Madrid in April | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More
The Spanish capital of Madrid is home to some of the world’s best-preserved historic art, wildlife zoos, themed parks, and contemporary sporting events. Tourists visit the city all year round to admire the Golden Triangle of Art comprised of the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. The home stadiums and museums of Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano and Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, attract football fans from around the world, while families with children are drawn to attractions like Faunia Madrid, Madrid Aquarium Zoo, Parque Warner, and Parque de Atracciones. Here’s an extensive guide to help you plan your trip to Madrid in April.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Madrid?
April is part of the shoulder season in Madrid when the weather is comfortable to experience indoor as well as outdoor attractions without the peak crowds. The highlight of being in Madrid in April is witnessing the Holy Week and Easter Day celebrations. The annual Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon also take place in April.
Why You Should Visit Madrid in April
- The weather is beautiful in Madrid in April. It is spring season and the temperatures are comfortable for both indoor as well as outdoor activities and day trips.
- April is part of the shoulder season in Madrid, which means the tourist hotspots wouldn’t be as crowded as in the summers or festive winters.
- Madrid in April is a treat for sports enthusiasts, with live football matches at club home grounds, the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon happening.
- Get to witness one of Madrid’s biggest celebrations throughout Holy Week and on Easter Day.
What to Look Out for in Madrid in April
- Winds are quite strong in Madrid in April, so pack and dress accordingly.
- Buy your tickets for concerts and events in April, well in advance, as they could run out soon. Also, keep yourself updated on any cancellations or time changes.
- Make sure you book and confirm your time slot for attractions beforehand, as most places only allow a fixed number of visitors at once. Also, ensure you visit the place at the allotted time.
- Beware of pickpockets during the Holy Week celebrations and processions.
- You’ll be treated nicer than other tourists in Madrid if you can speak Spanish. Learning a few basic words and phrases will also help you communicate better with taxi drivers who may not speak English.
Overview of Weather in Madrid in April
April is the windiest month of the year in Madrid where it blows as strongly as 14.1 km per hour. The temperatures remain within the range of 5 ℃ to 20 ℃, keeping the city feeling pleasant. The sky stays mostly cloudy throughout the month with an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine every day. About 5 - 7 days of short light showers are expected in Madrid in April.
- Average Temperature: High - 18.2 ℃ Low - 7.7 ℃
- Average Rainfall: 31 mm
- Average Wind Speeds: 13.5 kilometers per hour
- Average Daylight Hours: 13 hr 17 min
More About Weather in Madrid in April
Is Madrid cold in April?
The climate in Madrid in April is generally pleasant. The minimum daily temperature is within the range of 5 ℃ to 8 ℃, although mornings may feel more chilly due to the strong winds.
Can you swim in Madrid in April?
Madrid is a land-locked city with very few natural options for swimming. The temperature of the waters in and around Madrid stays in the range of 7 °C - 18 °C in April, with an average of 11.9 °C. This is generally considered cold for swimming.
Is it sunny in Madrid in April?
The skies are mostly cloudy in Madrid in April. The days are 13 hours and 17 minutes long on average, with about 7.7 hours of sunshine.
Is it rainy in Madrid in April?
It rains lightly for about 5 - 7 days in Madrid in April. The average rainfall for the month is 31 mm.
Best Things to do in Madrid in April
1. Royal Palace of Madrid
Official Palace | Tourist Hotspot
The rooms and galleries of the Royal Palace of Madrid are open to the public, as the royal family resides elsewhere. The Mirador de la Cornisa observation deck at the Palace has beautiful views of the Casa del Campo Park, Campo del Moro Gardens, and the Sabatini Gardens. The weather in Madrid in April is perfect to walk around the gardens as well.
April Timings:
Mon to Sat: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Changing of the Guard takes place every Wednesday & Saturday
2. Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Historical Church | National Monument
This Roman Catholic church which stands on the land offered to Saint Francis of Assisi houses a wealth of historic paintings. Featured artists include Francisco Jover, González Velázquez, Gregorio Ferro, Goya, and many more. This neoclassical structure, roofed by Spain's largest dome, is a must-see attraction in Madrid in April.
April Timings:
Church - Mon to Sat: 8 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. & 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Museum - Tue to Sat: 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Liria Palace
Residential Palace | Tourist Hotspot
The residence of the Dukes of Alba, Liria Palace, houses one of the world's most distinguished private art collections. The works of artists like Goya, Velázquez, and Rubens can be found displayed at this 18th-century, neoclassical palace-turned-museum. The paintings and white marble sculptures are a must-see for any art lover visiting Madrid in April.
