What is the best time to visit Madrid?

Wondering when is the best time to visit Madrid Spain? You are in the right place to find out with this comprehensive month-by-month guide.

One of the essential parts of planning a trip to Madrid is figuring out when to come to Spain.

The good news is that the best time to visit Madrid is pretty much anytime. In fact, Madrid has always something to offer to visitors, and every season is special.

In my opinion, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Madrid as you will be rewarded with really nice weather, moderate temperatures, and colorful trees and flowers.

But the best time to go to Madrid depends on your preferences, availability, and budget. Therefore, I have put together this overview to help you learn more about the best time to visit Madrid.

Keep on reading to discover when to visit Madrid.

Planning to visit Madrid, Spain?

Are you looking for spending your vacations somewhere peacefully and stay on budget as well?

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain and one of the best spots in Europe for vacations.

Like any trip, planning your trip to Madrid starts with a series of questions: when to go, where to stay, and what to do.

In order to conclude when is the best time to visit Madrid, the weather is a key variable. Keep on reading to discover how is the climate in Madrid.

Weather in Madrid

Madrid is located in the community which is the central part of the country, at an altitude of nearly 600 meters above sea level.

Madrid enjoys a mix of Mediterranean and Continental climates. Temperatures are not that extreme so it is possible to visit the city all year round.

Every season is different and unique and I’m sure that you will fall in love with Madrid no matter when you go.

However, in my opinion, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Madrid as you will be rewarded with really nice weather, moderate temperatures and with colorful trees and flowers in Madrid`s beautiful parks and gardens.

Spring and fall are very pleasant seasons, they don’t last long though. Summer usually overlaps spring, and winter does the same with autumn.

Visit Madrid in Spring

Spring in Madrid is usually warm and pleasant, with mild temperatures and lots of sunshine. Summer brings high temperatures but with low humidity levels.

Visit Madrid in Summer

Summer in Madrid is warm and dry, especially from mid-July until mid-August where the temperatures could reach 95-104ºF.

Days are very long so you can plan your outdoor activities for the earlier and later hours and do the indoor activities in the midday when the sun is hottest.

You can also enjoy the Spanish siesta and take a nap after lunch.

Visit Madrid in Autumn

Fall is the best time for tourism as the weather is not too hot or cold.

Besides, most days are sunny and the thermal sensation goes up with the daylight, this will help you to enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Madrid.

You need to take into account that the highest and lowest temperatures don’t seem as bad due to the low humidity in Madrid.

Visit Madrid in Winter

Deep winter in Madrid downtown is cold but not extreme. Rainy days are not usual and the city center rarely receives snow.

As thermometers don’t usually go down from 32ºF, you should be fine with just a coat. It’s only during January that travelers may get a glimpse of 25ºF nights.

Besides, most days are sunny and the thermal sensation goes up with the daylight, this will help you to enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Madrid.

You need to take into account that, as in fall, the highest and lowest temperatures don’t seem as bad due to the low humidity.

Weather in Madrid vs Paris and London

As you can see in the chart below, the weather in Madrid is excellent throughout the whole year.

Maximum temperatures in July and August can be a little bit high, so you could plan some indoor activities at the hottest parts of the day or just relax at your hotel until then goes down a little.

Compared to other main capital cities such as Paris or London, the weather in Madrid is awesome.

But it is not just the temperature but also the high level of sunshine.

Looking at the chart below, the percent of sunshine is over 50% throughout the whole year and 80% in July and August. No matter the time you decide to visit Madrid, sunny days are guaranteed.

This way, you will find the days are incredibly long and you will find plenty of time for sightseeing, enjoying terraces, and spending some awesome vacations in Madrid.

And, comparing again with London and Paris, well…, Madrid beats them all time.

Finally, in order to discover when is the best time to visit Madrid, it is convenient to take a look at the average number of rainy days.

In the chart below you can see that the rainy days in Madrid are an exception. As a general rule, no matter the season, rain boots and an umbrella should not be a priority in your luggage.

Again, compared to London and Paris, you will conclude that if you prefer nice weather on your vacations you need to come to Madrid.

When is the High Season in Madrid?

Although July and August are peak season months in Madrid, the number of tourists is quite stable throughout the year.

It just usually decreases a little from November until February, excluding the Christmas holidays.

Nevertheless, crowds are never so intense even in Summer as during the school holidays most of the residents in Madrid leave the city and head to the seaside.

Therefore, especially in August, you could find some stores closed and some attractions will have reduced the opening hours.

In Summer, Madrid is particularly packed with both domestic and international visitors checking out the sights.

As a result, you can expect longer lines at the most popular attractions in Madrid and higher rates for accommodation.

When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Madrid?

If you are searching for saving money on your trip to Madrid, then the post-Christmas period (January and February) is a good bet.

