Tips · Spain
Madrid in Spring: March–May Weather and What to Wear
Madrid's March, April and May normals side by side, what to wear each month, a short spring plan, getting around, budget and a pre-trip checklist.
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The short answer: what is spring like in Madrid?
The most pleasant times in Madrid are April to June and September to October. Of the three spring months (March to May), April and May fall in that window, while March comes a little earlier, with chilly mornings and evenings.
This post puts the March, April and May normals side by side and covers what to wear each month, a short spring plan, getting around, budget and a checklist. The day-by-day route and the airport transfer each have their own post.
March, April and May normals side by side
Below are 1991–2020 normals for Madrid Retiro station from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) submission · WMO normals collection (NOAA NCEI): average high / average low / monthly rainfall, rounded to whole numbers.
In all three months there is a big gap between daytime and early-morning temperatures. March mornings average 6°C and are chilly, while May afternoons average 24°C. Pack a compact umbrella in case of rain.
For comparison, July and August have average highs of about 33°C, and hot days can top 35°C. Spring is much milder than that.
- March: 16°C / 6°C / 35 mm
- April: 19°C / 8°C / 46 mm
- May: 24°C / 12°C / 48 mm
What to wear each month
With these numbers, layers are the basic rule: take one off during the day and add a jacket in the morning and evening.
Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Prado are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other, so the center is easy to explore on foot. Dinner in Spain is usually after 9 pm, so carry a layer on days you stay out late.
- March (16°C / 6°C): a warm jacket for mornings and evenings, long sleeves and long trousers
- April (19°C / 8°C): long sleeves by day, plus a jacket for mornings and evenings
- May (24°C / 12°C): short sleeves can work by day, but bring a light layer for mornings and evenings
- All three months: shoes you can walk in all day and a compact umbrella in case of rain
A short spring plan
Plan on 3 to 4 nights in Madrid. The full day-by-day route is in the 4-day route post linked above, so here are just the points to keep in mind in spring.
April and May fall in the most pleasant season, so they are good months for outdoor time. Retiro Park is free; you can row on the lake and visit the glass Palacio de Cristal. The Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple relocated to a hilltop park, is famous for sunsets and free to view outside. In the evening, enjoy the views from a Gran Vía rooftop terrace bar.
For museums, use the Prado's free entry for roughly the last two hours before closing (lines can be long) and the Reina Sofía's free entry during some evening hours; the Reina Sofía is usually closed on Tuesdays. Spend one day on a train day trip to Toledo or Segovia and check train times in the official information, and if your trip includes a Sunday, add El Rastro flea market in La Latina.
Check spring opening hours and event dates in the official information before you go. It can get busy around Easter, so check official information if you travel then.
Getting around: metro, card and walking
The metro is the backbone: extensive and clean, it reaches almost every sight and runs until about 1:30 am. Buy the Tarjeta Multi card at station machines and load single or 10-trip tickets; the 10-trip ticket works on both metro and city buses and saves money. If you plan to ride a lot, the Tourist Travel Pass gives unlimited public transport for 1 to 7 days.
The center is easy to walk, and buses complement the metro well. Taxis are relatively affordable compared with other European capitals.
From Barajas Airport to the city there are four options: Metro Line 8, the Airport Express Bus, Cercanías C1 (from T4) and the flat-rate taxi. For a full comparison, see the airport post linked at the end.
Budget and pre-trip checklist
Plan on about €60-80 per day (hostels, tapas and menú del día, free museum hours), about €150-220 per day (mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, one or two paid sights) or about €400+ per day (luxury hotel, fine dining, guided tours). The weekday menú del día costs about €13-18, and tapas are about €4-12 per plate.
- Clothes: a warm jacket in March, a layer for mornings and evenings in April and May
- Packing: comfortable shoes and a compact umbrella
- Meal times: lunch around 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm are normal
- Payment: cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is common
- Safety: watch for pickpockets around Sol, on the metro and at El Rastro, and don't leave your phone on terrace tables
- Around Easter: check opening hours in the official information
- Entry requirements: check the official information before you go
- VAT refund: non-EU residents can get tax-free forms in stores and claim a refund when leaving, so bring your passport
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FAQ
Is Madrid cold in March?
March normals are an average high of 16°C, an average low of 6°C and 35 mm of rain, so mornings and evenings are chilly. It comes just before April to June, one of the most pleasant stretches, so bring a warm jacket.
How warm is Madrid in May?
May normals are an average high of 24°C and an average low of 12°C. Short sleeves can work by day, but bring a light layer for mornings and evenings.
Are there spring festivals or events?
Check spring event dates and opening hours in the official information before you go. It can get busy around Easter, so check official information if you travel then.
How much should I budget for a spring trip?
About €60-80 per day (hostels, tapas and menú del día, free museum hours), about €150-220 per day (mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, one or two paid sights) or about €400+ per day (luxury hotel, fine dining, guided tours).
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Royal Palace of Madrid · Tim Adams / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Koko-en Garden · Drivephotographer / CC0