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Best time to visit

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Balmy weather and moderate crowds make May–June and September–October the best time to visit Madrid. Late spring brings in fantastic festivities like Fiesta dos de Mayo and San Juan Bonfire Fest. Mild autumn, in its turn, is a perfect period for hiking in the Cotos forest or climbing La Pedriza. Exploring Madrid can get quite uncomfortable in July–August as these months are intolerably hot and somewhat crowded. However, sunsets on rooftop terraces with a glass of Spanish summer wine can be quite enjoyable. Slow season from November to March, with the exception of Christmas burst in late December, is generous with hotel deals. So book a room, enjoy the major sites without tourist crowds, and join Las Luminarias and Three Kings Parade for a festive mood.

41 things to do in Madrid

Salmorejo Cordobés

May–September Food

Cold soup of Cordoba made of tomatoes and bread rivals the well-known Gazpacho

Tinto de Verano (Spanish Summer Wine)

mid-May–mid-September Food

Tinto de verano is a refreshing red wine-based cocktail similar to sangria but not the same

Las Luminarias Festival

January 16 Event

A Spanish festival of fire and horses dedicated to St. Anthony

Noche de San Juan

June 20–June 24 Event

Bonfires and songs highlight the celebration of St. John's Eve and summer solstice in Spain

Madrid-Style Tripe (Callos a la Madrileña)

December–February Food

Try the traditional winter Spanish stew called "Callos a la madrileña" which is a favourite in Madrid

Holy Week (Semana Santa) & Easter

March 24–31, 2024 Event

Rolling drums, trumpets, and hundreds of religious worshippers in bright and colorful dress is the hallmark of Easter in Madrid

Birdwatching at Wetlands and Riverbanks

June–August Nature

The wetlands of Madrid are home to a variety of waterfowl that gather around water in great numbers during dry summer months

Duratón River Kayaking

March–November (all year round) Activity

Want something new? Try kayaking in a picturesque place

San Isidro Festival

May 3–May 15 Event

The holiday of the patron of the city has been celebrated in Madrid for centuries

Sales (Rebajas)

early January–February | July–August Activity

The most pleasant thing in the season of sales in Madrid is to have fun and save money at the same time

Skiing and Snowboarding around Madrid

early December–early April Activity

Although Madrid rarely sees snow, you can enjoy skiing just 52 km away from the capital atop some impressive mountains

Three Kings Parade (Cavalcade of Magi)

January 5 Event

The Three Kings are responsible for fulfilling the traditional tasks of Santa Claus, namely for receiving letters and distributing gifts

Christmas Markets in Madrid

late November–early January Event

The unique style of Madrid Christmas markets will make your holidays in the Spanish capital memorable

August Fiestas (Fiestas de Agosto)

August 2–17, 2024 Event

Do not miss the vibrant August holidays in the heart of Spain

Rooftop Terraces at Sunset

June–August Activity

Meet the sunset, drink cocktails, and take amazing panoramic shots from the summer terraces of restaurants and cafes

Fiesta Dos de Mayo (Day of Madrid Festival)

April 26–May 2, 2024 Event

Fiesta Dos de Mayo is the holiday of the community of Madrid, commemorating a historical uprising

White Water Rafting

April–September Activity

Depending on the season, the river changes its mood, and therefore white water rafting can be more or less extreme

Madrid Pride Week

late June–early July 2023 Event

The largest LGBT Pride Festival and LGTB Pride Parade in Europe

Public Swimming Pools

mid-May–mid-September Activity

A perfect place to relax during the unbearable summer heat

Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon

April 27, 2025 Event

The peculiarity of this marathon is live music performed by numerous bands throughout a race, as well as a big rock concert at the finish

La Pedriza Climbing

March–June | September–November Activity

One of the best areas in Spain for granite rock climbing and hiking, just an hour drive from the capital

Cherry Blossoms

March–mid-April Nature

A mesmerizing and unique natural phenomenon in the spring

Festimad

April 24–May 9, 2020 Event

The most famous musical event in the capital, Festimad attracts big names and young talents

Grape Harvest

September–October Activity

Despite Madrid doesn't boast a great fame of a wine-producing region, it still produces excellent wines, mostly locally

Winter

December, January, February Weather

Snow in Madrid can fall by the end of December or during January, but this happens extremely rarely

San Silvestre Vallecana

December 31 Event

Participate in the exciting New Year's footrace in Madrid

Almond Blossoms in Quinta de Los Molinos

mid-March Nature

The flowering of almond trees is a sign that spring has come to Madrid

Madrid Carnival

February 10-14, 2024 Event

Masks, wigs, and fancy dresses... This holiday without rules is celebrated on a large scale

Solemn Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace

all year round (every first Wednesday of the month, except for January, August, and September) Event

The most cunning spectators come to occupy the best places inside and on the steps of the Almudena Cathedral long before the changing of the guard

Bullfighting (Corrida de Toros)

late March–early October Event

Madrid hosts one of the most prominent and prestigious bullfight ferias in the world

Flamenco Madrid

May–June, 2024 Event

Flamenco is not just a dance, it's a way of life and a way of expressing emotions both positive and negative

White Night Festival (La Noche en Blanco)

May 18, 2024 Event

What can you visit in Madrid in October for free? Of course, the festival "La Noche en Blanco!"

Mushroom Season

late September–mid-December Activity

The mushroom season in Madrid is short, so fans of this "sport" do not lose time

La Rosaleda (Rose Garden)

May–June Nature

The aroma of roses fills the area during spring and summer

Hiking in Cercedilla

all year round (best March–August) Activity

Fans of trekking in the mountains can choose several routes with different levels of difficulty

Madrid en Danza International Dance Festival

May 9–26, 2024 Event

Madrid en Danza Festival turns the city into a real dance capital for over three weeks every year

IFEMA Madrid Horse Week

November 28-December 1, 2024 Event

Graceful horses, flamenco rhythms, fearless riders, and sports excitement—all of this awaits you at Madrid Horse Week

Windsurfing

early May–late September Activity

Beat summer heat with water adventures

Halloween in Madrid: Events, Parties & Traditional Celebrations

October 2024 Event

Plenty of scary attractions and parties to choose from in Madrid

Madrid New Year's Eve (Nochevieja)

December 31 Event

Everyone wants to be at Puerta del Sol for the official New Year countdown

Mad Cool Festival

July 10-13, 2025 Event

Join Mad Cool Festival for four unforgettable days of music and lively energy in Madrid

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