Generally speaking, accommodation prices in Madrid are pretty affordable at all times, especially compared with other major European cities. After Christmas, there is more availability and you could find even lower prices.

It is the best time to visit Madrid for shopping too, as the most popular brands like Zara are on sale in this period of the year.

Weather is not that bad in winter, and temperatures don’t usually go down from 32ºF even at night. It’s only during January that travelers may get a glimpse of 25ºF nights.

Rain and snow are not usual in the city center.

Anyway, most people cannot choose the best time to go to Madrid. People usually depend on the work, the school calendar, and other daily responsibilities, which force them to travel when they can.

As a result, most people can travel just during the summer or winter holidays. Easter is usually quite busy too.

It obviously depends on many other factors but I usually notice a significant increase in the prices of flights and accommodation during these peak seasons in Spain.

Therefore, I would recommend you to fly off-season to Madrid if you want to save some money.

If you can´t, and your only available time is in high season, you can follow these tips of Madrid Traveling to find cheap flights to Madrid.

Best time to visit Madrid by month

In my opinion, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Madrid as you will be rewarded with really nice weather, moderate temperatures, and colorful trees and flowers.

However, the best time to visit Madrid usually depends on your interests, what weather suits you best, and whether there are any special events you’d like to attend.

But there are some periods when sightseeing in Madrid becomes more interesting and enjoyable than usual. So, let’s get into this.

Visit Madrid in January

January is usually a quiet month to visit Madrid, especially after the Christmas holidays. Therefore, you can often find some deals on accommodation and some of the most popular tourist attractions.

Although it is not freezing, January is the coldest month in Madrid and the temperature range from 38º to 50ºF. Snow is not usual in the city center.

Visit Madrid in February

February in Madrid remains cold and the days are still short.

You can expect daytime temperatures to stay around 45 to 60°F and lows to be around 35 to 40°F during the month.

Cold is not so extreme to avoid you to enjoy the outdoor activities in Madrid.

Besides, the wide offer of indoor activities will allow you to spend some great vacations in Spain.

February is low season in Madrid and this means lower prices for accommodation and more space and availability to visit the most popular landmarks.

Visit Madrid in March

As spring comes closer, nature awakens from its sleep. That’s why this period is considered the best time to go to Madrid by these tourists who like outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.

You can expect daytime temperatures to stay around 60 to 70°F and lows to be around 40 to 45°F in March.

Locals are also emerging from their homes to take to the streets for the fun opportunities the warmer weather brings.

Easter usually takes place at the end of March and with the usual nice weather most locals get away from the city.

Temperatures are higher than February and, without locals, Easter can be the best time to visit Madrid.

Visit Madrid in April

This is the period when you can enjoy a nice spring and beautiful mild weather. Many people visit Madrid during this period because it’s neither too hot nor too cold.

If you do not know when to visit Madrid, April is your month if you love seeing flowers blooming and green grass. This is also a good time to enjoy live music, festivals, and other outdoor celebrations.

April marks the beginning of springtime in Madrid and this month typically delivers mild weather with average daytime highs that range from 64 to 75º F.

Due to the excellent temperature and weather, this is a good time if you plan on spending plenty of time outdoors.

It is true that, while the springtime is a beautiful time to visit Madrid, it’s not the perfect time to get the cheapest hotels.

In fact, the prices for accommodations in Madrid start to rise during this time. If you’re hoping to save money on your hotel during this season, you may want to look into visiting in late fall or early winter instead.

Visit Madrid in May

It is safe to say that May is the perfect time to visit Madrid.

Winter finished long time ago, and the heat of the summer has not yet arrived, and neither have most of the tourists.

May is one of the most charming moments to go to Spain. Spring continues, and temperatures continue to warm up more in May.

The average temperature ranges from 70-80°F, so it is perfectly warm to enjoy some Spanish tapas, wines, and beers on a terrace.

May is a perfect month to walk around Madrid, and locals are enjoying outside activities. It is the best time to visit Madrid´s best parks and green areas.

Spring rain showers could appear but, in general, you will wear t-shirts during the day and a sweater at night.

Visit Madrid in June

June days in Madrid grow warmer and longer as summer approaches.

Daytime temperatures are still mild, but in the last days of the month you could find some days reaching 85°F.

If you are traveling to Madrid in June, you should pack light prioritizing shorts and t-shirts. June is the best time to visit Madrid and enjoy outdoor activities, especially if you travel with kids.

Sunny days in June are great for sightseeing and, as there is plenty of daylight, you will have enough time to relax in a park or have lunch on a terrace. You will just need some sun protection.

The touristic peak season in Madrid starts at the end of June so prices will be a little bit higher. But you should not expect crowds when visiting the most popular attractions in Madrid.

Visit Madrid in July

July is the hottest month of the year and most locals are already starting their vacations and running away to milder areas at the seaside.

