What's the best time to visit Madrid?
The best time to visit Madrid is in late spring and early fall, when warm temperatures and fewer tourists make exploring its vibrant squares and gardens a delight. During these seasons, you can experience rich cultural festivities like Semana Santa and the Festival of San Isidro. Autumn also brings art fairs and the excitement of the soccer season, providing a diverse mix of activities for visitors.
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of its most important cities in terms of art, culture, and history. It is a must-visit for any person coming to the country.
Madrid is a favorite destination for art lovers, thanks to the world-famous Prado Museum. For centuries, the city has been the seat of the Spanish royal family, who built monumental buildings such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and the El Retiro Park.
Of course, you can also discover the best of modern Spanish culture, from following soccer superstars Real Madrid to people-watching stylish locals sipping coffees.
To make the most of trip, you really want to visit at the right time. We’ll can help you plan your trip and know when to go, including the least busy, cheapest, worst, and best times to visit Madrid; let us be your guide!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Madrid
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The overall best time to visit Madrid is either during late spring or early fall, when the weather is nice and warm and there are fewer crowds causing long lines at the most famous attractions.
The weather in Madrid is an important factor when it comes to planning your trip. The city does have plenty of indoor attractions such as museums that you can enjoy no matter what time of year you are there.
However, part of the charm of visiting Madrid is enjoying the plazas and squares where you can people-watch, which is harder to do when the weather isn’t pleasant.
According to Madrid’s official tourism site, spring and fall have warm temperatures. The temperature is usually between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20 degrees Celsius). In late spring (May) and early fall (September and October), you can also expect clear skies.
Summer and winter are far more extreme. Summer is very sunny and hot, and tourists can even get heatstroke from spending too much time indoors. Although Spain has a reputation as a warm country, winters can get surprisingly cold in Madrid.
Spring and fall each have their charms in Madrid. Spring is the best for exploring the many parks and gardens in Madrid, thanks to the blooms.
The official tourism board recommends spending plenty of time in the city’s parks, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, during the spring. During this time, popular outdoor activities such as the puppet stage in El Retiro Park finally open up.
Spring is also the season where Madrid’s most important holidays take place and when you can see some of the most important festivals that locals celebrate. The week before Easter in Spain, or Semana Santa, is the most important time of the year.
Visitors can experience the city’s renowned holy brotherhood parade, taste traditional Easter delicacies, and check out traditional music demonstrations organized around the holiday.
One Madrid-specific spring festival is the Festival of San Isidro, Madrid’s patron saint, which happens every May. This festival is great if you want to see normally tight-laced city residents let loose.
Expect plenty of music festivals, a traditional Romeria in San Isidro Park, and even dancing in the streets. It’s a perfect event for getting a taste of local culture. This festival also sees the peak of Madrid’s bullfighting season, which is not for the faint of heart.
Autumn also has its fair share of events, such as:
- Buitrago del Lozoya’s Medieval Fair (September)
- Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (September)
- ESTAMPA Contemporary Art Fair (October)
- Suma Flamenca Festival (October-November)
Autumn is also a great time for sports fans to visit Madrid. The soccer season starts in mid-August and is in full swing by September. Visitors can catch a game at Real Madrid’s or Atletico Madrid’s stadiums and take in the atmosphere in this sports-mad city.
Cheapest Time to Visit Madrid
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The cheapest time to visit Madrid is during the winter (with the exception of the Christmas season), when hotels and flights tend to offer discounts.
Winter in Madrid is the low season. Between November and February, not that many people visit the city with most of them chased away by the cold, windy winters that the city experiences despite its Mediterranean location.
To try and get some occupancy during the low season, most hotels lower their rates during this time. The most affordable time to fly in Europe is usually mid-January.
After the holidays and New Year’s travel are over and people are returning to work, airlines tend to offer discounts to those who travel during this post-holiday dead zone. However, check the events calendar before you book.
There are certain popular events that happen in winter in Madrid, such as the February edition of Fashion Week or the Madrid Carnival, during which prices go up. Christmas is also an expensive time to visit Madrid as many people want to take in the holiday magic.
In Spain, the holiday season doesn’t end on December 25th, but on January 6th. If you want to take in local traditions, visit during this time to check out the Three Kings’ Day parade.
Least Busy Time to Visit Madrid
MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 5 : Christmas market stalls on Plaza Mayor December 5, 2012 in Madrid Spain. Grand Christmas Market is a popular attraction for tourists and locals in December/Studio Barcelona/Shutterstock
The least busy time to visit Madrid is during the winter (outside of the Christmas season), when the cold weather chases off many potential visitors. The least popular month among visitors in Madrid is January, when the weather tends to be cold and gray.
A lot of outdoor attractions, such as the parks, are either unpleasant to visit, have shortened hours, or are closed altogether. There is still plenty to do in Madrid during the winter.