April Timings:
Tue to Fri: 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.)
Sat, Sun, & Public Holidays: 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (last entry at 5:30 p.m.)
Mon: 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (last entry at 12:30 p.m.)
Free entry on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
from €15
4. Wanda Metropolitano
Football Stadium | Sports Museum
The home stadium of Atlético Madrid football club, Wanda Metropolitano, welcomes visitors to see the pitch, changing rooms, benches, press room, and more. The Territorio Atleti Museum at the stadium boasts of the club’s journey so far with a display of trophies, pictures, and jerseys. Make sure you buy your tickets well in advance to tour the stadium in April.
April Timings:
Mon to Sun - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.)
5. Faunia Madrid
Wildlife Zoo | Family Attraction
Faunia Madrid is a wildlife experience and educational center set to replicate 15 different ecosystems including the Polar Regions and the African Rainforests. Over 1000 species of plants and 4000 animals from 700 different species live here. Activities like animal feeding sessions and live shows make Faunia one of the most visited family attractions in Madrid in April.
April Timings:
Opens daily at 11 a.m. Closing time varies. (TBA)
6. Parque Warner
Themed Park | Family Attraction
This Warner Brothers-themed park has five different zones of exciting rides, street performances, stunt shows, and fun experiences to entertain people of all ages. The character meet-and-greet sessions are sure to make for memorable family moments. April is one of the best times to enjoy this popular outdoor family attraction.
April Timings:
Opens daily at noon Closing time varies. (TBA)
7. Prado Musuem
Art Museum | UNESCO Site
The Prado Museum is one of the three art museums that form the Golden Triangle of Art. It has over 20,000 authentic pieces of art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods on display, featuring renowned artists such as El Greco, Goya, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio. Do book your timeslot in advance to ensure entry when visiting in April.
April Timings:
Mon to Sat: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Free entry from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., last entry at 7:15 p.m.)
Sun & Public Holidays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Free entry from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., last entry at 6:15 p.m.)
8. Madrid Aquarium Zoo
Wildlife Zoo | Family Attraction
The Madrid Aquarium Zoo is home to over 6000 animals of more than 500 species including insects, mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, and more. These animals from around the world live in the 20 hectares of pseudo habitats created at the zoo. The live shows and ‘Meet the Animals’ sessions attract plenty of tourist families to Madrid in April.
April Timings:
Mon to Fri: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9. Parque De Atracciones
Amusement Park | Family Attraction
The Parque de Atracciones promises a fun-filled family vacation when visiting Madrid in April. The Machinery Zone at the park is packed with adrenaline-pumping rides, while the Tranquillity Zone offers a calming experience. The Nature Zone features adventure rides in a tropical forest setup, whereas Nickelodeon Land is filled with rides and activities inspired by their cartoons.
April Timings:
Mon to Thu: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Art Museum | UNESCO Site
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is a part of the Golden Triangle of Art which explains the history and evolution of European paintings from the 13th century to the 20th century. Admire almost a thousand great examples of Fauvism, Impressionism, German Expressionism, and more at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, when visiting in April.
April Timings:
Tue to Sun: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free entry on Mondays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
11. Toledo Day Trip
Day Trip | Cultural Hotspot
Experience Spanish art and architecture at Toledo on a day trip from Madrid in the beautiful weather in April. Here you can visit the Synagogue of Santa María La Blanca, the San Juan de Los Reyes Monastery, the Colegio de las Doncellas Nobles, the Church of the Saviour, and many more such historically and culturally significant buildings.
from €52
12. Reina Sofia Arts Centre
Art Museum | UNESCO Site
The Reina Sofia Arts Centre is what completes the Golden Triangle of Art. This gallery is a center for modern art featuring 20th-century Spanish masterpieces on Cubism, Surrealism, and Pointillism by celebrated artists like Picasso, Gris, Dali, Miro, Blanchard, and more. Do make sure to add all three museums to your ‘Madrid in April’ itinerary.
April Timings:
Mon & Wed to Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Free entry from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Sun: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Free entry on the 18th of April
Festivals in Madrid in April
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Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Date: 2nd April 2023 - 9th April 2023
Venue: Chinchón, Alcalá de Henares, and various parts of Madrid
The week before Easter is celebrated in Madrid as the Holy Week. Thousands of people join the numerous processions on the streets of Madrid throughout the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Religious worshippers dressed in bright and colorful attire are seen rolling drums and blowing trumpets to commemorate the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. Religious music concerts and special sermons are held in churches and basilicas across the city.
