Thinking about visiting Madrid in the fall? You’ll notice the season brings real change. Warm afternoons in September slowly give way to chilly evenings by late November. Highs drop from the upper 80s °F (around 30°C) to the mid-50s °F (around 12°C).
As autumn rolls on, rain becomes more frequent, but honestly, sunny days still win out most of the time.
Days get shorter as you move through the season. By late November, sunsets arrive early.
Clouds start to take over, and while Madrid rarely feels humid, the cooler air and those rain showers make the city feel pretty different from its dry summer.
If you know these patterns, you can plan better. Maybe you’ll pack the right clothes or time your outdoor plans just right.
Overview of Fall Weather in Madrid
Madrid shifts from lingering summer heat to cooler, wetter days as fall sets in.
Temperatures keep dropping, rain shows up more often, and daylight hours shrink, but you still get more sunshine than in lots of other European cities.
Typical Temperature Range
From September through November, you’ll notice a steady cooling trend.
September usually stays warm, with daytime highs around 26°C (79°F) and nights cooling to about 15°C (59°F).
By October, highs drop to about 20°C (68°F), and lows settle near 10°C (50°F).
November brings the biggest change. Highs average 13°C (55°F) and nighttime lows can get down to 5°C (41°F).
Packing layers really helps. Light clothes work in early fall, but by November, you’ll want a jacket, especially after dark.
The dry summer vibe disappears fast, replaced by crisp mornings and cool nights.
If you’re sensitive to temperature swings, get ready for big differences between day and night all season.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
Rain picks up a lot in fall compared to summer.
September usually sees around 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) of rain, mostly in a few quick showers.
October stands out as the wettest month, with about 60 mm (2.3 in)—this is when rain peaks in Madrid.
November stays damp, with rainfall near 55–60 mm (2.2–2.4 in).
Showers happen often, but they’re usually moderate, not heavy storms.
Cloudy days become more common, especially from mid-October.
Bringing a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket makes sense.
Even though rain shows up, it rarely sticks around all day, so you’ll still find plenty of dry hours to explore.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Daylight keeps shrinking as fall goes on.
In September, you get about 12.5 hours of daylight, with sunsets after 8:00 PM.
By October, you’re down to roughly 11 hours of daylight, and evenings show up earlier.
November is the shortest, with only 10 hours of daylight and sunsets before 6:00 PM.
Still, Madrid gives you 5 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in fall, which beats many northern European cities.
This mix of shorter days and steady sun makes autumn a nice time for sightseeing.
You can spend your days outdoors, then enjoy the cooler evenings in Madrid’s lively cafés and restaurants.
Month-by-Month Breakdown: September to November
Madrid’s temperatures drop throughout the fall, rain increases, and daylight slips away.
You’ll start with warm afternoons in early autumn, move to cooler nights by mid-season, and see wetter days as November draws near.
September Weather Highlights
September often feels like late summer, especially in the first couple of weeks.
Average highs land at 26–28°C (79–82°F), with lows around 15°C (59°F), making evenings perfect for outdoor dining or strolling.
Rain starts to pick up after the dry summer. Expect about 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) of rain scattered over a few days.
Most days stay sunny, with 7–8 hours of sunshine and around 12.5 hours of daylight.
Humidity stays moderate, so the warmth doesn’t feel oppressive.
If you’re out and about, light clothes work during the day, but you’ll want a jacket for those cooler nights.
October Weather Highlights
October really marks the shift to cooler, wetter weather.
Highs average 19–21°C (66–70°F), and lows drop to about 10–11°C (50–52°F).
Afternoons feel pleasant, but mornings and evenings can get chilly.
Rainfall peaks in October, with 55–60 mm (2.1–2.4 in) on average.
Showers usually come in short bursts, not all-day rain.
You’ll see more cloud cover than in September, but sunny spells still break through.
Daylight drops to about 11 hours, and sunshine averages 5–6 hours per day.
The UV index drops, so sunburn isn’t much of a worry.
A sweater or light coat comes in handy, especially after dark.
November Weather Highlights
By November, Madrid feels almost wintry.
Daytime highs hover around 12–14°C (54–57°F), and nighttime lows fall to 5–6°C (41–43°F).
Frost rarely appears in the city, but it can show up nearby.
Rain stays steady, with 55–60 mm (2.2–2.4 in) for the month.
Overcast days become more common, and sunshine drops to 5 hours or less per day.
Daylight shortens to about 10 hours, so evenings come fast.
Expect cool, damp weather that calls for warmer clothes.
