The ideal times to explore Madrid throughout the year

Tourists seeking winter sun in Madrid often find themselves facing unexpectedly cold weather.

Situated at an altitude of 657m (2155ft), Madrid is Europe’s highest capital city after Andorra. This elevation ensures plenty of sunshine, but winter temperatures are not much warmer than those in northern Europe. Therefore, even on bright December days, a heavy coat is essential to shield against the biting winds from the snowy Guadarrama mountains.

Historically, residents and visitors alike lamented the seemingly endless winters, leading to a popular saying about Madrid’s 'nine months of winter and three months of hell'. While the latter still holds, nowadays you can often enjoy mild weather in spring and autumn. Just be prepared to bundle up in the mornings and after sunset.

During the scorching summer months, locals often escape to the mountains or beaches. If you can handle the heat and don’t mind that many shops, restaurants, and bars close, the city can be wonderfully tranquil. Even in August, when the city slows down, all major attractions remain open, and apart from a minor dip in late autumn, tourists keep streaming into Madrid, as the city’s world-class art galleries and museums continue to impress regardless of the weather.

What’s the best time to visit Madrid?

Spring is the ideal time to explore Madrid. It begins with the blooming of pink almond blossoms from February to early March, and those who don’t mind a chill can enjoy these in Retiro’s almond orchard or the Quinto de los Molinos garden. The vibrant pink petals emerge from once-barren branches, leading to a spectacular display that peaks in April and May as hibiscus, gardenias, and roses unfurl their blooms to the sun.

By mid-May, red carnations flourish in topknots and waistcoat pockets as the Fiestas de San Isidro reach their height. During this festival, chulapas in polka-dot dresses dance with chulapos in checkered attire. Celebrating the city’s patron saint, the festivities occur on the weekend closest to May 15, featuring live music and dance performances across Madrid. If you love a lively atmosphere, aim for this weekend; however, if you prefer to visit the historic Plaza Mayor when it’s less crowded, consider a different date.

What are the hottest months in Madrid?

During July and August, temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F). While this heat is dry, it can be intense if you're not accustomed to it, so ensure your accommodation has air conditioning. Mornings offer some relief as mountain breezes cool the city overnight. If you visit during this time, plan your activities early and return indoors before 2pm. In the afternoons, if you can handle a short walk through the sweltering streets, consider visiting air-conditioned museums or refreshing yourself at one of the city’s outdoor municipal pools.

August is the quietest month of summer, with many businesses closing, though be aware that construction work often intensifies. Despite these challenges, there are a few local festivals worth experiencing. The highlight is the Virgen de la Paloma celebration on August 15 in the historic La Latina area. In Plaza de la Paja and the Jardines de las Vistillas, you can watch chulapas and chulapos perform the traditional chotis and enjoy zarzuela music performances, a Spanish art form akin to opera.

When does Madrid experience its peak crowds?

With a vibrant social calendar, it’s wise to check upcoming events in advance if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle. In addition to Real Madrid games at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and major happenings at IFEMA, the city sees a significant influx of visitors during the Madrid Open tennis tournament and the Fiestas de San Isidro.

Europe’s largest Pride festival is a major attraction. Madrid Orgullo takes place in late June or early July, on the weekend following International Pride Day. This spectacular event showcases the progress made in LGBTIQ+ rights since Franco’s regime ended in 1975. However, its popularity means that businesses often capitalize on the occasion, so if you plan to attend, make sure to book well in advance.

The peak season in Madrid runs from June to July, during which hotel prices soar. As temperatures rise, we recommend visiting as early as possible. December is another bustling time to be in the city, especially to experience the enchanting Christmas markets and festive lights, best viewed from the open-top Naviluz bus. Don’t miss the intricate nativity scenes and outdoor ice rinks that pop up around town.

When is the most affordable time to travel to Madrid?

Except for the Christmas season, the most budget-friendly months to visit Madrid are during winter, from November to February. These months can be quite chilly, so be sure to bundle up in a warm coat and treat yourself to a hearty bowl of cocido, a traditional stew featuring chickpeas, blood sausage, chorizo, and vegetables. The upside is that winters are generally dry and sunny, though if you’re visiting in the milder autumn months of October and November, you may encounter some rain.

Immediately after New Year's is when the city is least crowded, as locals recover from the holiday festivities. A bonus during this time is the chance to go skiing or snowboarding in the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Additionally, you might witness the first signs of spring in February when the almond trees start to bloom, adorning the streets with lovely pink petals.