The sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and Madrid is buzzing with activity—it must be May!

Late spring, without a doubt, is one of the best times of the year to visit the Spanish capital. The numerous parks and gardens across town spring into bloom with colorful flowers, and seats begin to fill up at outdoor plazas and terraces. One thing is evident throughout it all: this is a time of year meant to be enjoyed al fresco.

Check out our top suggestions for what to do in Madrid in May in order to make the most of your visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid in May, you’re in for a treat. The weather is just about as perfect as it gets, and the unique local celebrations that take place throughout the month provide a fun and fascinating look at the authentic Madrid.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your springtime trip to Madrid completely unforgettable.

Weather in Madrid in May

Before you head out and about, it’s always a good idea to know what to expect weather-wise. Luckily for you, Madrid is at its best in May.

While unexpected changes in the forecast can occur, in general, here’s what you can count on.

• Lovely daytime temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (low-mid 20s Celsius) during the daytime
• Around 8–10 hours per day of that famous Spanish sunshine
• Slight chances of occasional rain, but considerably less than in April (and you know what they say about April showers…)

Now that you know what kind of weather is in store, it’s time to start planning your agenda. Here are our top picks for what to do in Madrid in May.

Things to Do in Madrid in May

1. Have a picnic

As one of Europe’s greenest capitals, parks in Madrid are a dime a dozen. That means it couldn’t be easier to pack up a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.

For a truly local experience, stock up on provisions at a nearby market before you head out and about. Here are a few of our favorite parks, as well as nearby markets, so you can start planning.

• Parque del Buen Retiro: 10-minute walk from Mercado de la Paz
• Parque de San Isidro: 15-minute walk from Mercado de San Isidro
• Madrid Rio: 10-minute walk from Mercado la Lonja

2. Party like a local at the Fiestas de San Isidro

Here in Spain, we’re pretty big on celebrating our patron saints. But you don’t have to be Catholic (or even religious) to get in on the fun.

Madrid’s patron saint, San Isidro, is the man of the hour on May 15, but the festivities last for several days. Expect a massive street fair, concerts, and so much more.

Want to really party like a local? Follow the madrileños to San Isidro Park, where you’ll find a full-fledged Spanish-style rural celebration right in the heart of the country’s busiest city. Here, you can devour sweet treats like rosquillas (ring-shaped cookies in a delicious variety of flavors) and tontas y listas (glazed sugar donuts) to your heart’s content.

And don’t even worry about the extra calories—you’ll dance them all off during the chotis, Madrid’s local folk dance.

 

3. Have a drink on a terrace

Few of life’s pleasures are as enjoyable as the simple act of sitting out in a sunny plaza, enjoying drinks in good company. No wonder this is one of our favorite options for what to do in Madrid in May!

From a refreshing, ice-cold beer, to a glass of local wine, to sophisticated craft cocktails, there are dozens of spots throughout Madrid where you can enjoy the gorgeous weather and good vibes.

Can’t decide? Here are a few of the plazas where you’ll find us this May.

• Santa Ana (Barrio de las Letras): One of Madrid’s most legendary and picturesque squares, surrounded by a handful of bars and restaurants serving a tasty variety of dishes.
• Conde de Barajas (Los Austrias): A leafy square just behind the Mercado de San Miguel that offers a peaceful break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Chueca (Chueca): One of Madrid’s most social squares that captures the trendy-yet-welcoming spirit of the Chueca neighborhood effortlessly.

4. Celebrate Madrid on Dos de Mayo

San Isidro isn’t the only reason to celebrate in Madrid in May. On May 2, the city comes alive with celebrations in honor of the Community of Madrid’s most important regional celebration.

The festivities commemorate an uprising led by Madrid’s citizens against Napoleon’s armies in the early 19th century, and the celebrations themselves are abundant. Expect military parades, concerts, important sporting events and more.

As you may imagine, Plaza Dos de Mayo is the heart of the celebration. If you’re not sure where to go, that would be a perfect starting point.

5. Cheer your heart out at the Madrid Open

Last but not least on this countdown of what to do in Madrid in May: one of the biggest sporting events of the year in the Spanish capital. The Madrid Open regularly welcomes household names such as Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic to the Caja Mágica, one of the most elite tennis facilities in the world.

The tournament takes place every year in early May and tickets tend to go fast, so be sure to grab yours ASAP!

Madrid in May FAQs

Update Notice: This post was originally published on April 28, 2016 and was updated on May 13, 2022.