Madrid in Fall: Weather, Things to Do and What to Wear in Madrid in Autumn
Should you visit Madrid in fall?
Well, there is never really a bad time to visit the Spanish capital but Madrid in fall is a perfect option.
The temperature is usually cooler during this time compared to the oppressive heat of summer months, and there are plenty of events and activities to do during this period as well.
In this blog post I’ll detail everything you need to know about visiting Madrid in fall – including what to expect weather-wise, what clothing is suitable and the best things to do in this lively European capital.
Weather in Madrid in Fall
Weather in Madrid can vary quite considerably during the fall months, so let’s take a look in detail at what to expect with typical Madrid weather throughout the months of September, October and November.
Weather in Madrid in September
September in Madrid remains quite a sunny period with warm temperatures and not a lot of rain. On average, you can expect temperatures of around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C).
In recent years this temperature has been reaching even higher.
If you plan a trip to Madrid during September then you don’t need to worry too much about bad weather. Pack light clothing, like t-shirts and shorts, and you’ll be set.
Weather in Madrid in October
Weather in October in Madrid is quite a mild affair on average, although expect more cloud coverage and maybe a few days of rain. The temperature remains quite good for this time of year thanks to the country’s Mediterranean climate.
Expect temperatures to be around 59 degrees F (15 C), which is very decent compared with most other European cities during this month.
Weather in Madrid in November
Madrid starts to become a bit cold and rainy during the month of November, with the city experiencing several more rainy days compared to just a handful in October.
The temperature tends to drop a bit as well, usually around 53 degrees F (12 C) on average.
So if you are planning on visiting Madrid in November then make sure to take a jacket and a few extra layers of clothing with you just to be on the safe side.
Reasons to Visit Madrid in Autumn
There are many reasons why autumn is the best season to visit Madrid, so let’s look at why you should visit the city during this time:
Better Weather
Madrid in the summer is quite unbearable at times, with high temperatures that can soar to more than 100 degrees F (40 C).
This is why a lot of the locals of Madrid escape the city in the summertime, preferring the lower temperatures of other Spanish destinations, primarily northern Spain, instead.
But a visit to Madrid in fall is far more ideal; the temperatures are much lower which makes for a more pleasant experience overall.
Fewer Tourists
There are a lot less tourists during the autumn months compared to the summer months, which of course is a huge bonus. It generally means spending less money for some typical travel costs and spending less time navigating through big crowds or waiting in long lines.
Madrid can become quite an overcrowded, busy city during travel high seasons, but during fall months there are considerably less visitors.
Cheaper Costs
Visiting Madrid during autumn means it’s off-peak season, which means cheaper costs when it comes to accommodation and flights.
Madrid compared to the rest of Spain is quite an expensive city, so still expect to pay above average prices when it comes to restaurants and activities.
But compared to other European cities, Madrid isn’t as expensive, especially during the off-peak fall months.
Best Things to do in Madrid in Fall
There are so many things to do in Madrid, whether you plan on visiting for just a couple of days or longer, be prepared to have a full itinerary. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do when in Madrid based on my own experiences:
Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid is probably the city’s most iconic tourist attraction and historical landmark.
It is the largest royal palace in all of Europe and used to be home to Spain’s Royal family, but now is used only for state ceremonies.
You can visit the palace and check out its 3,000 plus rooms, including the throne room, as well as its huge collection of art.
It’s recommended to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the interior of the palace, and its surrounding gardens are worth visiting too.
El Retiro Park
In my opinion, El Retiro Park is one of the best urban parks in the world, second only to New York’s central park. The park is a truly beautiful place to go for a stroll and to escape the busyness of the city.
The centerpiece of the park is the Crystal Palace, a breathtakingly beautiful conservatory that hosts free art exhibitions throughout the year.
You can also rent a rowboat and go for a romantic paddle on the main lake in El Retiro Park, and there are several outdoor cafes to relax at and watch the world go by.
It’s the perfect place to people watch. The park attracts many locals and visitors every day, and is particularly beautiful during the fall months when the colors of the trees change to reflect more autumnal tones.
San Miguel Market
If you’re a food lover then you simply have to visit San Miguel market when in Madrid.
This is the capital’s oldest and most popular indoor food market, with countless food stalls selling the best Spanish cuisine you’ll find anywhere.
Here you can try all types of tapas, cheeses, seafood and more. It does get very busy during the weekends and on holidays (receiving more than 10 million visitors per year), so I would recommend visiting during a weekday.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s historical main square which used to host public executions back in the day. These days it’s a much more enjoyable place with numerous top-quality restaurants lining the square.
These restaurants are not exactly cheap, as the square is a major tourist attraction, but very pleasant to visit. During December, it is also home to Madrid’s most popular Christmas market.
Visit the Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid is a very classy, cultural city that prides itself on the amount of museums it has, especially art museums.
The Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid refers to the three major art museums in the city: Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Out of these three, the Prado museum is the most popular and renowned. It’s a huge museum with a vast collection of historical Spanish and international art.
My personal favorite is the Reina Sofia museum, which features more modern and abstract art and is home to Picasso’s incredible ‘Guernica’, one of the most famous pieces of art in the world.
The Thyssen museum is a privately owned collection that features art from some of the most world-renowned artists as well.
If for you the museums are too pricey, keep in mind that entry to the Prado museum is totally free every Sunday from 5pm to 7pm, as well as during weekday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
For a more unique approach, this curated experience pairs a Prado Museum tour with a VIP Lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant – Botin.
