Best time to visit Madrid
Best time of year to visit Madrid
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.
15 THINGS TO DO IN MADRID (AUGUST 07 - AUGUST 16)
Bullfighting (Corrida de Toros)
Madrid hosts one of the most prominent and prestigious bullfight ferias in the world
August Fiestas (Fiestas de Agosto)
Do not miss the vibrant August holidays in the heart of Spain
Sales (Rebajas)
The most pleasant thing in the season of sales in Madrid is to have fun and save money at the same time
Solemn Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace
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
Rooftop Terraces at Sunset
Meet the sunset, drink cocktails, and take amazing panoramic shots from the summer terraces of restaurants and cafes
Cotos Forest Trail, Rascafría
An idyllic mountain landscape and crystal clear natural pools—that's what trekking in Cotos Forest can offer!
Tinto de Verano (Spanish Summer Wine)
Tinto de verano is a refreshing red wine-based cocktail similar to sangria but not the same
Duratón River Kayaking
Want something new? Try kayaking in a picturesque place
Salmorejo Cordobés
Cold soup of Cordoba made of tomatoes and bread rivals the well-known Gazpacho
Andalusian Gazpacho
It may be a flavourful soup and a cool summer drink at the same time
White Water Rafting
Depending on the season, the river changes its mood, and therefore white water rafting can be more or less extreme
Public Swimming Pools
A perfect place to relax during the unbearable summer heat
Hiking in Cercedilla
Fans of trekking in the mountains can choose several routes with different levels of difficulty
Windsurfing
Beat summer heat with water adventures
Birdwatching at Wetlands and Riverbanks
The wetlands of Madrid are home to a variety of waterfowl that gather around water in great numbers during dry summer months
31 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Noche de San Juan
out of rangeBonfires and songs highlight the celebration of St. John's Eve and summer solstice in Spain
White Night Festival (La Noche en Blanco)
out of rangeWhat can you visit in Madrid in October for free? Of course, the festival "La Noche en Blanco!"
San Isidro Festival
out of rangeThe holiday of the patron of the city has been celebrated in Madrid for centuries
Madrid Carnival
out of rangeMasks, wigs, and fancy dresses... This holiday without rules is celebrated on a large scale
Christmas Markets in Madrid
out of rangeThe unique style of Madrid Christmas markets will make your holidays in the Spanish capital memorable
Fiesta Dos de Mayo (Day of Madrid Festival)
out of rangeFiesta Dos de Mayo is the holiday of the community of Madrid, commemorating a historical uprising
Madrid Horse Week
out of rangeGraceful horses, flamenco rhythms, fearless riders, and sports excitement—all of this awaits you at Madrid Horse Week
Holy Week (Semana Santa) & Easter
out of rangeRolling drums, trumpets, and hundreds of religious worshippers in bright and colorful dress is the hallmark of Easter in Madrid
Three Kings Parade (Cavalcade of Magi)
out of rangeThe Three Kings are responsible for fulfilling the traditional tasks of Santa Claus, namely for receiving letters and distributing gifts
Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon
out of rangeThe peculiarity of this marathon is live music performed by numerous bands throughout a race, as well as a big rock concert at the finish
Las Luminarias Festival
out of rangeA Spanish festival of fire and horses dedicated to St. Anthony
Botanical Nights (Noches del Botánico)
out of rangeA summer holiday for music lovers is annually held in the Royal Botanic Garden
Madrid New Year's Eve (Nochevieja)
out of rangeEveryone wants to be at Puerta del Sol for the official New Year countdown
Madrid en Danza International Dance Festival
out of rangeMadrid en Danza Festival turns the city into a real dance capital for over three weeks every year
San Silvestre Vallecana
out of rangeParticipate in the exciting New Year's footrace in Madrid
Festimad
overThe most famous musical event in the capital, Festimad attracts big names and young talents
Olives & Olive Oil
out of rangeOlive oil is the best the moment it is pressed, and January is the best month to check the shop shelves for a variety of bottled extra virgin
Los Veranos de la Villa
unconfirmed"Los Veranos de la Villa" is one of the most awaited events in Madrid: concerts and theatre performances take place throughout the summer
Madrid Pride Week
unconfirmedThe largest LGBT Pride Festival and LGTB Pride Parade in Europe
La Rosaleda (Rose Garden)
out of rangeThe aroma of roses fills the area during spring and summer
Halloween in Madrid: Events, Parties & Traditional Celebrations
out of rangePlenty of scary attractions and parties to choose from in Madrid
Cherry Blossoms
out of rangeA mesmerizing and unique natural phenomenon in the spring
Grape Harvest
out of rangeDespite Madrid doesn't boast a great fame of a wine-producing region, it still produces excellent wines, mostly locally
Almond Blossoms in Quinta de Los Molinos
out of rangeThe flowering of almond trees is a sign that spring has come to Madrid
Flamenco Madrid
unconfirmedFlamenco is not just a dance, it's a way of life and a way of expressing emotions both positive and negative
La Pedriza Climbing
out of rangeOne of the best areas in Spain for granite rock climbing and hiking, just an hour drive from the capital
Skiing and Snowboarding around Madrid
out of rangeAlthough Madrid rarely sees snow, you can enjoy skiing just 52 km away from the capital atop some impressive mountains
Mushroom Season
out of rangeThe mushroom season in Madrid is short, so fans of this "sport" do not lose time
Madrid-Style Tripe (Callos a la Madrileña)
out of rangeTry the traditional winter Spanish stew called "Callos a la madrileña" which is a favourite in Madrid
Bluethroat Watching
out of rangeBecause of the frequent and loud chirping, these little birds are called "one hundred songs"
Mad Cool Festival
out of rangeJoin Mad Cool Festival for four unforgettable days of music and lively energy in Madrid
