When to visit

Given its altitude (over 600 metres above sea level) and central location, Madrid tends to have dry, cold winters and dry, very hot summers. So rain is rarely a problem and, if you do have a choice, spring and autumn are the undoubtedly the most pleasant times to visit.

Although it may lack some of the more outrageous and spectacular celebrations of other Spanish cities, Madrid does have a packed agenda of festivals and cultural events that provide additional attractions for the visitor at almost any time of year.

Seasons, festivals and events

  • City street with a flower bed and small bushes in the foreground, cars parked along the street, tall trees with green leaves, and buildings with European architecture in the background on a sunny day.

    Spring (March, April & May)

    The favourite time of many to visit, spring has a myriad of attractions apart from the weather.

    Carnaval: A week of partying, parades and excess centred on Chueca and taking place just before Lent. The celebrations culminate with the eccentric Entierro de la Sardina (the burial of the Sardine) which takes place at the little church of San Antonio de la Florida on Paseo de la Florida.

    Easter (Semana Santa): They may not possess the extravagance of the celebrations in the south, but Madrid does mark Easter with its own agenda of processions in Holy Week. Religious brotherhoods and penitents parade images around the historic core to the accompaniment of music from trumpets and drums.

    The local tourist offices will provide a schedule of the processions.

    Dos de Mayo: an annual festival to celebrate the Spanish capital's uprising and resistance to the French occupation in 1808.

    San Isidro: Madrid's patron saint is honoured in a week of celebrations around May 15th with parades and music including Madrid's traditional dance, the chotis.

    La Feria del Libro: Madrid's renowned book fair takes place towards the end of May with dozens of stands sprawling over the Retiro.

  • A lake with several small boats and people on the water under a clear sky, with trees on the far shore and a sculpture on the left side of the image.

    Summer (June. July & Aug)

    Temperatures of well over 35ºC in the summer can make wandering the streets a sweaty business in July and August, but all the major sights are well air-conditioned and comfortable and if you adjust your routine you can still have a great time.

    WorldPride Madrid: a jamboree of partying centred on Chueca to celebrate LGTB Pride Week at the end of June.

    San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and the Virgen de la Paloma (August 6-15): Madrid at its most traditional as the locals brave the August heat and take to the streets in the historic core to celebrate these saints' days.

  • A park path covered with fallen leaves, flanked by bushes and trees with yellow and green leaves, with a wooden bench on the right side. Several people are walking along the path, enjoying the autumn scenery.

    Autumn (Sept, Oct & Nov)

    One of the best times of year to visit the Spanish capital. Temperatures drop off a little but it is still usually warm and sunny and there is plenty going on.

    Festival de Otoño a Primavera: the cultural season begins after the summer break with a programme of concerts, theatre and dance lasting throughout the autumn months.

  • Night view of a historic archway decorated with colorful Christmas lights, with light trails from moving vehicles in the foreground.

    Winter (Dec, Jan & Feb)

    Although mornings and evenings are cold in winter, midday temperatures are comfortable and the sun often puts in a lengthy appearance.

    Navidad (Christmas): Plaza Mayor is taken over by stalls selling an vast array of festive decorations and a impressive Nativity crib, while the department store El Corte Inglés has a fantastic all-singing and dancing Christmas scene known as Cortylandia bedecking the façade on C/Maestro Victoria.

    Noche Vieja (New Year's Eve): Madrileños traditionally gather in front of the clock tower on Puerta del Sol to celebrate the New Year. They come ready with a bag of grapes, swallowing one on each chime of midnight to bring luck for the new year.

    Cabalgata de los Reyes (Cavalcade of the Three Kings), Jan 5th: a hugely popular procession through city centre to celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings. The floats that follow the Magi are suitably impressive and their helpers toss sweets to the throngs of children lining the route. Spanish children receive their presents the following morning.