A waterproof jacket and layers work well, since mornings can be chilly but afternoons may warm up a bit.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons in Madrid
Madrid’s temperatures change quickly as the year moves from hot summers to cold winters.
Fall and spring act as transition periods, and shifts in rainfall, daylight, and clouds really shape the city’s vibe through the year.
Fall Versus Summer
Madrid’s summer feels hot and dry, with highs above 90°F (32°C) in July and August.
Rain almost disappears, skies stay clear, and daylight can last over 14 hours.
Nights stay warm, which makes the heat linger.
By fall, things cool off. September still brings warm afternoons near 84°F (29°C), but by November, highs drop to the mid-50s °F (13°C).
Nights get much cooler, sometimes nearing 36°F (2°C) late in the season.
Rain increases too. Summer averages less than 0.2 inches of rain per month, but fall goes over 1 inch by November.
Cloud cover rises from about 27% in early September to almost 50% by late November, so clear skies become less common.
Fall gives you milder afternoons, cool nights, and more rain—making outdoor plans a lot more comfortable than in peak summer.
Fall Versus Winter
Winter in Madrid brings colder days, less daylight, and a bit more rain than fall.
Average highs in December and January sit around 50°F (10°C), with lows near 33°F (1°C).
Frost can happen, but snow doesn’t show up often.
Compared to fall, winter days feel much shorter.
In late November, you still get about 9.5 hours of daylight, but by late December, it drops closer to 9 hours.
Sunsets arrive before 6 PM in winter, while in early fall they’re still past 8 PM.
Rain stays moderate, but late fall already hints at the wetter winter ahead.
The chance of a wet day goes up to about 20% in winter, a bit higher than in fall.
Clouds become more common too.
If you compare the two, fall gives you more daylight, warmer afternoons, and a lower risk of frost, while winter feels more overcast and definitely colder, especially at night.
Fall Versus Spring
Spring in Madrid feels a lot like fall, but in reverse.
Temperatures climb instead of dropping.
March starts with highs near 58°F (14°C), and by May, afternoons often reach 75°F (24°C).
Nights warm up slowly but stay milder than early spring.
Rain falls more often in spring than in fall.
April tends to be the wettest, with the daily chance of rain peaking near 23%.
Fall starts off drier in September and only gets wetter toward November.
Daylight shifts differently, too.
Spring gains over 3 hours of daylight from March to May, while fall loses about the same between September and November.
This really affects how much time you’ll have for outdoor stuff.
In short, spring feels greener, wetter, and brighter, while fall starts dry, turns cooler, and the days get shorter as winter comes closer.
Weather Variability and Notable Extremes
Madrid’s fall climate changes fast as the season moves on.
You’ll feel temperatures drop, see more clouds, and run into rain more often.
Madrid usually avoids severe storms, but sometimes you’ll get sudden cold snaps, heavy rain, or the occasional odd weather event that can mess with your plans.
Temperature Fluctuations
Madrid’s fall temperatures cool off steadily, but sometimes the change feels pretty quick.
Early September can bring highs near 87°F (30°C), while late November averages closer to 54°F (12°C).
Nighttime lows go from around 60°F (16°C) in September to 36°F (2°C) by the end of November.
You might notice big swings between day and night.
Afternoons can feel warm, but evenings turn chilly fast, so layers really help.
Looking at past weather, most days stay mild, but rare extremes do happen.
Early autumn sometimes hits highs above 90°F (32°C), while late November nights can dip below 30°F (-1°C).
Madrid sits on a plateau, and dry air lets heat escape quickly after sunset.
So, you might go from a comfortable afternoon to a brisk morning in just a few hours.
Rainy Spells and Dry Periods
Rain in Madrid during fall doesn’t follow a strict pattern.
The chance of a wet day rises from about 8% in September to 16% in late November.
Early in the season, you’ll see about 0.5 inches (12 mm) of rain, climbing to 1.3 inches (33 mm) by November’s end.
October usually stands out as the wettest month, with some years getting over 1.9 inches (48 mm) in just a month.
Still, dry stretches are common. You might go a week or more without much rain, then get several damp days in a row.
Rain usually comes as short showers, not all-day drizzles.
Heavy downpours show up sometimes, but they’re quick.
If you’re heading outside, plan for surprises—keep an umbrella handy, but expect lots of sunshine between showers too.
Unusual Weather Events
Madrid doesn’t see many extreme storms, but odd weather does pop up.
Some years, heat waves hang on into September, making it feel like summer hasn’t left.
