Spain, Europe

Madrid in April

The Retiro blooms and the city is lively. Easter week brings some closures and domestic travel.

BestSpring, highs near 64F (18C), some showers

Gran Via and the Madrid skyline — MadridPhoto: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Madrid. The Retiro blooms and the city is lively. Easter week brings some closures and domestic travel.

Weather: Spring, highs near 64F (18C), some showers
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What April is like in Madrid

April is one of Madrid's best months. Highs near 64F (18C), some showers, and the Retiro in bloom. The city feels lively, with terraces full and long walks easy. Easter week, which moves each year, brings some closures and a wave of domestic travel. Crowds and prices are moderate.

It suits nearly everyone: first-timers, couples and families who want mild weather for walking. If your dates fall on Holy Week, check museum hours and book restaurants ahead. If April is not possible, May and October are equally good, and October is a little calmer.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Madrid this month.

Retiro in bloom

The park's gardens come alive, and a rowboat on the lake is a classic spring afternoon.

Perfect walking weather

Mild days make it easy to walk from the Royal Palace to the Plaza Mayor and on to La Latina.

El Rastro and Sunday tapas

Browse the El Rastro flea market, then join locals for tapas in La Latina.

What to pack for April

Light layers for mild days and cool nights
A small umbrella
Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket for evenings

Our timing tip

Rent a Retiro rowboat on a weekday morning, before the lines build on weekend afternoons.

Book Madrid for April.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Madrid
Opens a hotel search for Madrid in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Madrid
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Madrid
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madrid for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Madrid

Full guide

Museo del Prado

Velazquez, Goya, and Bosch. Free entry runs the last two hours of most days, with long lines; buy a timed ticket instead for a calmer visit.

Tickets and tours →

Museo Reina Sofia

Home of Picasso's Guernica. Closed Tuesdays; free evening hours on several days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

A superb private collection spanning centuries, and usually calmer than the Prado.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Royal Palace

One of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Still used for state ceremonies, which can close it on short notice.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Retiro Park

Rowboats on the lake, the Crystal Palace, and the rose garden, especially in May and October.

Tickets and tours →

Mercado de San Miguel and La Latina

A glass-and-iron market near the Plaza Mayor, then Sunday tapas in La Latina after the El Rastro flea market.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book the Prado for a morning timed entry rather than the free evening hours, which draw long lines.
Visit the Royal Palace at opening or late in the day, and check it is not closed for an official event.
Adopt local hours: museums in the morning, a long lunch, a rest in the heat, then tapas after 9pm.
Visit El Rastro early on Sunday morning, before it gets packed by late morning.

Know before you go

In August, some family restaurants, bars, and shops close for a week or more. Major museums, sights, and chains stay open.
Many museums close one day a week, most often Monday; the Reina Sofia closes on Tuesdays.
Spanish holidays like January 6, May 1, and Holy Week bring closures and reduced hours. May 2 and San Isidro on May 15 are local holidays in Madrid.
Many smaller shops close for a midday break outside the main shopping streets, roughly 2pm to 5pm.

Madrid in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Madrid?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Madrid. The Retiro blooms and the city is lively. Easter week brings some closures and domestic travel.

What is the weather like in Madrid in April?

Spring, highs near 64F (18C), some showers.

Is Madrid crowded in April?

Crowds in Madrid are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.