April is a popular time to visit Spain, and Madrid in particular draws large crowds throughout the month. If you want to avoid the long processions that characterize Holy Week, Madrid is a good place to visit, as the city is not famous for its Easter celebrations. On the other hand, if you don’t want to experience Holy Week in Toledo, the Spanish capital is an ideal place to stay, and Toledo is a comfortable day trip from Madrid.
But what kind of weather can you expect? Does Madrid fall badly from the April rains? Most websites will give you averages, but the weather is rarely average . Note that if it has ever rained in a day, the average rainfall for that day will be some rain. Also, average temperatures don’t tell you about the ups and downs to expect.
Madrid weather in April
April weather can be pretty lazy, not just in Madrid, but throughout Spain. While the sun and heat of spring are abundant, rains do occur, and so do unexpected cold fronts. Keep these tips in mind so you can pack for the weather.
Temperatures in Madrid vary greatly towards the beginning of the month, and anything between 50 and 77 ° F is not uncommon. Bring clothing that can be easily layered, as temperature fluctuations are especially common throughout the day (may freeze when you go out in the morning, but warm enough to remove your jacket in the afternoon).
In mid-April, things start to heat up, with averages in the low 70s Fahrenheit. However, it can be quite cold at times, especially at night. If you plan to experience Madrid’s iconic nightlife, plan your outfit accordingly.
There are not many changes between mid and end of April. Temperatures remain relatively stable in the low 70s Fahrenheit near the end of the month as well.
Overall, Madrid’s average high temperature in April is 63 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is 41 degrees Fahrenheit. If this seems a bit lower than expected, be aware of the wildly fluctuating temperatures that are especially common early in the month.
When it comes to rain, April is one of the wettest months in Madrid, rivaling only November and December. The Spanish capital sees an average of 10 rainy days in April and an average rainfall of about 2 inches.
As you can see, the total rain is not that much, even though a full third of the month sees rainy days. This is because, although it obviously rains quite a bit in April in Madrid, the rains tend to be brief, and massive downpours are rare. Take an umbrella with you so you don’t get caught off guard, but the rain probably isn’t bad enough to ruin your sightseeing plans. Instead, plan a lot of that famous Spanish sun for the most part.
What to pack for Madrid in April
Besides an umbrella, there are a few other things you’ll want to bring with you on your spring visit to the Spanish capital. When it comes to clothing, think in layers. Due to temperatures that vary widely from morning to night, it is a good idea to place several items that can be worn and removed during the day as needed.
Here in Madrid, as well as throughout Spain, locals generally dress according to the season, rather than the weather. That means that even if the temperatures hit 70 degrees (as has happened in the past), you will likely still see Madrilenians dressed in light jackets and long pants. It is still spring, after all. Keep this unofficial dress code in mind if you want to look like a local.
For accessories, you can’t go wrong with a stylish pair of sunglasses. As things start to heat up, sunlight is plentiful and you’ll want to protect your eyes from the fierce rays.
Madrid or Barcelona: which has better weather in April?
The weather in April in Barcelona is a bit cooler than in Madrid and tends to be more humid in Catalonia than in the capital. But with April weather so unpredictable across the country, it all comes down to luck when it comes to the weather.
If you’re still unsure whether visiting Madrid in April is right for you, check out our comprehensive guide to planning the perfect trip to Madrid. You’ll get an overview of each weather and event season, so you’ll know what to expect no matter when you go.