Madrid Weather in November

November weather in Madrid

November feels cool rather than wintry, with mild afternoons and chilly evenings. The average high is 15°C, but lows reach 4°C, so a late walk through Retiro Park can feel very different from a sunny lunch in La Latina. Rain falls on about nine days, and cloudy spells are common.

You can still enjoy outdoor sights like the Prado and Plaza Mayor, especially on dry afternoons. For a rainy day, spend time in the Reina Sofía or browse the covered stalls at Mercado de San Miguel. The shorter daylight hours make long outdoor plans less appealing, and nearby Valencia or Seville usually offers better weather.

Festivals and local traditions

Madrid celebrates its patron saint, the Virgen de la Almudena, on November 9. You may see a procession near Almudena Cathedral, beside the Royal Palace. Bakeries also sell the ring-shaped corona de la Almudena, a seasonal sweet made for the festival.

All Saints' Day on November 1 is a public holiday in Spain. Some shops and services may close, while cemeteries can be especially busy. If you hate crowds, visit the city's major sights on a weekday rather than during the holiday weekend.

Crowds and what to do

November is quieter than Madrid's popular spring and early autumn months. You'll usually find fewer visitors around the Prado and Retiro, and hotel prices are often lower than in busier months. The Almudena celebrations can bring local crowds around the cathedral, though.

Travelling with kids? Take the Metro to Atocha, then walk through the tropical garden inside the station before heading to the nearby Reina Sofía. It's a handy indoor stop if rain interrupts your plans. For a classic cold-weather meal, order cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew served in many traditional restaurants.