Madrid in October | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More
Madrid is on most people's itinerary. It is one of Europe's prominent cities, a bustling metropolis once home to the Spanish Kings and Queens, and now a hub for culture, art, and wealth. There are many unique things to do and see in the Spanish city, including palaces, museums, and amusement parks, unlike anything else you would find in Europe. You can visit the city throughout the year, but Madrid in October is an incredibly fantastic time due to the calm weather. It is neither too hot nor too cold in October, making it perfect for tourists to explore Madrid.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Madrid?
Visiting Madrid is always a good idea, irrespective of the weather. October can be an excellent time to visit Madrid because the weather isn't harsh. It is cooler than summer but not freezing like winter. This allows you to enjoy the best of Madrid without worrying about the temperature outside.
Why You Should Visit Madrid in October
- The weather is mild.
- Days are warmer than winters, while nights are colder than summers.
- The crowd is less in October. You can explore at your own pace and convenience.
- You can grab excellent deals on flights and accommodation.
What to Look Out for in Madrid in October
- Temperatures hardly exceed 20°C in Madrid in October. Carry appropriate clothes.
- Nights can get cold, so warm clothes are vital.
- Keep an umbrella handy as it often rains in October.
Overview of Weather in Madrid in October
Thanks to Madrid's Mediterranean climate, October is an excellent time to visit Madrid. The weather is comfortable; the days are cooler than in summers, but the nights are warmer than in winters. Sunshine lasts a sustained duration every day, and rains are more frequent than in summers. However, it isn't ferocious and won't interfere with your sightseeing.
- Average Temperature: 15°C
- Average Rainfall: 40mm
- Daily Wind Speed: 11.3 mph
- Temperature of the sea: 16.2°C
Best Things to do in Madrid in October
1. Royal Palace of Madrid
Historic Palace
Words can't do justice to the grandeur and history of the Royal Palace of Madrid. It served as the Royal Family's official residence and contains several statues, paintings, and historical remains that keep Spain's history alive. Every Spanish king stayed in the Royal Palace, adding unique elements that made the palace even more special. It contains over 3400 rooms and is the largest palace in Western Europe.
October timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Saturday), 10 AM to 4 PM (Sundays)
from €13
2. Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Catholic Church
Spain is a secular country, but Catholics are the majority. The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is the Catholics' holy grail in Madrid, first constructed back in the 1200s. Legend says that the church initially served as the home to Saint Francis of Assissi and his companions. It was later rebuilt, torn down, and again rebuilt by King Carlos III. The church has a traditional but magnificent infrastructure, made with care and finesse.
October timings: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM / 5 PM to 7 PM
3. Liria Palace
Historic Palace
Palaces are Madrid's trademark. The Liria Palace is another remarkable structure you must add to your tourist list. It was built centuries ago and contains even older artwork. It served as the official residence of the House of Alba, a powerful and influential family in Spanish history. The paintings and antiques inside the palace were collected by the various generations of the Alba family.
October timings: 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:15 PM to 6 PM
from €15
4. Wanda Metropolitano
Sports stadium
Modern sporting arenas offer a holistic fan experience. The Wanda Metropolitano, the home of Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid, is built with the same goal; you can watch the best Spanish and European teams fight out and have a fun day exploring the lounge and museum in the stadium. Considered one of the best football stadiums in Europe, Wanda Metropolitano won the best stadium in the world award during the World Football Summit 2018.
October timings: 11 AM to 6 PM (Tuesday to Saturday)
from €14
5. Faunia
Nature park
Nature is magnificent. The Faunia nature park shows why; it takes you closer to several ecosystems and the wildlife there. You can witness the lives of the plants and animals living in the Arctic, Antarctic, and other challenging ecosystems. There are over 700 animal species in the Faunia, including penguins and dolphins. Over 1000 different types of plants are also part of the Faunia, which also has a forest of its own.
October timings: 11 AM to 6 PM
from €18.90
6. Parque Warner Madrid
Amusement Park
Thrill never hurt anyone. An amusement park like the Parque Warner Madrid is perfect for letting loose and getting some adrenaline rush. From toddlers to kids and adults, the Parque Warner has something for everyone. It has multiple areas, such as Hollywood Boulevard and Warner Bros. Studios, which provide diverse experiences and thrills. There's also a water park inside, and the weather in October gives you the chance to dive deep!