You will find higher temperatures ranging from 86-95°F and the locals remaining will be trying to cool off in parks and swimming pools.

The more you get closer to August, the fewer locals you will find and the city will be quieter.

However, August is usually the best time to visit Madrid for tourists and it is peak season. Therefore, you could find some lines to enter some tourist attractions.

For sightseeing, it is a good idea to plan indoor activities like museums for the hours when the sun is hottest.

Due to the high temperatures, make sure to stay hydrated for outdoor activities, wear light clothes, don´t forget sunscreen and a sun hat, and consider if buying attraction tickets in advance and paying for a skip-the-line ticket could be convenient.

Swimming pools or water parks like Aquopolis are just some of the fun activities you can experience in Madrid, especially when traveling to Spain with kids.

Visit Madrid in August

August is a popular time to visit Madrid for tourists due to the good weather and school holidays.

If you go to Madrid in August, you will find sunny weather where you can make the most of Madrid´s parks and green areas, terraces, and rooftop bars.

As in July, many locals have already left the city, which means that Madrid can feel less crowded even while tourism is high. You should expect temperatures ranging from 86-95°F.

Due to the high temperatures, I suggest buying the tickets for the best attractions in advance and visiting museums during the mid-day hours.

I believe that walking is the best way to experience any city in the world first hand.

But if you visit Madrid in August you should benefit from the fast, comfortable, safe, and affordable Madrid´s public transport, with convenient air conditioning.

August is still peak season in Madrid for tourists. Although prices are, in general, more affordable than other European capitals, you will not probably find bargains.

If you have flexibility to travel, Spring and Autumn could be more convenient months to go to Madrid with lower prices and avoid such high temperatures.

Visit Madrid in September

The busy high season comes to an end in the first week of September, and almost everyone is returning home after the summer holidays.

But September is a great month to visit Madrid, as temperatures are excellent, days are long with sunny skies, and most tourists have already left the city.

Temperatures range from 70-80°F, with cooler nights as October approaches.

As the extreme hot of summer has already gone, even September’s warmest days are perfect for outdoor activities and visiting Madrid on foot. Most of the best landmarks are in the city center and within walking distance.

City tours are a fun and sustainable option to discover Madrid. There is a wide offer and some of them are free of charge.

You will forget about planning as all you have to do is turn up at the meeting point on time, ready to spend a nice time with an expert local guide.

Visit Madrid in October

October is one of my favorite months to visit Madrid.

Temperatures start to drop as November approaches, but they are still gorgeous during the day ranging from 60-70ºF.

At night, things cool off for amazing walks, most times with nothing else than a sweater most times. However, a light jacket should be on your packing list.

Out of the peak season, accommodation prices should be more affordable than in previous months and tourist attractions will be less crowded.

October is the perfect time for enjoying the city by bike. It is a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to discover the hidden gems of the capital of Spain. In case you prefer a guided tour, the offer is wide and the prices are more pretty affordable.

Visit Madrid in November

If you are thinking about when to Visit Madrid November is a good option.

While I experienced what many people think and even say that fall is a great season to visit cities like Madrid, the flight prices are not still the lowest during this time of the year.

However, there are more budget-friendly hotels available during this period because fewer travelers typically travel during this season.

This is also a great time of year for those who enjoy exploring outdoor activities and events since the weather is still pretty good.

Daytime temperatures remain moderate (50-60ºF) and the days are still long enough to take full advantage of a sightseeing session. This makes it a great time to visit Madrid and see the attractions.

As December approaches, days are getting shorter and chillier, and some winter clothes should be packed in your baggage. A jacket is essential, but a hat and gloves should not be necessary until December or January.

Visit Madrid in December

Madrid at Christmas time is especially beautiful, you can breathe the magic.

It’s a time for family and traditions. I love wandering through the streets of Madrid with the Christmas lights shining and the smell of the roasted chestnuts.

Temperatures are low but reasonable, with 38-50ºF during the day. Days are much shorter though, so your available time for sightseeing will be reduced.

December is a popular month to visit Madrid and many people working abroad come back home at Christmas. That is why flight and accommodation prices are not the lowest.

In case you decide that December is the best time to visit Madrid for you, my advice is to use the morning light to sightsee the best monuments.

After lunch, the sun will be quite low so you can have some time to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the capital.

Then take a stroll and enjoy the Christmas lights and the magic of this time of the year.

Final words

What is Madrid´s peak season?

The peak season in Madrid extends over two periods, from late June to August, and then again in December. Many international tourists come to Madrid in summer due to the school holidays, while locals run away to the seaside. Christmas is a popular time for tourists in Madrid too, and flight and accommodation prices tend to be higher.

What is the best time to visit Madrid?

In my opinion, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Madrid as you will be rewarded with really nice weather, moderate temperatures, and colorful trees and flowers. Besides, you can often find some deals on accommodation and some of the most popular tourist attractions.