Lines for popular indoor attractions, such as the Prado Museum, are much shorter than they are during the peak season. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy local specialty dishes, which are often too heavy to sit comfortably in the stomach in the summer.
Plus, if you visit in late January or February, you’ll be blessed with plenty of sunshine and the locals brave the chill to sit outside on café terraces anyway.
Worst Time to Visit Madrid
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 11, 2018: Preciados street in Madrid. This is the most commercial street in the Spain capital. Every day hundreds of people carry out their purchases here/F.J. Carneros/Shutterstock
The worst time to visit Madrid is during the summer, which is when the crowds peak and the weather often becomes unbearable. Summer is high season in Madrid, because that is when most people can travel due to school and work vacations.
That means that you can expect long lines for popular attractions and crowds throughout the streets and public transportation — and more pickpockets, who are attracted by the crowds. Walking around in Madrid during the summer isn’t pleasant because it is very hot and muggy.
You’ll understand quickly why most Spaniards take a siesta in the middle of the afternoon. The city also shuts down in August because most locals take their vacation time then.
Many popular restaurants and other businesses are closed for the month as the staff go on vacation, so expect a lot of the things that you want to do to be inaccessible! That being said, there are benefits to visiting the city during the summer if that is the only time when you can visit.
Summer is when the city’s most popular festivals happen, such as Madrid Pride, so you can really party with the locals. Nightlife is also at its peak, with people sitting outdoors until well after dark. During the day, cool off in the city’s many parks.
Madrid by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Madrid? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Madrid range from 2 to 12°C (36-54°F). January is an excellent time for exploring the city’s museums, such as the Prado and Reina Sofia. Visitors can also enjoy winter sales in the shopping districts.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cool temperatures between 3 to 13°C (37-55°F). It’s a great month for strolling in Retiro Park, visiting the Royal Palace, and indulging in traditional Spanish cuisine.
March
As spring begins March, temperatures in Madrid range from 6 to 16°C (43-61°F). This is a perfect time for exploring the historic neighborhoods of La Latina and Malasaña, attending cultural events, and enjoying outdoor terraces.
April
Spring temperatures in Madrid range from 8 to 18°C (46-64°F). It’s an ideal time for admiring the cherry blossoms in Retiro Park, attending the Feria de Abril festivities, and exploring the Puerta del Sol square.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 12 to 22°C (54-72°F). It’s a great month for outdoor activities like cycling in Casa de Campo, visiting the Temple of Debod, and participating in the San Isidro Festival.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 16 to 28°C (61-82°F). June offers opportunities for enjoying open-air concerts, attending the Pride Parade, and exploring Madrid’s nightlife.
July
July maintains hot temperatures from 18 to 32°C (64-90°F). It’s a popular month for escaping the city heat by visiting the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, enjoying rooftop bars, and attending outdoor film screenings.
August
Temperatures in August range from 18 to 32°C (64-90°F). While some locals go on vacation, visitors can explore Madrid’s cultural attractions with fewer crowds, enjoy outdoor markets, and experience the Verbena de la Paloma festival.
September
As fall begins in September, Madrid’s temperatures range from 16 to 28°C (61-82°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for visiting the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, attending fashion events, and enjoying the Feria de San Miguel.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 11 to 20°C (52-68°F). It’s a great month for exploring El Rastro flea market, visiting the Sorolla Museum, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Mayor.
November
Fall temperatures range from 6 to 14°C (43-57°F). November is perfect for exploring the Retiro Gardens, visiting the National Archaeological Museum, and attending cultural performances.
December
In December, winter returns to Madrid with temperatures ranging from 3 to 11°C (37-52°F). December brings opportunities for festive activities, such as exploring the Christmas markets, enjoying holiday lights, and attending traditional Spanish Christmas celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Madrid,Spain 25 July,2014, Street decorated with colored umbrellas/Lukasz Janyst/Shutterstock
Here are a few common questions that people have also asked about visiting Madrid:
What is the best month to visit Madrid, Spain?
The best month to visit Madrid, Spain is May, which is when the weather is already fairly warm but not too hot, there aren’t as many tourist crowds, and you get to see the city’s feast day.
What is the cheapest time to visit Madrid?
The cheapest time to visit Madrid is in November, January, or February. This is the low season and you can get discounts on hotel rates and flights.
How many days do you need in Madrid?
If you are anxious to explore other parts of Spain, then you can spend just two days in Madrid and move on. However, you can spend up to seven days here.
What are the rainy months in Madrid?
October and November are the rainiest months in Madrid. It also rains a lot in March and early April.
Is Madrid an expensive city?
Compared to the rest of Spain, Madrid is fairly expensive to visit, but it is less expensive than many other European capitals.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Madrid?
The best time to visit Madrid is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and warm and you can avoid the worst of the summer crowds.
So, with so much to see and do and plenty of amazing times to go, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Madrid has to offer. Happy travels!