Matt
So, you’ve decided to take a vacation to Madrid in May. Truth be told, you couldn’t have picked a better month, as the weather in May is warm. This is the perfect time to go on holiday, even though you risk getting some rainfall.
May is a great time to visit Madrid as the season of spring is coming to an end and summer is around the corner. During this time, the city does tend to pick up in activity and pace, but it’s still quiet as the crowds that swarm in summer have not arrived.
You don’t have to wait until summer to take your vacation, as the spring season assures you that it’s blue skies all around. Spring also comes with vibrant Spanish festivals to choose from, like the San Isidro Festival and Dos de Mayo, to name just a couple.
What follows is your quick go-to guide for what to expect in Madrid in May.
Weather in Madrid in May
Spring is from March to May, and it brings months of colorful flowers blooming in Madrid, and the heat is bearable. The days are longer, and the weather is mild with a gentle breeze.
- The average temperature in a day starts from a high of 74°F (23°C) and during the day to a low of 47°F (8°C) in the evening. In Madrid, May has about 14 hours of daylight.
- It mostly rains at the beginning of spring, which is in March. However, there is an average 12% chance of rain in May.
That is why it’s essential when packing to ensure that you have clothing that can quickly adapt to the change of weather. Bring a mix of warm and cool clothes, including long and short-sleeved tops, jeans, and long and short pants. Early mornings and some nights can be chilly, so don’t forget to bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
Things to Do in Madrid in May
Here are three things you should consider on your trip to Madrid in May in Spain.
1. Visit the Madrid Wax Museum
The Madrid Wax Museum is full of history waiting to be soaked up. You’ll learn more about Spain while enjoying seeing the latest wax figures. This museum is home to 450 wax figures. You can book your ticket online and snap a photo with your favorite celebrity and historical figures.
One of the most controversial wax figures was Manolo Escobar, a Spanish singer. When his wax figure was shown to him, he didn’t like it, so it was taken to Casa De Campo Park to be destroyed. But a new one was later made, now found in the museum.
You’ll also rub shoulders with the likes of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many more celebrities at the museum. Other on-site attractions include the Train of Terror, an exhilarating ride that showcases a journey filled with dinosaurs, sharks, aliens, and rats.
2. Take a Trip to Parque Warner Madrid
Parque Warner Madrid is a movie studio-inspired theme park with thrill rides and rollercoasters based on Hollywood blockbusters. It’s the ideal place to make memories by meeting your favorite DC Comics superheroes like Batman and Superman.
Get the adrenaline rushing through your body as you enjoy the exhilarating water rides and rollercoasters. The park has five different areas with attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Besides the thrilling rides, you can expect to be entertained by captivating live shows with your favorite characters. You can also explore themed areas based on well-known movies, making it feel like you’ve stepped onto the big screen with characters from Harry Potter to the Looney Tunes.
Quick Tip: Buy your park tickets online to save money and skip the line at the ticket counter.
3. Guided Tour of the Royal Palace
This was the home of the Kings of Spain, from Charles III to Alfonso XII. This majestic palace takes us on a historical journey to Spain. The Royal Palace of Madrid sees almost two million visitors annually.
Because the Royal Palace is such a popular tourist attraction, one might wonder if there is a dress code. There is no dress code, so you can show some skin on those hot days. Taking photos inside the Royal Palace is allowed in most areas, but flash photography is not permitted.
Enjoy the opportunity to see the Royal Armoury, with its house weapons and armor worn by kings and members of the noble family. Or visit the Royal Kitchen, with its oldest and most well-preserved cooking spaces.
Festivals and Events in Madrid in May
Fiesta de San Isidro Festival
Every year in May, Madrid honors its patron Saint San Isidro Labrador with a jam-packed day of events and endless activities. San Isidro Labrador was believed to have a remarkable ability to find water. Every time he needed help, he would pray to God, hammer his stick on the ground, and water would appear.
One of the greatest miracles he performed was when he saved his son from a well. He prayed to God, asking him to fill the well so his son could float to the top.
The celebration has a religious aspect as the festival begins with the blessing of the water from Fuente de San Isidro at the saint’s hermitage. The water fountain remains open for a few days to allow people to collect the miracle water. The fun part begins with people parading through Madrid dressed in their traditional garb.
FAQs About Madrid in May
Is Madrid Busy in May?
No, if you want to avoid crowds and experience the city at its best, then May is the time to plan your carefree vacation. The busiest months are usually June, July and August, as this is summertime.
Is May a Good Time to Visit Madrid?
May is one of the best months to visit Madrid as Spain benefits from daylight saving. Days are longer, allowing you more time to explore the city.
The weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, perfect for walks around the city. There aren’t as many tourists in May, making sightseeing less chaotic and more fun. You can also attend many festivals; tickets are cheaper during this off-peak season.
Final Thoughts About Madrid in May
With so much to do in Madrid in May, you should take advantage of the delightful weather and daylight saving that will allow you to get more done. Learn more about the Spanish Royal Family in a guided tour, and the festivals occurring in Madrid in May will undoubtedly delight you.
Madrid also has numerous beautiful luxury hotels, so depending on where you stay, you might feel like a king or queen as you’ll be pampered and relaxed.
