Month guide · Madrid · Spain
Madrid in May
What May is really like in Madrid: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Madrid. Expect average highs of 22°C (72°F), lows of 11°C (52°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 14.4 hours of daylight. Warm, sunny and one of the best months, with the city's own festivals and terraces full in the evenings.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 22°C (72°F) / 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 14.4 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Madrid: days average 22°C (72°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 11°C (52°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with April (18°C (64°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:58
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 21:24
- Daylight
- About 14.4 hours
Spring (March–May). Warming days, Easter processions and San Isidro in May; the Retiro is in bloom and terraces fill in the evenings.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is April at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in 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)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Historic site · Parque del Oeste
Temple of Debod
Come at sunset and then walk south along the gardens to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral as they light up.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
Park · Arganzuela
Madrid Río
A riverside park built over a buried ring-road tunnel along the Manzanares, with cycle paths, playgrounds, fountains, historic bridges such as the Puente de Toledo and modern footbridges.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
Viewpoint · Gran Vía
Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop
Go about an hour before sunset and stay for the city lights; drinks are pricey but the view is the reason.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- After dark
Experience · Parque del Oeste
Teleférico cable car
A cable car opened in 1969 glides about 2.5 km from Paseo del Pintor Rosales over the Manzanares to the Casa de Campo, Madrid's largest park.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Views
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 22°C, lows near 11°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Madrid?
One of the best months to visit Madrid, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April, June and September–October. Compare every month.
Madrid in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Madrid?
It is one of the best months to visit Madrid. Warm, sunny and one of the best months, with the city's own festivals and terraces full in the evenings.
+How warm is Madrid in May?
Average highs are around 22°C (72°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Madrid in May?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.