Spain · Updated 2026
Best time to visit Madrid
Late April to mid-June and mid-September to October
Madrid is at its best in spring and autumn, when terraces fill, parks glow and afternoons are warm without being punishing. July and August bring fierce dry heat, and many locals leave town in August, which means cheaper hotels but some closed bars and shops. Winter is crisp, sunny and cold at night, ideal for museums and long lunches at off-season prices.
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Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
Quick answers
- Best overall
- May, late September and October
- Best weather
- May
- Cheapest
- January to February
- Avoid
- July and August afternoons are brutally hot, and some local spots close in August.
Madrid month by month
Average temperatures, rain, crowds and hotel prices. Hotel links open with dates in that month.
January
Good10° / 3°C
- Rain
- Low
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Low
Cold, bright and often sunny. Quiet after Kings' Day, with January sales and empty museums. Great for culture lovers on a budget.
Events: Cabalgata de Reyes (5 January) · Madrid Fusión
Hotels in JanuaryFebruary
Good12° / 3°C
- Rain
- Low
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Medium
Still chilly but days lengthen. Art fairs and Carnival liven things up. Suits gallery-goers and travellers seeking value.
Events: ARCOmadrid · Carnaval de Madrid
Hotels in FebruaryMarch
Great16° / 6°C
- Rain
- Medium
- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Medium
Spring arrives, with almond blossom in Quinta de los Molinos and the first terrace lunches. Changeable but pleasant for city walking.
Events: Semana Santa (some years)
Hotels in MarchApril
Great18° / 7°C
- Rain
- Medium
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High
Mild and green with occasional showers. Easter processions draw crowds. Lovely for parks, rooftops and sightseeing.
Events: Semana Santa processions · Mutua Madrid Open (late April)
Hotels in AprilMay
Ideal22° / 11°C
- Rain
- Medium
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High
Arguably the best month: warm, lively and festive, with San Isidro bringing street parties and chotis dancing. Ideal for everyone.
Events: Fiestas de San Isidro (around 15 May) · Mutua Madrid Open (early May)
Hotels in MayJune
Great28° / 16°C
- Rain
- Low
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High
Hot, sunny and long evenings made for terraces. Late June brings huge Pride crowds. Great for nightlife and outdoor culture.
Events: PHotoESPAÑA · Madrid Orgullo (late June to early July)
Hotels in JuneJuly
Mixed32° / 19°C
- Rain
- Low
- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Medium
Seriously hot afternoons, often above 35C. Life shifts to late nights and open-air concerts. Suits night owls and festival fans.
Events: Mad Cool Festival · Veranos de la Villa
Hotels in JulyAugust
Mixed31° / 19°C
- Rain
- Low
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Low
Scorching and half-empty as madrileños flee; some family-run restaurants close. Cheap hotels and traditional neighbourhood verbenas compensate.
Events: Verbenas of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma
Hotels in AugustSeptember
Ideal26° / 15°C
- Rain
- Low
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High
The city returns from holiday, heat eases and the cultural season restarts. Warm, golden and buzzing. Excellent all round.
Events: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid · Apertura Madrid Gallery Weekend
Hotels in SeptemberOctober
Ideal19° / 10°C
- Rain
- Medium
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High
Comfortable days, autumn colour in Retiro and a few rainy spells. Perfect for walking, food and museums.
Events: Fiesta Nacional de España (12 October) · Fiesta de la Trashumancia
Hotels in OctoberNovember
Good13° / 5°C
- Rain
- Medium
- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Medium
Cooler and the wettest month, but still plenty of sun. Jazz and cosy taverns suit relaxed culture breaks.
Events: Fiesta de la Almudena (9 November) · JAZZMADRID
Hotels in NovemberDecember
Good10° / 3°C
- Rain
- Medium
- Crowds
- Medium
- Prices
- Medium
Cold, festive and sparkling with lights. Busy around Christmas and New Year. Suits shoppers and holiday-season romantics.
Events: Plaza Mayor Christmas Market · New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol
Hotels in December
Timing tips for Madrid
- Book hotels two to three months ahead for San Isidro in May, Pride week in late June and early October, when rates climb sharply.
- In summer, sightsee in the morning, retreat indoors or to a museum from 2pm to 6pm, and head out again after 9pm like the locals.
- Check opening dates if visiting in August, as many traditional restaurants and small shops close for two to four weeks, especially around 15 August.
FAQ
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