October timings: 12 PM to 10 PM
from €29.90
7. Prado Museum
Museum
Many museums in Madrid house incredible paintings by Spanish artists. What sets Prado Museum apart is that it contains more than 9000 pieces of artwork. It has the world's biggest collection of Spanish works, with 8600 paintings and over 700 sculptures. Some of the valuable contents also have Italian and Flemish roots, making the Prado Museum even more attractive.
October timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
from €7
8. Madrid Aquarium Zoo
Zoo
Like the Faunia zoo and botanical garden, the Madrid Aquarium Zoo takes you on a journey to different ecosystems. Only this time, you'll get an in-depth look at the wildlife living in the different climates worldwide. The zoo is spread across 20 hectares and has over 6000 animals, including sharks, penguins, and kangaroos. They're provided unique living conditions that mimic their natural habitat.
October timings: 11 AM to 8 PM
from €25.50
9. Parque De Atracciones
Amusement park
Madrid is a historical and culturally-rich city, but that does not mean you can't have fun. Amusement parks in Madrid are the gateway to excitement, and the Parque De Atracciones is where you can begin. It was the first theme park to open in the Spanish capital and attracts over two million visitors annually. Ride the Tarántula and Abismo roller-coasters to experience pulsating action.
October timings: 12 PM to 7 PM
from €32
10. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Museum
Most museums in a city stick to a country's history and heritage. However, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum goes beyond Spain's art to display amazing work belonging to the German Renaissance, the Italian primitives, and Russian Constructivism. You can check out the best paintings and artwork by Caravaggio, Morisot, Van Gogh, and O'Keeffe inside the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. There are over 1000 paintings spanning from the 13th to the 20th century.
October timings: 10 AM to 7 PM
from €9
11. Toledo Day Trip
Heritage town | Day Trip
A car ride away from the bustling city of Madrid lies Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. The medieval city, still dressed in Ancient architecture, offers a timeless experience that'll make you fall in love with Spanish culture. Toledo also has a vibrant culture marrying Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Every street in Toledo is an experience, but places like the Toledo Cathedral are popular.
from €49
12. Plaza Mayor
City Square
You know you've arrived in Madrid at the Plaza Mayor. The city flows through this great square that was once the centre of commerce and municipal life. There are many cafes and restaurants in the Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy great food and drinks whilst watching street musicians play soulful songs. You might even catch an event at the Plaza Mayor if you're lucky.
October timings: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Festivals in Madrid in October
Festival De Otono
Dates: October to November
The finest Spanish artists and performers are given a chance to shine at the Festival De Otono, Madrid's Autumn Festival. It is held from October to November, showcasing over 60 dance, theatre, and music performances from the city's emerging and established artists.
Know More
LuzMadrid
Dates: October 28th - 30th
Venue: LuzMadrid, C. Virgen de la Paz
The first edition of the LuzMadrid, the International Festival of Light, held in 2021, was a massive success. The second edition will return at the end of October, allowing artists to communicate their ideas and thoughts with the public once again.
Know MoreEvents in Madrid in October
Estampa Contemporary Art Fair
Dates: Mid-October
Promoting Spanish and Portuguese art is the main aim of the Estampa Contemporary Art Fair. International guests and esteemed artists from Spain visit the fair to witness promising local artwork and galleries.
Know more
Trash!
Dates: Start of October
Waste is a rising present and future problem. Trash!, an art show, preaches about the importance of recycling using comedy and percussion. It is kids-friendly, so you can enjoy the event with your family.
Know moreKnow Before You Visit Madrid in October
What to Wear in Madrid in October
- Autumn is in full swing in Madrid in October. It can get chilly at night.
- The days are cool too, so warm clothes are essential. Carry your thermals and jackets.
- Wear shoes as it often rains in Madrid in October. Also, keep an umbrella handy.
- Be sure to pack a mix of summer and winter clothing, as well as comfortable shoes.
- A scarf is always a good idea in Madrid, as it can get cold in the evenings.
- A light jacket or cardigan will also come in handy.
- A backpack to accommodate your jacket, scarf, umbrella, etc.
- Sunscreen is still a good idea in Madrid in October, as the sun can be quite strong.
- Wear shoes as it often rains in Madrid in October. Also, keep an umbrella handy.
