Madrid in September: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in September means you’ll experience the joys of the city shifting from summer to early fall. By which we mean warm weather that’s far more comfortable than the intense heat of the peak summer months, smaller shoulder-season crowds, and lively events, of both the local and global variety. Tempted to book a sun-drenched, city-based fall vacation in Europe? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in September along with tips on how to plan your perfect trip to the cultured capital of Spain.

Is September a good time to visit Madrid?

September is one of the best months to visit Madrid, offering warm weather that’s far more manageable than it is during the sizzling peak summer months, and fewer tourists as the city is enlivened by locals returning from their vacations on the coast.

Serving long, sunny days, minimal rainfall, and stacks of events, it’s a wonderful time to explore the city’s historic attractions, and gloriously green outdoor spaces like El Retiro Park.

So, whether you’re hoping to hit a host of rooftop bars, take day trips to scenic Segovia and Toledo, or want to linger longer in Madrid’s many art museums, September offers a near-perfect balance of opportunities to enjoy culture and relax.

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 September

Noticeably cooler than the sizzling, intense heat of summer, the weather in Madrid in September remains pleasantly warm as the city shifts from summer to early fall.

In terms of the numbers, Madrid sees an average low temperature range of 57°F to 64°F (14°C to 18°C), rising to average highs of 80°F to 86°F (27°C to 30°C).

September in Madrid also offers long, bright days, with 8-9 hours of sunshine served on a daily basis. 

While July and August see around eleven hours of sunshine a day, September compares favourably with 7-8 hours of sunshine in April, 6-7 hours in March, 5-6 hours in February, and just 4-5 hours in January. 

While September sees slightly more rainfall than the summer months, it remains relatively dry overall, with just 0.8 to 1.2 inches (20 to 30 mm) falling through the month.

So, while occasional rain showers are possible, they’re usually brief and not disruptive.

For context, July — Madrid’s driest month — experiences a mere 0.2 to 0.6 Meanwhile, November — the wettest month of the year — sees 2.0-2.4 inches (50-60 mm). 

Want wider info on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in September, 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 September, and the beat places to visit in fall.

What about the crowds and cost?

September sees a moderate level of crowds as the peak summer vacation period ends, and locals return to the city. 

While it often feels busier than August — as a result of locals returning — it’s less crowded than June and July. 

In terms of your vacation experience, this means popular tourist attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace will be pretty busy, but crowds are eminently manageable.

At the same time, travel costs in September are also moderate, with slightly lower prices than during June, July and August. 

That said, it’s still advisable to book in advance to secure better deals — it’s no secret that September is a great month to visit Madrid.

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 September

Considering the warm weather in Madrid in September — and the smaller crowds — here are some of the best things to do through this splendid shoulder-season, early fall month.

These suggestions come in addition to exploring the city’s top attractions, among them the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and many art museums, including the Prado.

Madrid Fashion Week

Kicking off in early September, Madrid Fashion Week is a major event in the international fashion world, with runway shows, exhibitions, and industry events.

Editor’s tip: if you’re not invited to any of the glamorous parties, book to see an authentic flamenco show.

Be fired up by the La Melonera Festival

Celebrated in mid-September, the La Melonera Festival is a traditional event held in the Arganzuela district.

Featuring fireworks, traditional dances and food stalls, it offers travelers the chance to experience local culture in a thoroughly festive atmosphere.

Uncover culture at Noche en Blanco 

Held in late-September Noche en Blanco (White Night) is an all-night cultural event that sees museums, galleries, and cultural institutions open their doors for free.

At the same time, the streets play host to performances, art installations and music. 

Tuck into Madrid’s culinary culture 

The warm weather in September is ideal for alfresco dining, so we suggest heading to neighborhoods like La Latina and Chueca to enjoy tapas outdoors.

Lively rooftop bars are also on hand to serve stunning views of the city’s skyline, along with cocktails and cerveza.

Foodies will also want to visit Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón, which offer tonnes of tasty Spanish delicacies.

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.

Take to the great outdoors

El Retiro Park — one of Madrid’s most glorious green spaces — is simply stunning in September as summer transitions into fall.

Pack a picnic and make a day of it to stretch out in the late-summer sun, enjoy serene strolls and row on the lake.

Beyond Retiro Park, we also recommend Casa de Campo and Parque del Oeste.

Editor’s tip: September is also a top time to take days trips to UNESCO-designated Toledo — the ancient capital of Spain — and Segovia, which is home to the Alcázar Castle and an Ancient Roman aqueduct.

Plan your trip to Madrid in September

Decided to visit Madrid in September? Read on 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.

We also suggest booking early. Though September sits outside the peak summer season, it’s a popular month to visit for all the reasons outlined above.

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.