Best time to visit · Madrid · Spain
The best time to visit Madrid
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The best times to visit Madrid are April to June and September to October, when days are warm and sunny without the fierce heat of high summer. July and August are very hot, though August is quieter and cheaper; winter is cold but bright, with low prices and uncrowded museums.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- March and November–December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 10°C (50°F))
- Rainiest month
- April (~7 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and August
Seasons
Madrid has a continental Mediterranean climate shaped by its 650-metre altitude: hot, dry summers that often exceed 35°C, cold but sunny winters with occasional frost, and pleasant springs and autumns.
March–May
Spring
Warming days, Easter processions and San Isidro in May; the Retiro is in bloom and terraces fill in the evenings.
June–August
Summer
Hot and dry with temperatures often above 35°C in July and August; nights out are long, and August is quieter as locals leave.
September–November
Autumn
Warm September days, mild October and cooler November, with full cultural calendars and good day-trip weather.
December–February
Winter
Cold, often sunny days and frosty nights, with Christmas lights, the Three Kings parade and the January sales.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 3°C | 6 | 9.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 12°C | 4°C | 5 | 10.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 16°C | 6°C | 4 | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 18°C | 8°C | 7 | 13.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 22°C | 11°C | 6 | 14.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 28°C | 16°C | 3 | 15 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 32°C | 19°C | 1 | 14.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 31°C | 19°C | 1 | 13.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 26°C | 15°C | 3 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 19°C | 11°C | 6 | 11 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 13°C | 6°C | 6 | 9.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 10°C | 3°C | 6 | 9.3 h | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Three Kings parade — Cabalgata de Reyes through the centre (5 January); January sales (from early January) |
| February | ARCOmadrid contemporary art fair (usually late February or early March); Carnival parades and costume events (February or March) |
| March | Semana Santa processions (March or April, depending on Easter) |
| April | Madrid Marathon (usually April); Madrid Open tennis tournament (usually late April to early May) |
| May | Dos de Mayo celebrations, especially in Malasaña (2 May); San Isidro — Madrid's patron saint festival with traditional dress and street dances (around 15 May) |
| June | Madrid Book Fair in the Retiro (usually late May to mid-June); Madrid Pride (MADO) — one of Europe's largest Pride celebrations (usually late June to early July) |
| July | Veranos de la Villa — summer arts festival (July–August) |
| August | Verbenas of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma — traditional neighbourhood fiestas (early to mid-August) |
| October | Fiesta Nacional de España — military parade (12 October); Fiesta de la Trashumancia — shepherds lead flocks of sheep through central Madrid (usually late October) |
| November | Madrid Jazz Festival (usually November) |
| December | Christmas market in Plaza Mayor (usually late November to late December); New Year's Eve twelve grapes at Puerta del Sol (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February and August, and the sights are quietest in January–February and August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Madrid?
The best times to visit Madrid are April to June and September to October, when days are warm and sunny without the fierce heat of high summer. July and August are very hot, though August is quieter and cheaper; winter is cold but bright, with low prices and uncrowded museums.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Madrid?
Usually in January–February and August. Cold, crisp and often sunny, with frosty nights; museums are quiet and the January sales begin.
+What is the rainiest month in Madrid?
April, with about 7 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Madrid get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F).