Madrid in May: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in May means you’ll get to soak up early summer vibes in the cultured capital of Spain. By which we mean warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and increased sunshine during a shoulder-season month that hosts a feast of festivals ahead of the hectic high season. Sound appealing? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in May, along with tips on how to plan your perfect trip.

Is May a good time to visit Madrid?

Offering a marvelous balance of fine weather, moderate crowds, and a host of festivals, May is one of the best months to visit Madrid.

Given that the weather in Madrid is May is warm — rather than sizzlingly hot — as spring shifts to summer, it's perfect for outdoor activities. 

Take your pick from exploring parks, tucking into tapas on terraces, sipping beer in rooftop bars, and embracing several cultural events, among them San Isidro Festival and Flamenco Madrid.

Though showers are possible, they really won’t upset your plans. Just pack a light raincoat and umbrella to be on the safe side, and you’re good to go.

In summary, May is the ideal month to explore Madrid’s magnificent historic attractions and outdoor spaces, from strolling Retiro Park, to visiting the likes of the Royal Palace in the company of moderate shoulder-season crowds.

Still making up your mind about where to go? Weigh up whether to visit Madrid or Barcelona first. 

Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia — without the hassle of planning, take a look at our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip before talking to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in May

Sitting in early summer, the weather in Madrid in May sees an average low temperature range of 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C), rising to average highs of 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C).

In good news for sun-seekers, May also offers markedly more daylight than the preceding winter months, with 9-10 hours of sunshine a day. 

This compares with 7-8 hours in April, 6-7 hours in March, 5-6 hours in February, and 4-5 hours in January. For wider context, Madrid’s sun-drenched summer months enjoy up to 11 hours a day.

Though it’s generally dry and sunny, the weather in Madrid in May means moderate rainfall amounting to 1.2 to 1.6 inches (30 to 40 mm), which is a little down on April.

That said, showers are usually short, and won’t have a big impact on your plans. 

For context, November — the wettest month of the year — sees 2.0-2.4 inches (50-60 mm), while July, the driest month, sees a mere 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm).

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in May, and the best time to go to Spain.

And, if you’re not set on Spain, discover some of the best places to travel in May, and the best places to travel in spring around the world.

What about the crowds and cost?

May is part of Madrid’s shoulder season, which means crowds are still pretty moderate. 

Thanks to the warmer, sunnier weather, and notable festivals like San Isidro, you’ll definitely see more tourists in May than during the preceding spring and winter months, but numbers remain lower than they are during the height of the summer peak season.

As a result, crowds are manageable at major attractions like the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace and Retiro Park.

When it comes to costs, while they’re still lower than the high season, the price of flights and hotels tend to rise through May, and during popular festivals. As a result, booking in advance is recommended.

Traveling on a budget? Find out about fabulous free things to do in Madrid.

And, if you’re traveling beyond Madrid, read up on Barcelona's best things to do for free, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Madrid in May

Considering the warm weather in Madrid in May, and pretty moderate crowds ahead of the high season spike, here are some of the best things to do through the month.

These suggestions come in addition to exploring top attractions in less-crowded conditions. These include galleries, museums and historic sites like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, and taking day trips to UNESCO-designated Toledo and scenic Segovia. 

Discover Día de la Comunidad de Madrid 

Celebrating the Community of Madrid’s uprising against French occupation in 1808, May 2nd’s Día de la Comunidad de Madrid features parades and concerts throughout the city. 

As such, it presents a unique opportunity to witness local pride and Madrid’s cultural heritage at one fell swoop.

Experience the San Isidro Festival

Celebrated on May 15th in honor of the city’s patron saint, San Isidro is Madrid’s biggest and most important festival.

Expect traditional music, dancing, parades and events in Pradera de San Isidro Park, with many locals dressed in traditional chulapo clothing.

Be enflamed by Flamenco Madrid 

Featuring performances in theaters and cultural venues across the city, Flamenco Madrid presents a thrilling month-long celebration of Spain’s famous flamenco music and dance.

Explore local literary culture 

Held in Retiro Park from May into June, Festival de la Palabra (Madrid Book Festival) is a must-visit for literature lovers. 

With a special focus on Spanish literature, the fair boasts book stalls, author signings and literary discussions galore.

Editor’s tip: book-lovers will also want to explore Madrid’s Literary Quarter — Barrio de las Letras, which is home to quaint cafes, bookshops, and historic sites connected to Spanish literary greats like Cervantes.

Throw yourself into Madrid’s thriving food scene

May is a mighty fine month to enjoy alfresco dining in Madrid’s many plazas and streets, with neighborhoods like La Latina and Malasaña loaded with tapas bars serving authentic patatas bravas, jamón ibérico and croquetas.

We also suggest devoting a few hours (at least) to exploring Madrid’s markets, among them Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón.

Come dusk, hit one of Madrid’s rooftop bars to enjoy a few sundowners while soaking up awe-inspiring views of the city’s skyline.

Editor’s tip: love Spanish food and drink? Without wishing to lure you from Madrid, our customisable Culinary Experience in Seville itinerary has a tempting focus on food.

Plan your trip to Madrid in May

Sold on visiting Madrid in May? Read on for a run-down of tips to help you plan your perfect trip.

First up, if you’re not actually keen on the process of planning, why not check out our customisable Spain itineraries?

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect itinerary, book every last detail, and provide support while you’re away, you’ll get to skip the stress of planning, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters. Namely, counting down the days to your vacation.

For example, our customisable five-day Made for Madrid itinerary will see you explore the city’s culture and cuisine in authentic style.

If you're short on time but don’t want to scrimp on experiences, check out our handy day-by-day-itinerary for the perfect weekend in Madrid.

We also suggest taking a look our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding where to go and how long you need, to how to get there, and where to stay.

On that subject, a key part of planning any trip is figuring out where to stay according to your tastes and budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly district (hello, Retiro!), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Malasaña), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Madrid.

Lastly, for advice on what to see and do in Madrid — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid.