Best Time to Explore Madrid
For experiencing fewer crowds and delightful weather, the optimal time to explore Madrid is during spring or fall. Moreover, these seasons offer budget-friendly options due to lower accommodation prices.
Year-Round Madrid Exploration
Regardless of the time of year you choose to visit Madrid, a remarkable experience awaits. In this guide, we will comprehensively detail the weather conditions and events for each month, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
Weather in Madrid
Madrid’s deceptive high altitude, situated 650 meters above sea level, results in considerable temperature variations across seasons.
- Spring: The best weather occurs in spring, with average daytime temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit during March and April, rising to the high 60s by May. While spring, particularly April, experiences some rain, it’s typically light and easily manageable with a compact umbrella.
- Fall: Fall also offers pleasant weather, with temperatures remaining in the 60s Fahrenheit throughout September and October.
- Winter: Winters are chilly, with an average daytime temperature of 48 degrees F in December. However, the abundant Spanish sunshine makes it more tolerable.
- Summer: Summers in Madrid can be scorching. June is relatively mild, with temperatures in the 80s F, but July and August can see temperatures soaring past 90 and even reaching 100 degrees.
Crowds & Availability
- During July and August, tourist numbers surge, causing locals to escape the city for the coast. If you visit Madrid in the summer, anticipate long lines at attractions like the Royal Palace and temporary closures of many local shops, restaurants, and family-owned businesses while their owners are on vacation.
Prices
- Higher tourist numbers lead to increased accommodation costs in Madrid during the summer months. If budget is a concern, consider visiting during the low season for more affordable lodging options.
January
January, falling in the midst of the low season, offers lower crowds and consequently, more economical accommodation rates. While snow is uncommon, Madrid’s high altitude can make it feel colder due to wind chill. Additionally, January marks the start of Madrid’s semi-annual sales periods (rebajas), making it an ideal time for shopping.
Events to Explore:
- The Three Kings Parade on January 5 brings biblical Wise Men who distribute presents to children on January 6. The streets come alive with spectators of all ages.
- On January 17, the San Antón festival sees pet owners parading their furry friends through Madrid’s streets to the San Antón Church for a ceremonial blessing of the animals.
February
February brings a gradual warming, with average daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 50s F. Accommodation deals continue during this time, and the rebajas season remains in full swing.
Events to Explore:
- Candlemas on February 2 is marked by colorful processions and light-hearted makeshift bullfights throughout Madrid’s streets.
- Most years, Carnival falls in February, featuring costumes, music, dancing, and an emblematic parade.
March
Spring blooms in March, offering a chance to shed winter coats by mid-to-late month. Crowds are thinner, making it an excellent time for finding accommodation deals.
Events to Explore:
- Depending on the year, Semana Santa (Holy Week) often falls in March, and some of Spain’s top Semana Santa destinations are easily accessible from Madrid.
April
April brings pleasant temperatures and relatively low tourist crowds, though light rain showers may occur. As the weather warms up, Madrid’s atmosphere becomes even more vibrant.
Events to Explore:
- Festimad is Madrid’s premier music festival, hosting top-name acts from around the world.
- Mulafest, the city’s unique urban festival, encompasses electronic music, tattoos, art exhibitions, and more.
May
With summer approaching, Madrid buzzes with activity. Locals flock to terraces and plazas for al fresco drinks in the sunny, warm weather, with temperatures averaging in the high 60s. May, as the tail end of shoulder season, sees fewer tourists compared to the upcoming months.
Events to Explore:
- Madrid’s San Isidro Festival celebrates its patron saint with drinking, dancing, music, and sweet treats.
- May 2 commemorates Madrid’s triumph over Napoleon’s armies in the early 19th century, with the entire region joining in the celebration.
June
Summer arrives in June, bringing rising temperatures and crowds, although it remains relatively laid-back compared to peak season.
Events to Explore:
- Madrid’s Pride festival, in late June and early July, is one of Europe’s largest, promoting love and acceptance throughout the city.
- The San Juan festival marks the unofficial start of summer, featuring bonfires, music, and dancing until dawn in Retiro Park.
July
July heats up in Madrid, typically the hottest month of the year, with temperatures often in the 90s F. Despite the heat, low humidity makes it bearable. High season is in full swing, leading to larger crowds and higher hotel prices.
Events to Explore:
- Noches del Botánico hosts music concerts throughout the month in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Veranos de la Villa is a cultural festival featuring dramatic arts performances.
August
August retains scorching temperatures in Madrid, but locals head to the beaches, resulting in temporary closures of many shops and restaurants. It’s also the peak tourist season, leading to crowded attractions.
Events to Explore:
- Three authentic cultural events — the San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma festivals — take place successively in three emblematic Madrid neighborhoods in August.
September
As summer wanes, Madrid experiences a milder fall. September remains warm and sunny, but tourist crowds diminish, and accommodation prices start to drop.
Events to Explore:
- DCODE is a massive one-day music festival held on the Complutense University campus.
October
October marks the onset of fall, one of the most pleasant times to visit Madrid. Temperatures are in the 60s F, and tourist crowds have significantly decreased.
Events to Explore:
- Spain’s national day on October 12 is commemorated with military processions and street celebrations.
- Halloween is increasingly embraced by locals, with costumes becoming more common each year.
November
With winter approaching, November brings chillier temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. This low season offers excellent prices and smaller crowds for a more enjoyable experience.
Events to Explore:
- Spaniards honor deceased loved ones on November 1 (All Saint’s Day) by visiting cemeteries to pay respects.
- On November 9, the Virgen de la Almudena Festival is celebrated with flower offerings and religious processions.
December
A festive spirit envelops Madrid as winter holidays approach in December. Though chilly, precipitation is low, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Accommodation prices tend to be lower early in December before rising around Christmas and New Year’s.
Events to Explore:
- Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is a significant celebration in Spain, with special holiday dinner menus available at many restaurants.
- New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) sees Puerta del Sol packed with locals and visitors awaiting the new year’s first chimes at midnight while eating the traditional 12 grapes.