What to Pack in Madrid in October
- Winter-heavy clothing, although carry light clothes as well.
- An umbrella, an extra pair of clothes as you might get caught in the rain.
- Comfortable shoes are a must in Madrid, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to pack a pair of shoes that are comfortable and can handle a lot of wear. You'll be glad you have them when you're exploring all that Madrid has to offer!
- A water bottle is a good idea for staying hydrated in Madrid in October. The days can be cool, and the sun can be quite strong, so it's important to stay hydrated. There are many public fountains in Madrid, so you can easily refill your water bottle.
- Sunscreen, even though it's not sunny all the time in Madrid in October, the sun can be quite strong.
- A backpack to accommodate your jacket, scarf, umbrella, water bottle, sunscreen, etc.
Getting Around Madrid in October
- By Bus: Madrid is a developed city, so you can rest assured you'll find the best transportation service. Travelling by bus is easy as the city has a well-connected bus service comprising over 200 buses.
- By Metro: Madrid's metro is efficient and the fastest way of getting around.
- By Train (Cercanías): Most destinations in the Spanish capital are connected to the train service.
- By E-Bikes: None of the transport options are as eco-friendly as e-bikes. They're called BiciMAD and can be used for short-distance travel.
Where to Stay in Madrid in October
Backpackers, youngsters, and families; everyone loves Madrid. So, there's a place for everyone in the city. Madrid offers diverse accommodation options, including five-star hotels, budget hotels, and hostels. Here are a few options you should consider.
Budget Hotels: Room Mate Alicia Hotel, SLEEP'N Atocha, Suites Viena Plaza de España
Mid-range: B&B Hotel Madrid Centro Fuencarral 52, Room Mate Mario Hotel, Hotel Cortezo
Luxury Hotels:Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá, Hotel Único Madrid
What to eat in Madrid in October
Madrid's exciting culture reflects in its food. You'll find some fantastic, tantalising dishes in the city's restaurants and cafes. We've listed some of our favourite dishes here.
- Cocido madrileño: October has that winter chill in Madrid. It is the right time to try cocido madrileño, a meat and chicken stew. It is served in three courses; the broth (fideos), the chickpeas (garbanzos) and vegetables, and then the meat.
- Bocadillo de Calamares: If you need a light breakfast or lunch idea, look no further. The bocadillo de calamares is a calamari sandwich made from rolling squid rings in bread.
- Huevos Estrellados or Huevos Rotos: The Huevos Estrellados or Huevos Rotos or Broken Eggs is comfort food. It is usually served on top of French fries, ham, and sausage. You can get it easily at most bars and restaurants in Madrid.
Explore Madrid Through The Year
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Madrid in October
Madrid welcomes Autumn in October. The weather is cooler than in summers but warmer than in winters. Crowds are less, so you explore the city at your convenience.
Besides exploring Madrid's palaces and museums, you can also enjoy several music and artistic events in Madrid in October.
Best things to do in Madrid >
It can get chilly in Madrid in October, especially in the evenings. The temperature can drop below 10°C.
Madrid isn't hot in October. The temperature hardly exceeds 20°C, so you won't find yourself sweating in the city.
You can swim in Madrid in October for a few hours. The water starts getting cold as the day progresses.
The sun doesn't shine a lot in Madrid in October. However, you can still expect a few hours of sunlight, although the sunshine is not too harsh.
Winter-heavy clothing is needed in Madrid in October. Summer clothing is needed for comparatively warmer days.
Rainfall is common in Madrid in October. You can expect up to 10 days of rain in October.
Madrid is a prominent city in Europe. It is also Spain's capital, so it does attract a premium. However, you can find accommodation and food options within your budget in the city.
Madrid is a safe city, although you must remain vigilant of petty crimes and tourist scams.
The Royal Palace of Madrid and a trip to Toledo shouldn't be missed when visiting Madrid in October.
Many festivals and events are held in Madrid in October. The Estampa Contemporary Art Fair, Festival De Otono, and LuzMadrid are a few events you shouldn't miss in Madrid in October.
15°C is the average temperature in Madrid in October.
October is an exciting time in Madrid. There are many events and festivals in October, which you can add to your itinerary.
The Festival De Otono and the LuzMadrid are the two premier festivals held in Madrid in October.