Madrid in November: Best Things to See & Do

Madrid in November – it’s the calm before the holiday storm. Before you know it, the Spanish capital will be all decked out for Christmas and Three Kings Day. We love the festive winter atmosphere in the city, but the last few days of autumn are a time worth taking advantage of as well.

As the crisp November air and clouds blanket Madrid, it’s the perfect time of year to tuck into favorite fall foods and get off the beaten path.

A city street lined by bright orange trees in the fall.
A peaceful autumn morning in Madrid. Photo credit: Henar Langa

Late fall is low season for visitors in much of Spain, and Madrid is no different. It’s a peaceful, laid-back time of year between the summer tourism rush and the holiday hustle and bustle.

If you’ll be in Madrid in November, you’ve made a good choice. Let us show you the best ways to make the most of the month!

Weather in Madrid in November

Madrid is at its most stunning in November as the trees burst into bright fall colors. Temperatures are perfectly crisp and autumnal, averaging between the high 40s and the mid-high 50s Fahrenheit (10–15 degrees Celsius). Nights and early mornings are definitely on the chillier side, so be sure to dress in warm layers.

It’s worth keeping in mind that November is Madrid’s rainiest month, with an average of 2 inches (50 mm) falling throughout the month. This adds up to a total of about nine potential rainy days.

Group of people in winter clothes standing in a city plaza.
Bundle up! Chilly weather starts to arrive in Madrid in November.

Things to Do in Madrid in November

See a Show at the Autumn Festival

Madrid’s biggest and best performing arts festival of the year is a must when visiting in mid-late November.

For nearly 40 years, the Autumn Festival (Festival de Otoño) has featured music, dance and theater performances by stars from around the world. With dozens of events taking place at venues throughout the city, you can’t miss it if you’re looking to experience a little bit of culture and plenty of entertainment at the same time.

Enjoy Madrid’s Traditional Stew

There’s no better way to warm up after a chilly morning of sightseeing than by digging into a hearty, delicious plate of cocido madrileño. You’ll find the traditional meat-and-chickpea stew on tables across Madrid year-round, but we particularly love it in winter.

The best part? Although the general idea is the same across the board, no two cocido recipes are exactly alike. We guess you’ll just have to eat your way around some of the city’s best restaurants to try and find your favorite! Our vote goes to Taberna La Bola.

Clay jars and steel pots of stew simmering on a stove.
We feel nice and cozy just looking at these warm little pots of cocido madrileño simmering on the stove!

Take a Day Trip

We love Madrid, but sometimes a smaller, quainter city or town is calling our name for a quick escape.

Head beyond the capital and discover what else the region has to offer far from the busy city streets of Madrid. Toledo is always a good choice, as is the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery, which is particularly beautiful in the fall.

If you don’t have access to a car, it’s easy to get there from Madrid on public transport. Just take bus #661 or #664 from the Intercambiador de Moncloa and get off at the San Lorenzo de El Escorial bus station. In just about an hour, you’ll be marveling at the idyllic UNESCO World Heritage site!

Large brown monastery with a stone tower on a clear day.
The breathtaking El Escorial monastery. Photo credit: Pedro Garcia

Visit Bernabeu Stadium, Home of Real Madrid

The iconic Real Madrid soccer team has won the hearts of generations of madrileños. Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a sports fan, it’s still worth touring the team’s massive stadium in order to understand this cherished aspect of local culture.

Tour Bernabeu takes you deep into the heart of the stadium, where you’ll see the team’s decades of history come to life before your eyes. You’ll also get exclusive access to the locker room, press room, presidential box and tunnel. The tour ends with the chance to step out onto the field itself, walking in the footsteps of legends.

View inside a large empty soccer stadium with green turf and blue seats, some of which are painted white to spell out REAL MADRID CF.
A visit to the Real Madrid stadium is a great way to experience local sports culture. Photo credit: Vienna Reyes

Marvel at Madrid’s Egyptian Temple

Still can’t believe that Madrid really does have it all? The Temple of Debod will clear up any doubt. After all, how many other European capitals can claim a real, authentic Ancient Egyptian temple?

The Egyptian government gave the temple to Spain as a gift, and it was moved here from Egypt brick by brick. With views straight off of a postcard of the Casa de Campo park and its fall foliage, it’s one of the most beautiful spots here in Madrid in November.

Nighttime view of the stone gateway of an Ancient Egyptian temple with a body of water in the foreground.
You don’t have to go to Egypt to get a taste of ancient history. Photo credit: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Explore the Local Market

Fall means that market stalls all over Madrid are overflowing with fresh, colorful produce! One of our favorite things to do in Madrid in November is to spend a lazy, relaxed morning simply wandering the stalls of a vibrant local market, people-watching and sampling products from the proud vendors.

Not sure what to buy? Some of our favorite seasonal Spanish products available in November are bright orange pumpkin, fresh chestnuts, earthy wild mushrooms, and juicy pomegranates and oranges. Just be sure to save time for a drink and tapa at the market bar when you finish shopping!

A smiling man at a ham and charcuterie stall at a food market.
Visiting the market gives you the chance to meet locals who are proudly carrying on a family tradition of selling fresh products.

Experience the Start of the Christmas Season

Even if you won’t be here in December, you’ll still be able to experience some Christmas magic in Madrid! The city officially turns on its holiday lights for the first time in late November. Enjoy a stroll around town as you marvel at the displays, or if you’re cold, hop on the Naviluz Bus for a magical ride.

People walking along a city street at night below arched christmas light displays.
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in Madrid! Photo credit: Jo Kassis

Madrid in November FAQs

Is November a good time to visit Madrid?

November is one of the best times of year to visit Madrid. Low season for tourism means that the city isn’t as crowded, and the weather is crisp and mildly chilly.

What is Madrid like in November?

Madrid in November is quite empty of visitors, making it easy to enjoy the city among the locals. The weather can be chilly but is still quite pleasant—though rain is not uncommon, so definitely bring an umbrella.

What is the hottest part of Spain in November?

Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost region of Spain, is still relatively warm and sunny in November.

This post was updated on August 21, 2023.

2 Comment

  1. Vania Luna says
    October 5, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    Hi. I will like to know how’s the weather in Spain during November? Thanks

    1. Devour Tours says
      October 7, 2019 at 7:59 am

      Hi Vania—here in Madrid you’ll see high temperatures of around 13º Celsius (59 F) and lows averaging 6º (43 F). Barcelona is a little bit warmer, and the southern part of the country is very pleasant, with temperatures sometimes reaching 19º (66 F). The north of Spain is quite chilly and rainy in November. We hope this helps—have a great trip!

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