Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: September 5, 2019
Madrid bursts with colorful energy at the arrival of fall. After the summer crowds clear out and low season sets in, Madrid takes on a much more relaxed vibe. Pleasantly sunny days and crisp, lively nights bring the best of both worlds. This guide to Madrid in October will help you make the most of one of the most beautiful times of year here in Spain’s capital.
At a Glance: Visiting Madrid in October
- 🇪🇸 What to Expect in Madrid in October: Fall in Madrid is beautiful, with some of the best weather of the year and dozens of exciting events taking place.
- 🍂 Madrid’s October Temperatures: Daytime temperatures are typically mild (around 60-70°F or 15-21°C), with about 40 mm (1.5 inches) of rain during the month. Enjoy the fall colors on trees around the city.
- 😋 Personally Tested by Devour: These places have been visited and recommended by our local Madrid team!
- 💻 What to Book in Advance: Book tickets online for major museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía, book a food tour or a table reservation at a popular restaurant several weeks ahead, and reserve accommodations early if your trip overlaps with Spain’s National Day (October 12) or other major events.
- ❌ Common Tourist Mistakes to Avoid: Bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings, and wear comfortable shoes that are already broken in. Don’t skip seasonal foods, like Spanish winter dishes, Madrid’s best churros and hot chocolate, and other goodies at Madrid’s best local food markets.
- ✨ Best Strategy for Visiting: Spend sunny afternoons exploring parks, plazas, and neighborhoods on foot, then take advantage of the cooler evenings for tapas, rooftop drinks, or a leisurely dinner. October’s comfortable temperatures make it one of the best months for combining sightseeing with outdoor dining.
- 💶 Budget Expectations: October falls during Madrid’s shoulder season, so you’ll often find lower hotel prices and fewer crowds than in summer, though accommodation can become more expensive during festivals, conferences, and holiday weekends.
- ✅ Local Tip: Linger over lunch on a sunny terrace or enjoy an evening stroll through Retiro Park before dinner for an easy, peaceful way to relax.
Weather in Madrid in October
Madrid’s average daytime temperature in October averages out between 15 and 21°C (60–70°F). In other words, perfect! Combined with plenty of blue skies and bright sunshine, you’ll soon see why October is one of the best times to visit Madrid.
Temperatures do drop a bit at night, particularly later in the month, but not to the point that you’ll be unpleasantly cold. Pack a warm jacket and you’ll be good to go!
Throughout the month, you can expect an average of 40 total mm of rain (about an inch and a half). While this means that October is a bit rainier than the previous months, precipitation is still relatively sparse.
Things to Do in Madrid in October
Have Drinks on a Terrace
Good news: terrace season isn’t just limited to summer.
In fact, with much milder temperatures, fall makes for an arguably better time of year to enjoy al fresco drinks and dining (both on one of Madrid’s best rooftop bars as well as at ground-level). Bring a pair of sunglasses for the daytime or a light jacket in the evening, and you’ll be good to go.
Can’t narrow down where to go? Check out El Viajero in La Latina, one of the city’s liveliest and most emblematic areas. (Just be sure to get there early for Sunday afternoon tapas—La Latina is a popular weekend lunch area!) If you’re not sure what to do in Madrid in October, this is a great way to start things off.
Enjoy the City’s Parks
We love Madrid, but we could all use a break from the city’s hustle and bustle from time to time.
If that’s the case, seek out tranquility at one of the dozens of beautiful green spaces and Madrid’s best parks that are worth visiting. Whether you want to check the famous Retiro Park off your bucket list or spend an entire day exploring the sprawling Casa de Campo, there’s a park everyone will love.
This is the perfect plan for Madrid in October whether you want to get active by running or biking, or simply relax on a blanket with a book. As a bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy the colorful fall leaves decorating the trees all around you.
Treasure Hunt at El Rastro
El Rastro is Spain’s most popular flea market for good reason. With centuries of history under its belt, it’s hard to imagine a Sunday morning in La Latina without it.
You never know what you’re going to find as you make your way through the crowded lanes. From souvenirs to clothes to antiques and so much more, there are countless treasures just waiting to be discovered.
We especially love wandering around the market on a crisp fall morning. Wake up early and enjoy a coffee before setting out to leisurely browse the stalls. When you’ve had your fill of shopping, cap it all off with a well-deserved tapas crawl through La Latina! Grab our tips for visiting El Rastro so you have the best experience.
See Something New on the Big Screen
The Festival de Cine de Madrid isn’t your average film festival. The event focuses specifically on new producers and creators, giving a platform to stories that otherwise may not have been told. And it’s working: the festival has celebrated 30 editions, and only grows more popular every year.
Each year has a unique theme and showcases screenings at nearly a dozen venues throughout the city. As a bonus, entrance to screenings is completely free!
Celebrate Spain on Spanish National Day
What better to do in Madrid in October than celebrate Spain itself? Spain’s most important national holiday, Día de la Hispanidad or Spanish National Day, is October 12. Though celebrations take place throughout the country, there’s no better place to be in Madrid.
The biggest event of the day is the military parade that makes its way down Paseo de la Castellana. It’s a pretty big deal—Spain’s royal family always attends—so if you want to check it out, show up early to be sure you get seats.
Eat Like a Madrileño
Now that summer is over and tourists aren’t crowding into nearly as many bars and restaurants, it’s time to appreciate Madrid’s foodie scene at its most authentic.
Duck into a rustic, century-old tavern to enjoy recipes that have been passed down for generations, or discover something new at a trendy modern gastropub. Madrid really does have it all when it comes to food, and leisurely, laid-back October is one of the best times to experience it.
Explore Madrid’s Art & Food on Tour With Us!
Experience two of the Madrid’s greatest treasures—art and food—in one unforgettable morning. Devour’s Prado Museum Tour & VIP Botín Lunch includes skip-the-line entry to the Prado, an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the world’s oldest restaurant before it opens to the public, and a traditional three-course lunch featuring Botín’s legendary roast suckling pig and Rioja wine.
It’s an ideal way to experience Madrid’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying the city’s comfortable autumn weather, and advance booking is highly recommended, as spots are limited and the tour frequently sells out.
Featured Review: Prado Museum & VIP Botin Lunch
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The Prado Museum Tour and Lunch at the Oldest Restaurant in the World was an amazing experience. Our guide, Arantxa was the best. She moved our small group through the Prado Museum with ease and we viewed all the pre-selected artwork that I wanted to see…Our tour concluded at the Restaurante Botin, where we were able to walk through the restaurant before opening time and view the historic wine cellar. The visit over a wonderful lunch was great…Price of this tour was definitely worth it. I highly recommend it.”
– Albert
Madrid in October FAQs
Absolutely! In terms of both weather and crowd capacity, the fall months make for the perfect time of year to visit Madrid. Temperatures are crisp but mild with plenty of sunshine, and the city is much less crowded than in the summer.
Madrid sees about seven to 10 total rainy days throughout the month of October, but most of that precipitation is just a light sprinkling that doesn’t last very long. Pack a small umbrella and you’ll be good to go.
What should I pack for Madrid in October?
Pack lightweight layers for warm afternoons and a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Madrid’s neighborhoods, and a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket can come in handy since occasional autumn showers are possible.
Is Madrid crowded in October?
Madrid is generally less crowded in October than during the peak summer months, making it an excellent time to visit. While major attractions and weekends can still be busy, you’ll typically find shorter lines, more comfortable sightseeing conditions, and easier restaurant reservations than in July or August.
