For fewer crowds and good weather, the best time to visit Madrid is in the spring or fall. In addition to these benefits, you will also enjoy lower prices on accommodation during off-peak and shoulder seasons, making them inexpensive options as well.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Madrid, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to expect based on the weather and events each month of the year, to make your trip easier and more enjoyable overall.
The weather in Madrid
Madrid’s deceptively high altitude (650 meters above sea level) means that temperatures can vary quite a bit from season to season. In general, you will experience the best weather in the spring, when the average daytime temperature is in the low 60s in March and April, and in the low 60s in May. Spring (particularly April) is one of the rainiest times of the year, but typical drizzles and light rains are nothing a compact umbrella can’t fix.
Fall is also quite pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the 60s Fahrenheit through September and October. Winter is cold, with an average daytime temperature of 48 degrees F in December, but the abundant Spanish sun makes it more bearable.
Summers are scorching in Madrid. June is relatively mild, with temperatures in the 80s, but that can rise beyond 90 and even 100 degrees in July and August.
Crowds and availability
As tourists arrive in Madrid during July and August, locals flee the city and head for the coasts. If visiting Madrid during the summer, be aware that lines at attractions like the Royal Palace are likely to be long, and many local shops, restaurants, and businesses, especially those that are family-owned, may close for a few weeks while their owners are away. holidays.
Prices
More people means more money, which means that accommodation prices can skyrocket in Madrid during the summer months. If budget is your biggest concern, visit during the off-season for better accommodation deals.
January
The first month of the year falls right in the middle of the low season in Madrid, and crowds generally mean low prices on accommodation. Snow is not common, but the high altitude of Madrid will make it seem colder than it really is with the wind chill. January also marks the start of the first of Madrid’s two semi-annual sales (sales ) periods, making it the best shopping season.
Events to watch:
- The Three Wise Men Parade takes place every year on January 5. Here in Spain, sages of biblical tradition bring gifts to children during the holiday season on January 6, and when they arrive in Madrid the night before, the streets are lined with eager onlookers. young and old alike.
- January 17 is the San Antón festival, during which pet owners parade their furry friends through the streets of Madrid to the Church of San Antón for the ceremonial blessing of the animals.
February
Things slowly but surely start to heat up in February, with daytime temperatures averaging 50 ° F to 50 ° F. Price-wise, lodging deals are still plentiful and the sale season is still in full swing.
Events to watch:
- On February 2, La Candelaria is celebrated, marked by colorful processions and improvised bullfights (using a “bull” made of wood, a joyous alternative for those who can’t stand the real one) in the streets of Madrid.
- Most years, Carnival also falls during February. While not as famous as the celebrations in Tenerife or Cádiz, Madrid’s carnival festivities feature many costumes, music, and dancing, in addition to the iconic parade.
March
Spring has arrived and Madrid is prospering. You may still need a winter coat at the beginning of the month, but in mid to late March you will be able to swap it out for a light spring jacket. Crowds are also relatively sparse during this month, so it’s a good time to grab some accommodation deals.
Events to watch:
- Depending on the year, Easter often falls in March, and some of the top Easter destinations in Spain are easily within reach of Madrid (day trip, anyone?).
April
While you may not be able to avoid a light rain, April generally sees pleasant temperatures and relatively low tourist crowds. As the weather warms up, the atmosphere in Madrid becomes even more vibrant and lively than usual.
Events to watch:
- The Festimad music festival is the biggest and best in Madrid, featuring the best artists from around the world.
- Mulafest is the most unique and diverse urban festival in the city, with everything from electronic music to tattoos to art exhibitions.
May
With summer just around the corner, Madrid is bustling with activity. The terraces and squares fill with locals enjoying drinks outside in the warm, sunny weather (with temperatures averaging 60 degrees). At the end of the shoulder season, May sees fewer tourists than in the next few months.
Events to watch:
- Madrid celebrates its patron saint during the San Isidro Festival, which includes drinking, dancing, music, and lots of sweets.
- The Madrid region is the star of the show on May 2, a grand celebration commemorating the city’s triumph over Napoleon’s armies in the early 19th century.
June
Summer is here, and although the temperatures and crowds start to rise in June, it is still a relatively relaxed month compared to the rest of the season.
Events to watch:
- Madrid’s Pride festival is one of the largest in Europe, spreading love and acceptance throughout the city in late June and early July.
- The San Juan festival marks the unofficial start of summer. Madrilenians head to the Retiro Park for a night of bonfires, music and dancing until dawn.
July
The heat is on the rise in Madrid in July, which is usually the hottest month of the year in the city. Temperatures are typically in the 90s, but low humidity makes the heat more bearable. Peak season is also in full swing, so expect bigger crowds and higher hotel prices.
Events to watch:
- Botanical Nights is the summer’s must-see musical event, with concerts throughout the month at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Veranos de la Villa is another fantastic cultural festival, featuring impressive performances from the dramatic arts.
August
Scorching temperatures haunt Madrid in August, but the locals don’t. It’s the most popular month of the year for locals to pack up and head to the beach, so don’t be surprised if many shops and restaurants are temporarily closed. It is also high season for tourists, which means that the attractions are more crowded.
Events to watch:
- The three most authentic cultural events of the year, the San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma festivals, take place in three emblematic neighborhoods of Madrid, one after another in August.
September
As the summer wears off, things start to calm down a bit in Madrid, setting the stage for a pleasantly mild fall. September is still relatively warm and sunny, but the tourist crowds clear up and accommodation prices start to drop.
Events to watch:
- DCODE is a massive one-day music festival that takes place on the Complutense University campus.
October
The first full month of autumn is one of the most pleasant times of the year to visit Madrid. Temperatures are in the 60s and the tourist crowds have all but disappeared.
Events to watch:
- Spain’s national day is October 12, commemorated with military processions and street celebrations in Madrid.
- While it is not an exclusively Spanish holiday, locals are embracing Halloween more and more each year. Don’t forget your costume.
November
As winter approaches, Madrid begins to cool down, especially in November mornings and at night. This is the off-season at its best, so take advantage of the great prices and small crowds to really enjoy the city.
Events to watch:
- Spaniards honor their deceased loved ones on November 1 (All Saints’ Day) by visiting cemeteries to deposit flowers and souvenirs on their graves.
- The Festival of the Virgen de la Almudena on November 9 is commemorated with flower offerings and religious processions.
December
A festive spirit takes hold of Madrid as the December winter holidays approach. While the weather is definitely cold, the rainfall is low and it is a pleasant month to enjoy the magical atmosphere. Accommodation prices tend to be lower in early December, increasing around Christmas and New Years.
Events to watch:
- Christmas Eve (Christmas Eve ) is more important than December 25 in Spain. While many businesses are closed, there are many restaurants that offer a special menu for festive dinners.
- On New Years Eve ( Nochevieja ), Puerta del Sol fills up with locals and visitors alike, looking forward to hearing the first chimes of the New Year at midnight and eating the 12 traditional grapes.