Join a Cooking Class
Spain is also famous for its fantastic food, with several delicious dishes such as paella and tapas. While in Madrid, it’s possible to take a cooking class to learn how to cook some of these fantastic dishes.
You can even buy paella rice to take home as a souvenir from Spain, to accompany your new cooking skills.
There are a lot of classes to choose from, with most lasting a good 3-4 hours, where you get instructions from an expert chef to help you. You also get to taste your own creations at the end, along with a few samples of local wine as well.
👉 Book this Paella and Tapas Madrid Cooking Class
Take a Day Trip
After a few days in Madrid, you may be craving an escape from the busy pace of life in the capital. Luckily, the city is centrally located in Spain and the country has very good high speed train options as well.
There are several top locations that are ideal for a day trip from Madrid which are easy and cheap to reach.
Toledo is only a thirty minute train ride away. It’s a medieval city, famous for its sword-making and stunning architecture.
Segovia is another delightful city which is also only thirty minutes away from Madrid via train. It is home to several historical landmarks, such as its Roman aqueduct which is an impressive sight.
With their proximity to Madrid, you don’t have to choose one over the other. This Toledo and Segovia tour will allow you to visit both lovely towns in one day.
👉 Book the Toledo and Segovia Day Tour from Madrid
What to Wear in Madrid in the Fall
You might experience the weather in flux during fall months in Madrid. In September, the city will still be experiencing warm temperatures. T-shirts, shorts and light clothing is ideal for this month.
But temperatures will begin to drop in October, so longer-sleeved tops and skirts/trousers would be a better choice.
And you’ll definitely need a jacket if visiting Madrid in November, as the weather tends to turn colder as well as wetter then. A scarf, hat and even an umbrella are also good options to bring with you in November.
Where to Stay in Madrid During Fall
There’s a huge range of options when it comes to accommodation in Madrid. Let’s take a look at three awesome choices at different budget levels to suit your needs:
🏨 Luxury: Santo Mauro Hotel
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Madrid look no further than the palatial Santo Mauro Hotel. It’s housed in the home of a former Duke and is a 5-star property featuring French-influence architecture, sauna, an old library turned restaurant and more. It’s an extraordinary hotel in a quiet part of town.
🏨 Mid-Range: Ocean Drive Hotel
Ocean Drive is a 4-star hotel that’s very close to Gran Via as well as Plaza Mayor. In addition to being conveniently located, it’s modern, stylish, and most rooms feature balconies with stunning views over the city.
🏨 Budget: Woohoo Suites
A more affordable option for staying in Madrid is Woohoo Suites. It’s located in the city center, nearest Callao metro station. Each room comes with a king sized bed and has city views. Guests love Woohoo Suites in particular for its location and cleanliness.
There are many options for where to stay in Madrid so you can find the perfect home base to suit your preferences.
Insider Tips for Visiting Madrid in the Fall
From my personal experience, here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to Madrid in fall:
If you happen to be in Madrid on October 12th then you’re in luck! This happens to be the National Day of Spain. Try to catch the military parade that takes place throughout the city on this day.
A lot of museums and public buildings are completely free to visit on this day as well, which is a bonus. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
There are many festivals taking place during the fall months in Madrid as well. Most notable is the Madrid Autumn Festival, which showcases contemporary artwork in various venues around the city.
FAQ: Visiting Madrid in Fall
As you prepare for your autumn visit to Madrid, you might be wondering:
What is fall like in Madrid?
Madrid in fall is a pleasant experience. The temperature is pleasant, especially in September. Key landmarks like Retiro Park become even more scenic during the fall as the autumn colors begin to shine.
What is Madrid like in October?
October is a great time to visit Madrid. The weather is not as hot as in summer months, nor as wet as it is in November and December. You’ll also find the city to be less crowded, and enjoy more affordable rates during this off-peak month.
What is the best time to go to Madrid?
In my personal opinion, April, May or September are the best times to visit Madrid. The temperatures during these months are perfect for spring and autumn lovers.
I would avoid a visit to Madrid in summer months, as temperatures rise dramatically and Spain experiences several heat waves that can last for a few weeks.
December is another good option, as Madrid likes to celebrate Christmas in style with a light show throughout the city. This is a spectacular sight and really gets you in the festive mood.
Is November a good time to go to Madrid?
Yes, November is as good a time as any to visit Madrid. For sure, temperatures will be a little bit lower compared to earlier months and you can expect some rainy and windy days.
If you’re heading to Madrid in hopes of warm weather, then no, November is not ideal as sunny skies and hot weather are certainly not guaranteed and would be more of a fluke. Although personally, I found November in Madrid to be quite balmy and surprisingly mild.
Final Thoughts: Madrid in Fall
If you’re a fan of autumn travel then Madrid in fall would be a great experience for you. The weather is surprisingly mild, the city is less crowded and you can expect cheaper prices when it comes to accommodation and flights.
There are so many activities to do here and, in my opinion, Madrid is the best European city bar none. It’s not quite as touristy as the likes of Paris or Milan, and you get a real sense of Spanish culture.
If you’re planning a trip to the Spanish capital in fall then simply bring a few extra layers of clothing and you’ll have a brilliant time!
About the author: Mark Jeavons is a travel blogger based in England. He has visited over 40 countries, mostly as a solo traveller and aims to give expert, up to date and in-depth advice on the places he has visited via his blog: www.solotravelman.com.
