The Spanish capital is a city that offers everything from cultural visits, events, nightlife and entertainment, so when to go to Madrid is entirely up to you!
Madrid’s climate makes a holiday possible at any time of year, but depending on the season you choose you will have a very different experience. Whatever the weather conditions you find, there is always something to do in Madrid; getting bored is really impossible.
The more temperate seasons, spring and autumn are perfect for those who like to explore the city on foot, perhaps with a relaxing stop in a city park between attractions.
Summer is the most popular season for tourists, who for higher prices can enjoy many hours of daylight, outdoor events and less traffic.
Going to Madrid in winter may seem a bizarre idea, but it should not be discarded a priori: the city is tinged with a special atmosphere, the nightlife is at its peak, and flight and hotel prices are cheaper. For shelter from the cold there are the splendid museums that have made the city famous… or if you prefer its lively tapas bars.
Here are the pros and cons of each season in detail, so you can choose the best time to go to Madrid according to the type of holiday you want to take.
Spring is absolutely the best time to go to Madrid because the warm but still mild weather makes the most of the city’s beauty and is ideal for getting around on foot. You may find some low rainfall in March and April, but in general during the spring months the weather is almost summer-like, without the mugginess and high temperatures of July and August.
The parks are filled with flowers, Madrileños flock to the squares and outdoor venues, the city is pervaded by an atmosphere of energy and festivity; there are many events scheduled during this period.
Summer in Madrid is hot and dry, with peaks of scorching heat that can be hard to bear, but for many people travelling in summer is a must: so what to do, to go or not to go? We have good news for you: with proper precautions against the sun, Madrid can also be visited in July and August.
The advantage of choosing this period is that you can take advantage of longer days, with sunlight lasting until late in the evening. You could use the warmer hours for a nap and do as the Madrileños do, which is to go out in the late afternoon.
Another positive side of going to Madrid in summer is to find the city quieter, with less traffic, because even in Spain most people go on holiday in July and August; be careful, however, as many shops and activities may be closed because of this, and the large influx of tourists also drives up hotel prices.
Autumn is another recommended time to visit Madrid. Temperatures return to mild, albeit cooler than in spring, and the city parks are coloured with striking yellow and red hues. It is not high season for tourism so flight and hotel prices are lower than in summer.
In November, rainfall reaches its annual peak, but bear in mind that rainfall in Madrid is never excessive.
Winter is generally a snubbed season for holidays in Spain, a country that in the collective imagination is always associated with summer and sun. Don’t be like everyone else, consider a holiday in Madrid in winter.
There are many advantages to visiting Madrid in the winter months: it is a time of low tourist season, so it will be easy to find good deals on flights and hotels, plus there are few tourists in the city and you will experience a more authentic Madrid, that of the Madrileños.
Winter temperatures are cold, this cannot be denied, but certainly milder than in the capital cities of central or northern Europe; snow is a very rare phenomenon and even rains are not very frequent. On the other hand, with all the clubs open for the winter season, you can experience the legendary Madrid movida to the fullest.
Madrid is also an excellent destination for a Christmas or New Year’s holiday: the Spanish capital also lights up with colourful lights and is festively decorated during the Christmas season, there are nativity scene displays and a Christmas market in Plaza Mayor and bakeries sell traditional Spanish Christmas sweets.
New Year’s Eve in Madrid also needs no introduction as the square party in the heart of the city is one of the most famous in Europe.
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