Spain, Europe
Madrid in November
Quiet and good value. Museums and the food scene are at full strength.
The straight answer
November is a good month to visit Madrid. Quiet and good value. Museums and the food scene are at full strength.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 57F (14C), some rain
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What November is like in Madrid
November is quiet and good value. Highs near 57F (14C), some rain and cooler evenings. The museums and food scene are at full strength, and crowds are low. Christmas lights go up late in the month, giving the center a festive feel before December's crowds.
It suits art lovers, food lovers and budget travelers. Families will enjoy easy museum visits, calm parks and short lines at the zoo. If you want warm sunshine and outdoor dining, October is better. If you want the Plaza Mayor Christmas market in full swing, wait until December.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Madrid this month.
Museums without lines
The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen are calm and easy to explore.
Early Christmas lights
The city's lights switch on late in the month, making evening walks cheerful.
Good value hotels
Rates fall after the fall peak, so a central stay costs less.
What to pack for November
- A warm jacket
- A compact umbrella
- Waterproof walking shoes
- Layers for cool mornings
Our timing tip
Remember the Reina Sofia closes on Tuesdays and many other museums close on Mondays.
Book Madrid for November.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MadridOpens a hotel search for Madrid in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MadridWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MadridTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madrid for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Christmas and New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol
Late November to early January
City lights, a Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, and the famous twelve grapes at midnight on December 31.
Things to do in Madrid
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.
Museo Reina Sofia
Home of Picasso's Guernica. Closed Tuesdays; free evening hours on several days.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
A superb private collection spanning centuries, and usually calmer than the Prado.
Royal Palace
One of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Still used for state ceremonies, which can close it on short notice.
Retiro Park
Rowboats on the lake, the Crystal Palace, and the rose garden, especially in May and October.
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.
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Madrid?
November is a good month to visit Madrid. Quiet and good value. Museums and the food scene are at full strength.
What is the weather like in Madrid in November?
Cool, highs near 57F (14C), some rain.
Is Madrid crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Madrid; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Madrid in November?
Christmas and New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol (late november to early january).
Keep planning Madrid.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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