tourist attractions, and you can see the Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Alcalá arch, and more in just a weekend.
What month is the best weather in Madrid?
The best weather in Madrid is in late spring or early fall. Temperatures are mild and don’t exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and you don’t have to deal with many rainy days. Wind speed is moderate, and there’s usually a gentle breeze in the city.
Is Madrid or Barcelona better?
Madrid and Barcelona are both beautiful cities, but Madrid is cheaper to visit. Madrid also has a larger population with more events, festivals, concerts, and museums. The capital city also has more restaurants than Barcelona.
Which part of Madrid is the best to visit?
The Centro is the top tourist destination in Madrid, and its rich history and beautiful architecture make it an ideal place to stay. The Centro is near the famous Plaza Mayor and has many events and activities. Huertas is another location with great nightlife, and Retiro has classy hotels and art galleries. Consider Argüelles if you want to stay in a residential area with open spaces and parks.
Do they speak English in Madrid?
Madrid is among the best Spanish cities for English speakers, and many locals speak English. Students in Spanish schools usually learn English, so you may be able to converse well with the younger generations. However, many older Madrileños can’t speak English, so consider bringing a Spanish translation guide.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Madrid?
The best time to visit Madrid is in the fall, as September, October, and November have the best weather, with moderate temperatures and fewer sunny days. The tourist trade is slower, and there’s still plenty to do in town. Visit during this time, and your trip to Madrid will be unforgettable!