Know More
Easter
Date: 9th April 2023
Venue: All across Madrid
The week-long celebrations that start on Palm Sunday, build up to one of Madrid’s biggest celebrations on Easter Day. Traditional Easter processions fill the streets of Madrid laid with candles and biblical sculptures. Plays, biblical enactments, music concerts, and take place at various venues all around the city. Traditional Easter dishes like 'Torrijas' (a type of sweet bread similar to French toast), Soldaditos de Pavía (crispy fried chunks of cod), and Potaje de Garbanzos (chickpea stew) are served at restaurants and cafes across the city during this time.
Know MoreEvents in Madrid in April
Date: 17th April 2023 - 20th April 2023
Venue: IFEMA Feria de Madrid, Madrid
Salon de Gourmets is Europe’s biggest food and beverages fair. The 36th edition of the event, taking place in Madrid in April 2023, expects local crowds as well as international visitors and vendors in the food, beverages, restaurant, and hotel industries. The fair highlights the best quality products and latest technologies in the gastronomic sector.
Know more
Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon 2023
Date: 23rd April 2023
Venue: Paseo de Recoleto to Parque del Oeste, Madrid
The 45th season of the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon race takes place in April. The event consists of a 42 km marathon, a 21 km half marathon, and a 10 km race. The race course passes by many city landmarks such as the Biblioteca Nacional de España, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Nuevos Ministerios, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Know More
Mutua Madrid Open 2023
Date: 24th April 2023 - 7th May 2023
Venue: La Caja Mágica / Manzanares Park Tennis Center, Madrid
The Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, sponsored by Mutua, is an annual joint men's and women's professional tennis tournament. It is an ATP Tour Masters 1000 classified clay-court event as well as a WTA 1000 event. Watch live as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Iga Swiatek, Barbora Krejcikova, Sania Mirza, and many more top players from around the world compete against each other to lift the trophy in this upcoming tournament.
Know MoreKnow Before You Visit Madrid in April
- Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST) / GMT+02:00
- Currency: Euros - EUR - €
- Country Code: +34
- Emergency Numbers: Integrated Emergency System - 112, Ambulance - 061, Fire brigade - 080, National police - 091, Local police - 092
What to Wear in Madrid in April
- As the weather changes throughout the day, it is best you wear clothes that can be layered.
- Carry a raincoat or poncho when stepping out, in case of unexpected rains.
- It is advised to wear waterproof shoes and clothes or ones that dry quickly, when in Madrid in April.
- You may also need to wear a scarf, a sweater, a hoodie, or a jacket to be comfortable out in the wind.
- Wear socks and a pair of comfortable footwear, preferably walking shoes, for sightseeing.
What to Pack in Madrid in April
- An umbrella and a raincoat or poncho.
- A pair of thick socks and comfortable walking shoes.
- Warm clothes that can be layered.
- Scarves, hoodies, sweaters, or jackets.
- A 2-pin round tip C or F type travel adaptor.
Getting Around Madrid in April
By Bus: Madrid has a well-connected bus network that connects all corners of the city. Regular buses run across the city from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m, while night buses operate from 11:55 p.m. to 5:50 a.m. along 26 bus routes. Bus tickets may be purchased either at metro stations or on the bus (single one-way ticket only).
By Metro: Metro is the fastest means of public transport in Madrid. They run between all parts of the city between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. A multi-top-up card ticket is required to use the metro, which is available at the station counters, red machines, and authorized retailers.
By Train: Commuter trains in Madrid run across the city on weekdays between 5 a.m. and midnight, for which tickets can be purchased directly at the station.
By Cab: Cabs are a more convenient option for people traveling in Madrid at night or with a lot of luggage. You can hail any cab on the street with a green light on its roof sign, or pre-book one from the city’s many private taxi companies.
Where to Stay in Madrid in April
From hostels and dormitories to hotels, apartments, and resorts, Madrid has a lot of different options to offer tourists when it comes to accommodation. Here are some of our best recommendations for different budgets when visiting Madrid in April.
- Budget Hotels: Woohoo Hostal Madrid, Hostal 4C Cuatro Caminos, Zenit Conde de Orgaz
- Mid-Range Hotels: The First One Madrid Preciados, VP Plaza España Design, INNSIDE by Meliá Madrid Gran Vía
- Luxury Hotels: 60 Balconies Iconic, Reina Sofia Boutique II by Madflats Collection, Rosewood Villa Magna
What to Eat in Madrid in April
Spanish cuisine, which is best tried in Madrid, is all about meat, potatoes, mushrooms, and olive oil, with very few spices added. Here are some of the dishes you must try while in Madrid in April.
