Madrid in October: What's the weather like?

Madrid’s weather in shoulder-season October sees the city in full fall mode, which means comfortably mild temperatures that make it a top time to explore the cultured capital of Spain free from the intense heat and crowds of summer. While October is one of the wettest months of the year, rainfall is still only moderate, with a few significant festivals and events making it ideal for culture-packed trips. Sound like your kind of vacation? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in October, along with tips on what to see and do, and how to plan your perfect trip.

Is October a good time to visit Madrid?

Yes, October is a pretty fantastic time to visit Madrid. Given that the weather in Madrid in October is still warm — but nowhere near as hot at it is during the peak of summer — it’s ideal for comfortable culture-oriented vacations.

October is also more comfortable when it comes to crowds. This is a shoulder-season month for tourism, which means there’ll be shorter lines to enter top attractions. 

If that wasn’t enough, October 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 October

Sitting in fall, the weather in Madrid in October sees an average low temperature range of 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C), rising to an average high range of 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C).

While the days are shorter than during the summer months — which see up to 11 hours of sunshine a day — visiting Madrid in October means you’ll still get to enjoy around 6-7 hours of sun. 

For context, December and January only see around 4-5 hours.

When it comes to rain, Madrid in October sees moderate rainfall, with occasional showers amounting to 1.5 to 2.0 inches (35 to 50 mm) across the month, which shouldn’t interfere with your plans.

For comparison, November sees more rain — about 2.0 to 2.4 inches (50 to 60 mm) — while July, the driest month of the year in Madrid, experiences just 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm),

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in October , 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 October.

What about the crowds and cost?

October is part of Madrid’s shoulder season so, while it’s still a popular time to visit, the city is way less crowded than it is during the peak summer months. 

In practice, this means that while major attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace always attracts stacks of visitors, lines will be shorter in October, and you’ll have more space to explore once you’re inside.

In more good news, travel costs in October are lower than they are during the peak summer months — expect to pay less for flights and accommodation than you would in July and August. 

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 October

Considering the mild weather, smaller shoulder-season crowds and several notable festivals and events, here’s a run-down of the best things to do in Madrid in October.

Explore top attractions in crowd-free conditions

While you won’t want to miss the likes of the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor whenever you visit, vacationing in Madrid in October will enable you to linger longer.

At the same time, Madrid’s cooler weather in October is ideal for spending time in Madrid’s many art museums.

Experience Fiesta Nacional de España

Held on October 12th, the Fiesta Nacional de España — Spain’s national holiday — is celebrated with a military parade.

Focused around Paseo de la Castellana, where you can see the royal family, government officials, and military displays, it’s a unique cultural experience.

Throw yourself into the Festival de Otoño

Running through October and November, the Festival de Otoño (autumn festival) is a major cultural event in Madrid.

Expect theater and dance performances, plus music from local and international artists.

Make merry at Madrid’s Oktoberfest 

Although it’s not a traditional Spanish festival, the Madrid Oktoberfest has become popular in recent years.

Celebrating beer and Bavarian culture, it’s a fun way to enjoy live music, traditional German food, and — of course — plenty of beer.

Take day trips to Toledo and Segovia

Offering comfortably mild temperatures and smaller crowds, October is an ideal time to enjoy day trips from Madrid. 

With that in mind, we suggest adding Toledo and Segovia to the top of your travel wish list. 

While the former is known for its medieval architecture, and the latter for its Roman aqueduct and Alcázar Castle, both destinations offer rich history and sublime scenery.

Given that both towns are also overrun with day-trippers in summer, visiting in quieter shoulder-seaosn October will enable you to get more from your day trips.

Plan your trip to Madrid in October

Decided to visit Madrid in October? Keep reading for 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.