Madrid in November: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in November means coming prepared for late-fall, and early winter conditions. That is to say, the weather is cooler and wetter than the previous months and, being a low season month, it’s also quieter. As such, November suits travelers who are keen to explore the cultured capital of Spain free from the intense heat and crowds of summer. Like the sound of that? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in November, along with tips on what to see and do, and how to plan your perfect trip.

Is November a good time to visit Madrid?

Due to the weather in Madrid in November bringing cooler temperatures and increased rain, it’s not the best month for outdoor activities.

But, if you prefer milder weather, smaller crowds and are looking for a culture-packed vacation, low-season November is a good time to visit Madrid to do a deeper dive into the city’s historic attractions and art.

While the days are shorter and rain is more frequent, the city’s bounty of indoor attractions — including world-class galleries and museums, and cozy cafés — make it a great time to explore Madrid at a more relaxed pace., with fewer fellow tourists creating long lines. 

November also sees Madrid host a few fabulous festivals that are sure to give your vacation a more authentic flavour — more on those later.

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 November

Sitting in late-fall as the city transitions to winter, the weather in Madrid in November heralds an average low temperature range of 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C), rising to average highs of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)

When it comes to daylight, expect 4-5 hours of sunshine a day in Madrid in November, which is noticeably less than the preceding months.

October, for example, sees around 6-7 hours of sunshine a day, while the summer months enjoy up to 11 hours.

When it comes to rain, November is one of the wettest months in Madrid, with rainfall amounting to around 2.0 to 2.4 inches (50 to 60 mm) across the month, which is on a par with October.

For comparison, July, the driest month of the year in Madrid, experiences just 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm).

That said, while Madrid is relativity wet in November, rain tends to fall in short bursts.

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

What about the crowds and cost?

November is part of Madrid’s tourist low season, which means smaller crowds in even the most popular attractions, such as the Prado Museum and Royal Palace.

And, hand in hand with decreased crowds, decreased demand for flights and accommodation means you can expect to pay less for your trip.

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

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 November

Considering the cooler, rainier weather, smaller crowds and a few notable festivals and events, here are some of the best things to do in Madrid in November.

Explore iconic cultural attractions in comfortable conditions

With smaller crowds to hinder the experience, and cooler weather inviting indoor sightseeing, November is the ideal month to visit Madrid’s top museums and galleries.

For example, the Prado Museum is a must-see in Madrid. With fewer tourists, you can really take your time admiring masterpieces by the likes of Goya, Velázquez and El Greco.

The same is true of the Royal Palace of Madrid — another iconic attraction that’s perfect to visit in November, with the cooler weather and low visitor numbers rendering exploring the lavish interiors and gardens all the more comfortable.

Experience Festival de Otoño

Hailed Spain’s top performing arts festival, the Festival de Otoño (Autumn Festival) showcases theater, dance and music performances from local and international artists. 

Enjoy JazzMadrid

Encompassing concerts, jam sessions and workshops, with performances at iconic venues like the Teatro Fernán Gómez and Conde Duque Cultural Center, JazzMadrid takes place from mid-October through to the end of November.

Be enflamed by flamenco shows

Madrid is known for its traditional flamenco performances, with venues like Corral de la Morería and Casa Patas, for a couple of examples, offering authentic music and dance shows that are sure to warm the soul on chillier evenings.

Warm up with chocolatey churros in cozy cafés 

November’s cooler, wetter weather is also perfect for indulging in churros con chocolate at one of Madrid’s many churrerías, such as the famous Chocolatería San Ginés. 

The rich hot chocolate and crispy churros are the ideal afternoon treat.

Editor’s tip: if you’re into Spanish food and drink in a big way, our customisable Culinary Experience in Seville itinerary has a tempting focus on food.

Plan your trip to Madrid in November

If’ you’ve decided to visit Madrid in November, here are some tips that’ll 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.