Regalitos de Rabo de Toro: This popular tapa in Madrid is made by slow-cooking bull tail meat and wrapping it in crispy puff pastry. The pastry parcel is then topped with roasted red pepper and served with a drizzle of sauce.
Oreja a la Plancha: This dish of the pan-seared ear is a popular food and probably the boldest amongst tourists in Madrid. This delicacy of cooked or grilled pig’s ears is sprinkled with salt and paprika and often served with chunks of bacon or mushrooms.
Buñuelos Rellenos: Buñuelos Rellenos are little fried balls of dough that come with a variety of flavourful stuffings including sweet fillings like custard, cream, chocolate, etc., and savory flavors like different types of meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Hacks & Tips to Visit Madrid in April
- April is part of the shoulder season in Madrid, which means the tourist hotspots wouldn’t be as crowded as in the summers or festive winters.
- The weather is beautiful in Madrid in April. It is spring season and the temperatures are comfortable for both indoor as well as outdoor activities and day trips.
- As the weather changes throughout the day in Madrid in April, it is best you wear clothes that can be layered. Mornings can sometimes be very windy, so pack and dress accordingly.
- It is advised to always carry an umbrella or a poncho with you, as rains may be unpredictable.
- The Holy Week celebrations are a staple in Madrid in April but beware of pickpockets while joining the processions.
- Taxi drivers in Madrid tend to take you around in circles to charge you more. It is advised to follow your trip on Google Maps to know the exact route and not get tricked.
- Locals in Madrid treat you nicer if you can speak Spanish. Learning a few basic words and phrases will also help you communicate better with taxi drivers who may not always speak English.
- If your electronic items and chargers do not come with a C-type or F-type plug, please carry a round tip, 2-pin converter plug with you.
- Make sure you book and confirm your time slot for attractions beforehand, as most places only allow a fixed number of visitors at once. Also, ensure you visit the place at the allotted time.
- Buy your tickets for concerts and events in April, well in advance, as they could run out soon. Also, keep yourself updated on any cancellations or time changes.
Explore Madrid Through The Year
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Madrid in April
April is part of the shoulder season in Madrid when the weather is comfortable to experience indoor as well as outdoor attractions without the peak crowds. The Holy Week and Easter Day celebrations, the annual Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon are things you will only get to experience in Madrid in April.
Some of the best things to do in Madrid in April include visiting landmarks like the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Golden Triangle of Art, and the football stadiums. You can also attend live football matches, the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon. The Holy Week and Easter celebrations are experiences worth the visit as well.
The climate in Madrid in April is generally pleasant. The minimum daily temperature is within the range of 5 ℃ to 8 ℃, although mornings may feel more chilly due to the strong winds.
It is not hot in Madrid in April. The climate is generally pleasant with the average maximum temperature being 18.2 ℃.
Madrid is a land-locked city with very few natural options for swimming. The temperature of the waters in and around Madrid stays in the range of 7 °C - 18 °C in April, with an average of 11.9 °C. This is generally considered cold for swimming.
The skies are mostly cloudy in Madrid in April. The days are 13 hours and 17 minutes long on average, with about 7.7 hours of sunshine.
Since the weather in Madrid in April varies throughout the day, it is recommended to wear layers of clothing that can be put on and taken off as required. Scarves, sweaters, hoodies, jackets, etc. are to be worn to stay comfortable outdoors in the windy mornings. A raincoat or poncho may also be carried along in case it rains unexpectedly.
It rains lightly for about 5 - 7 days in Madrid in April. The average rainfall for the month is 31 mm.
As April is part of the shoulder season, it is cheaper to visit Madrid this time of the year than in the Summers or festive winters. You can stay within your budget by choosing accommodation closer to the attractions on your itinerary and using public transport to commute longer distances.
Madrid is generally safe for tourists. To ensure your safety, the city has a well-organized Integrated Emergency System you can reach at 112.
The Royal Palace of Madrid, the Liria Palace, and the Golden Triangle of Art comprising the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Arts Center, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum are some of the best things to see in Madrid in April. Football enthusiasts can also go see the Wanda Metropolitano and the Santiago Bernabeu stadiums.
Some of the biggest annual events in Madrid take place in April. Europe’s biggest food and beverages fair, Salon de Gourmets, the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon are some of the major events happening in April in Madrid.
The average temperature in Madrid in April ranges from 7.7 ℃ to 18.2 ℃.
Madrid in April is all about the Holy Week and Easter Day celebrations. Throughout the week, the streets are packed with celebratory processions, while churches and various other venues host biblical plays, music concerts, and exhibitions.