Late November can surprise you with sudden cold snaps and an early frost.
Snow almost never falls in autumn, but it’s not impossible.
Occasionally, late November brings a dusting, though it melts fast.
Strong winds can hit, especially as the season shifts from westerly to northerly breezes.
Fog sometimes settles in low spots around the city on colder mornings.
It isn’t frequent, but it can slow things down for travelers.
These events don’t define Madrid’s fall, but they remind you to stay ready for quick changes if you’re planning outdoor adventures.
How Fall Weather Affects Travel and Daily Life
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and shifting daylight hours really shape how you’ll experience Madrid in autumn.
The season strikes a balance between comfortable sightseeing and the need to plan for shorter days and the occasional rain.
Best Times to Visit
Early fall, especially September, brings warm days around 75–77°F (24–25°C) and plenty of sunshine. You can enjoy outdoor dining and take long walks without suffering through the extreme summer heat.
By October, daytime highs usually drop near 59°F (15°C). This mild weather makes it easier to explore historic sites like the Royal Palace or stroll along Gran VÃa without overheating.
Fewer tourists show up, so you’ll see shorter museum lines and find better hotel rates.
November cools things down, averaging 52–54°F (11–12°C), and you’ll notice rain showers become more frequent.
It’s not the warmest time, but the city feels calmer and you can often find deals on flights. If you don’t mind carrying an umbrella, this month can be rewarding for travelers who want quieter streets and less crowded restaurants.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Mild fall weather lets you try all sorts of outdoor activities. In September, you can still relax at terrace cafés and take evening walks in El Retiro Park. The changing leaves really add some color to the scenery.
October brings a wave of cultural events. Fiesta Nacional de España on October 12 features a military parade and public celebrations.
You’ll also stumble upon seasonal food festivals and art exhibitions.
By November, cooler evenings might limit late-night outdoor dining, but you can still sightsee during the day.
Popular day trips to Toledo or Segovia work well since the weather is crisp but not too harsh.
You can also take advantage of free museum entry hours, skipping the heavy foot traffic you’d see in summer.
What to Pack for Fall in Madrid
Adjust your packing list based on the month you visit.
- September: Light clothing like T-shirts, shorts, and breathable fabrics. Bring a light jacket for cooler nights.
- October: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and a medium-weight jacket. Comfortable walking shoes make city tours much easier.
- November: Pack a warm jacket, scarf, and umbrella. Layers help since days might start mild but get chilly by evening.
No matter when you go, bring comfortable shoes for walking—Madrid’s main attractions are best explored on foot. Toss in a small travel umbrella so you can keep sightseeing during unexpected showers.
Climate Data Sources and Historical Trends
Decades of recorded observations and modern reanalysis models document Madrid’s fall climate. Reliable sources help you understand both the daily conditions and the bigger shifts in seasonal weather patterns.
These records show how rainfall, temperature, and daylight have changed over time.
Where to Find Reliable Weather Data
You can grab historical weather data for Madrid from several trusted organizations. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) shares official measurements, while global databases like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) keep long-term climate records.
Local stations near Madrid, including Cuatro Vientos Airport, share detailed daily readings of temperature, precipitation, and wind. They adjust these for elevation differences to keep things accurate.
Travelers can check climate summary websites for averages in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, plus rainfall in millimeters and inches. Many sites include charts showing seasonal changes in sunshine, humidity, and cloud cover.
If you want a quick overview, check out monthly climate tables. These usually list:
- Average high and low temperatures
- Rainfall amounts
- Hours of daylight
- Number of rainy days
This data helps you plan trips and compare Madrid’s fall weather to other European cities.
Long-Term Changes in Fall Weather
Madrid’s fall season has definitely gotten a bit warmer over the past few decades, at least according to the old weather records. In September, average highs often hit the mid-80s °F (around 29 °C).
Cooler nights still show up earlier in November than they used to, which feels a little odd if you’re comparing it to the past.
Rainfall patterns look a lot more unpredictable now. The city usually gets about 415 mm (16 in) of annual precipitation.
But these days, fall swings from dry, sunny stretches to quick bursts of rain. October tends to bring the most rain out of any month in the season.
Cloud cover creeps up a bit in late fall, so you’ll see more overcast days now than you would have decades ago.
Meanwhile, daylight shrinks fast—over 13 hours in early September drops to under 10 hours by late November.
Madrid’s semi-arid climate shapes these patterns, but you can’t ignore the bigger regional climate changes, either.