Madrid is the capital of Spain, which lies in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. This city is famous for its manicured parks, elegant boulevards, and a rich repository of European art. The city’s vibrant energy is carrying a simple message for travelers; know how to live. Must visit Madrid is just a document away. Make sure to check Spain’s entry requirements.
To experience glorious weather with minimal crowds, the best time to visit Madrid is late spring or early autumn. You can also enjoy lower hotel prices during this period if you are looking towards more budget-friendly options.
How is the weather in Madrid?
The weather in Madrid can give you full of surprises with its enveloping and intense blue skies. It has hot summers and cold winters because of insufficient rainfall and a dry climate.
Since it is in high altitudes, temperatures in Madrid vary from season to season. You can enjoy the best weather during spring (March-April), as the temperature falls to 60օF. In May, the daytime temperature can soar up to 60օF.
The rainiest season of the year in Madrid is spring-time (April). The light showers and regular drizzling during this month can force you to use a compact umbrella.
Let’s discuss the best time to visit Madrid by taking a month-on-month overview:
January
In January, Madrid has low crowds. Because of this, the hotel prices are low. Though snow is not common, it is the high altitude Madrid colder rather than the chilly winds. The temperature here in January is 110 C, which sometimes drops below 100C.
It marks the start of the prime shopping season in Madrid, better known as rebajas in Spanish (reduction in prices). January is not so conducive to visit as you may need to pack your umbrellas just in case. Don’t miss out on the special events in January like the Three Kings Parade (Cavalcade of Magi), and San Antón Festival.
February
In February, things slow down with the temperatures rising to 120C.
As the rebajas continues in full swing, accommodation and other prices become reasonable during this period. You can check out on the important events in February, like Candlemas, also known as the festival of lights. Madrid celebrations are not as famous as Tenerife or Cadiz, but it can offer you intriguing music, costumes, and parades.
March
In March, you will notice some obvious signs that springtime has arrived in this part of the city. The chilly winds may stop you from putting down your favorite winter jacket. You will notice a few gatherings of tourists in March. The average temperature in March ranges from 100C to 160C. You can also enjoy the festival of Semanta Santa (Holy Week) during your stay in Madrid.
April
The month of April experiences some showers in the Spanish capital city. The pleasure temperatures allow relatively low crowds in the streets of Madrid. With the weather starting to warm up more, you will enjoy a livelier and vibrant atmosphere. In April, Madrid holds the best and the biggest festival, i.e. Festimad music festival which you don’t want to miss. The other unique festival in Madrid to follow is the Mulafest, featuring from electronic music, exhibitions, and tattoos.
May
The month of May is buzzing with lots of activities in Madrid, as the summers are just around the corner. You may see some locals and tourists drinking al fresco together in the warm weather of Madrid. The temperature during this period averages somewhere between 160C to 200C. Tourists are also lesser during this time of the year.
Madrid celebrates the festival of San Isidro, through which the entire city comes alive through music, party, drinking. There is also a festival on 2nd May, commemorating the victory over Napoléon’s army in the early 19th century.
June
As the temperatures increase, tourists from all over the place start arriving at this destination. Though the month of June is slightly a laid-back month compared to the rest of the period. The average summer temperatures range from 25oC to 28oC. June is the month of celebrating the Pride festival, which spreads love and acceptance throughout the city.
June is the month of celebrating the San Juan festival. The Madrileños head towards the Retiro Park for music, dance, and bonfires.
July
In July, Madrid experiences tremendous heat of the sun, which is a typical climatic attribute of the city. The temperature rises beyond 30oC, though bearable, because of low humidity. This is the peak season in Madrid, so you can expect to have full crowds at some popular landmarks. The hotel prices also go up during the month of July.
Check the festivals of Noches del Botánico, which is a musical concert held at Royal Botanical Gardens. You can also observe Veranos de la Villawhile you are staying in Madrid.
August
Usually, the locals here in Madrid hardly step out from their home, because of the scorching heat of August. The Madrileños head out to the beach, do not get surprised to see some local stores and restaurants remain closed. In August, the city attracts dozens of tourists during this month.
Three famous cultural events take place in August, like San Cayetano, San Lorenzo, and La Paloma.
September
Summer dwindles in September, and things slow down in Madrid. Though September remains sunny, the tourists leave, and the accommodation prices fall.
September celebrates a single festival DCODE, which lasts for only one day on the Complutense University Campus.
October
The most pleasant time of the year is October. October is the best time to visit Madrid as the daytime temperatures are between 150C -160C, while the night temperatures fall to 90C. You will notice a minimal crowd at all places in Madrid.
12th October is Spain’s national day which is commemorated with street celebrations along with military processions in Madrid. Although it is not an exclusive national holiday, recently more locals are taking part in Halloween.
November
With winter around the corner, you will experience chillness in the air, specifically in the morning and nighttime. November is the low season at its best. Take advantage of the low hotel prices and few crowds to stroll around the city. The average temperature of November ranges from 40C -50C at this time.
The Spaniards pay homages by visiting cemeteries to lay mementos and flowers on the 1st of November to their loved ones.
December
The city of Madrid gets covered in festive spirit during the month of December. While the weather is cold, it is the most fantastic time to enjoy the magical atmosphere. As Christmas time approaches, accommodation prices are on the lower side.
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) and New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) are the most enjoyable time of the year. Though most stores remain closed, people wait anxiously to welcome New Year and eat the traditional 12 grapes.
Public holiday in destination country: No
School holidays in destination country: NO
Cruise passengers in (nearby) ports: N/A
Local events: NO
School holidays in the following countries: NONE
Cruise ships in port: N/A
