Matt
Planning to visit Madrid in April? Great choice! The Spanish capital is an energetic city filled with history, culture, art, and delicious cuisine. Springtime brings its own allure with pleasant weather and endless things to see and do.
Spain in April is nothing short of magical. Gorgeous spring flowers, plenty of historic sites, and fewer crowds — what more could you ask for? Add to that Madrid’s unique attractions and electrifying vibe, and we guarantee you’re in for a great time.
Ready to take off? Let’s get into some insider tips, recommendations for fun things to do, and explore why April is the best month to visit Madrid.
Weather in Madrid in April
Madrid’s weather in April is delightfully Mediterranean — not too hot, not too cold, and just enough drizzle to give it a subtropical feel.
- Average daytime and nighttime temperatures: Daytime temperatures in Madrid are usually a fresh 60 – 64ºF (16 -18ºC). At night, it gets slightly cooler, with average temperatures of around 41 – 45ºF (5 – 7ºC).
- Rain in Madrid in April: April is considered one of the wetter Madrid months, but the city only experiences an average of ten days of precipitation. These rainy days are not too intense — rainfall is light and usually short-lived.
We recommend packing comfortable layers, including a mix of long and short pants and shirts, and a light jacket. And don’t forget your sunscreen and umbrella.
Fun Things to Do in Madrid in April
There are so many amazing things to do in Madrid that you might not know where to start when planning your visit. Madrid’s April weather is perfect for exploring the city. Here are some of our top picks to add to your Spanish springtime itinerary.
1. Visit the Golden Triangle of Arts
Interested in museums? Then there’s no better place to visit than Madrid. The city is home to many world-class galleries, but three in particular stand out above the rest: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Together, these three museums are known as Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art.
The Prado Museum showcases a collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th century. At the Reina Sofia Museum, you can see contemporary works by Spanish artists like Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. If it’s classics you’re after, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays pieces by celebrated European artists, including Van Gogh and Caravaggio.
2. Stroll Around the Royal Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden, or Real Jardín Botánico, is a gorgeous attraction year-round, but it really comes alive during springtime. The garden is right next to the Prado Museum, so it’s a great place to take a break and absorb the new knowledge you gained after your museum tour.
The park is a serene and peaceful space with fountains, terraces, sculptures, and immaculate lawns, adding to its magical appeal. In April, the park’s 5,000 species of plants and trees bloom, and the weather is perfect for a stroll to appreciate its beauty.
3. Make a Splash at Madrid Zoo Aquarium
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium is home to more than 500 species from around the world. You can see everything from tigers and lions to flamingos and marine animals. There’s no better time than April to explore this fun spot — the crowds are few and you won’t feel like you’re melting in the sun.
The aquarium section is one of its most popular springtime attractions. You can watch Hawksbill turtles, Mediterranean seahorses, clownfish, spotted rays, bull sharks, and many more species going about their day. Or, you can get up close and personal and participate in live interactions with dolphins and sea lions guided by their trainers.
4. Watch Football at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
One thing is for sure — Spaniards are crazy about their fútbol. Visiting Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and watching a Real Madrid soccer game is one of the best things to do in April in Madrid. During springtime, matches are aplenty, and you might even be lucky enough to catch Spain’s La Liga or Champions League clashes.
The stadium accommodates over 80,000 Madridistas who fiercely support their team, so be sure that you don’t pitch up in the opposing team’s kit. And if you can’t get to an actual game, you can always take a tour of the Bernabéu Stadium.
5. Eat Your Way Through Mercado de San Miguel
You can’t visit Madrid without sampling delicious Spanish cuisine, and there’s no better place to indulge than Mercado de San Miguel. This historic market opened in 1916 and is located in a beautifully ornate glass and cast iron building.
On warmer April days, we highly recommend stopping by Michelin-starred chef Jordi Roca’s stall, Rocambolesc. They sell what is arguably the most scrumptious homemade, organic ice cream in the country, and we guarantee you’ll want to go back for seconds.
FAQs About the Best Time to Go to Madrid
Itching to embark on your Spanish adventure but still have some lingering questions? We’ve compiled the answers to some common questions about visiting Madrid in April.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Madrid?
Spring (end of March – June) and fall (end of September – December) aren’t the busiest times for tourism in Spain. During these seasons, the weather is nice and you can avoid the crowds, which, in our opinion, makes it the best time to visit Madrid.
Is Madrid More Expensive During April?
Because April falls in the shoulder season, prices for flights and accommodation are more affordable than during summer’s peak tourist season.
How Safe Is Madrid for Tourists?
Madrid is generally considered a safe destination, but petty crimes like pickpocketing are possible. Because there are fewer visitors in April, the chances of being a victim of theft at tourist destinations or street scams are considerably lower.
Final Thoughts | April: the Best Time to Visit Madrid, Spain
With your newfound knowledge about springtime in Spain, we’re sure you’ll agree that April is the best time to travel to Madrid. The blossoming city is absolutely gorgeous during this time, and it’s not crammed with mass amounts of tourists.
Next read: Before jetting off, check out these fun facts about Madrid to be familiar enough with the city to live like a local during your visit.
