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.
16 THINGS TO DO IN MADRID (MAY 13 - MAY 22)
Bullfighting (Corrida de Toros)
Madrid hosts one of the most prominent and prestigious bullfight ferias in the world
San Isidro Festival
The holiday of San Isidro, one of the patrons of the city, has been celebrated in Madrid for centuries
Spanish Ham (Jamón) with Melon
A simple but beautiful and healthy summer snack
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
Spanish White Wines
Summertime is the season of white wines in Spain
La Rosaleda (Rose Garden)
The aroma of roses fills the area during spring and summer
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
La Pedriza Climbing
One of the best areas in Spain for granite rock climbing and hiking, just an hour drive from the capital
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
Bluethroat Watching
Because of the frequent and loud chirping, these little birds are called "one hundred songs"
35 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!"
August Fiestas (Fiestas de Agosto)
out of rangeDo not miss the August holidays in Madrid and get an opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of general fun
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
Sales (Rebajas)
out of rangeThe most pleasant thing in the season of sales in Madrid is to have fun and save money at the same time
Fiesta Dos de Mayo (Day of Madrid Festival)
out of rangeFiesta Dos de Mayo is the City Day and a holiday in the autonomous community of Madrid
Madrid Horse Week
out of rangeGraceful horses, flamenco rhythms, fearless riders, and sports excitement—all of this awaits you at Madrid Horse Week
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
Solemn Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace
out of rangeThe 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
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
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)
unconfirmedA summer holiday for music lovers is annually held in the Royal Botanic Garden
Rooftop Terraces at Sunset
out of rangeMeet the sunset, drink cocktails, and take amazing panoramic shots from the summer terraces of restaurants and cafes
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
Madrid New Year's Eve (Nochevieja)
out of rangeEveryone wants to be at Puerta del Sol for the official New Year countdown
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
Festimad
on holdThe most famous musical event in the capital, Festimad attracts big names and young talents
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
out of rangeFlamenco is not just a dance, it's a way of life and a way of expressing emotions both positive and negative
Halloween
out of rangePlenty of scary attractions and parties to choose from in Madrid
Anchovies in Vinegar (Boquerones en Vinagre)
out of rangeIt is especially pleasant to go to the bar on a hot summer day, drink a glass of ice-cold beer and eat Boquerones en Vinagre!
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
Christmas Sweets
out of rangeTreat yourself to real Christmas sweets favoured by Spaniards
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
Birdwatching at Wetlands and Riverbanks
out of rangeThe wetlands of Madrid are home to a variety of waterfowl that gather around water in great numbers during dry summer months
Madrid-Style Boiled Dinner (Cocido Madrileño)
out of rangeThe people of Madrid call it the "star and pearl" of the local cuisine
Snowshoeing in Sierra de Guadarrama
out of rangeAn ideal way to explore the winter nature of Madrid, combining beautiful landscapes with clean, fresh air and useful exercise
