Madrid in November

November works well for travellers who prioritise museums and city ambience over outdoor dining. Pack for cold and rain, and you will find a Madrid that is orderly, affordable, and easy to walk through.

What the Weather Is Really Like

November in Madrid brings a high of 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low of 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it a colder month in the capital, though not the coldest. January drops to 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) for the high, which is slightly chillier. The city sits at 663 metres above sea level, and the elevation makes the nights feel considerably colder than the numbers suggest. You can expect 9.7 hours of daylight in November.

Rainfall totals 172 millimetres for the month, and the humidity sits at 79 percent. This combination means damp, grey days are common. It is not constant rain, but drizzle and overcast skies dominate more often than not. July reaches 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and is the warmest month of the year. If you are comparing months, November sits on the cold end of the scale with short, dark afternoons. The Prado and Reina Sofía become more appealing as the weather turns.

What the Month Feels Like in the City

November in Madrid is quiet. The summer tourist surge has long passed, and Christmas crowds have not yet arrived. Museum visits become more relaxed as the pace slows. Early evenings shorten the window for outdoor sightseeing considerably. Many visitors adjust by shifting their plans earlier in the day, heading out after breakfast and finishing outdoor activities by mid-afternoon.

All Saints Day falls on 1 November and is a public holiday in Spain. Some local businesses and smaller shops close for the day, particularly around church areas. Major museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofía remain open, but it is worth knowing that the rhythm of the city slows noticeably. The holiday also means roads may be quieter, which can affect transport timings. Plan accordingly by checking opening hours in advance and building flexibility into your first day.

What to See

The Museo del Prado opened in 1819 and holds a major collection of European art. November is an excellent month to visit because the cooler, wetter weather outside makes time spent indoors feel justified rather than obligatory. The museum is large, and shorter waiting times mean you can take your time without feeling rushed. Go early in the day to make the most of available light before heading back out.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía opened in 1992 and focuses on modern and contemporary Spanish art. It shares a similar advantage in November: the building itself, with its gradual ramps and open galleries, offers a comfortable environment when the streets are damp. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum also opened in 1992 and holds an extensive private collection spanning several centuries of European painting. Visiting one or both alongside the Prado gives you a full picture of Spanish art history across different periods.

El Retiro Park was built in 1680 and remains a formal green space in the city. In November the trees have lost much of their foliage, but the park's layout and statues still hold visual interest. The paths are manageable in light rain if you have waterproof footwear. It works best as a morning destination before the temperature drops in the afternoon. The Royal Palace, opened in 1735, is another strong option for a rainy day, with its grand rooms and collections offering several hours of shelter and culture.

How to Plan the Days

With less than ten hours of daylight, structure your days around natural light. Start outdoors in the late morning when temperatures have risen slightly. Focus on parks, squares, and street-level sightseeing before the afternoon light fades. After that, pivot indoors to museums or galleries. The Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza are all within reasonable walking distance of each other, so you can chain two or three into a single afternoon without needing transport.

Rain totalling 172 millimetres means you should not plan outdoor activities for every single day. Keep one or two fully indoor itineraries as backup. When it is dry, use those days for outdoor sights like the Royal Palace, Main Square, or Puerta del Sol. When it rains, focus on the museums or take advantage of the dry spells to walk between indoor locations. Evening activities can include theatre, film, or long dinners, all of which are easier to arrange without crowds. Pace yourself across the trip rather than trying to see everything at full speed every day.

Practical Notes

The currency in Spain is the euro. Cash points are widely available, and card payments are accepted at most restaurants and shops. The local language is Spanish. Learning a few basic phrases will help in smaller establishments where English may not be spoken. The 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit) low means cold mornings and evenings are guaranteed. A warm coat, layered clothing, and waterproof outerwear are essential. Gloves and a scarf add comfort on the coldest days. Closed shoes with good grip are preferable, particularly if you encounter wet pavements or rain.

What to pack

• A warm coat rated for just above freezing temperatures
• Waterproof jacket or outer shell for rain protection
• Layered knitwear including thermal or merino base layers
• Waterproof, closed-toe shoes with good traction
• A packable umbrella and a day bag for layers

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