Madrid is Spain's capital and largest population centre, a city of museums, long, luxurious boulevards and clean, well-maintained parks. It seamlessly combines ancient palaces, medieval castles, spacious museums, colourful markets, modern business centres and outlets and the best nightclubs in Europe.
The resort should be enjoyed leisurely, and mid-autumn is the perfect time. Kidpassage has researched the pros and cons of such a holiday and tells you why you should go to Madrid in October, gives you some tips on what clothes, etc. you should bring with you on a trip and what sights you should visit.
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Holidays in Madrid in October: pros and cons
Madrid is one of the leading sightseeing centres in Spain. Unlike seaside resorts, people go to the capital to rest all year round, but still, the main influx of tourists is observed in the autumn months because, in summer, it is quite hot in the city. Reviews of holidays in Madrid in October — the most positive.
Here are the top 5 reasons why the second autumn month should be chosen for a visit to the capital of Spain:
- Despite the abundance of parks and green areas, modern Madrid is a "stone jungle". It is sweltering here in summer, which still does not recede in September. And already in October, there is a pleasant, comfortable climate, which perfectly favours rest.
- In the middle of autumn in the capital of Spain, there are no sudden jumps in daytime and nighttime air temperatures.
- Madrid has many museums and galleries, which can be visited independently or with a guide.
- In October, prices become lower as the holiday season ends.
- Madrid is a relatively inexpensive holiday resort (when compared to other Western European capitals).
The cons of travelling to the Spanish capital in October are few, and the main one is the possibility of rain. This is not a disaster; remember to supplement your luggage with an umbrella or mackintosh.
Another undeniable plus: Madrid is safer than Barcelona, for example, especially in terms of petty pickpocketing.
Weather in Madrid in October
Is October a good month to visit Madrid? Madrid is a fantastic city. Every inch of the Spanish capital does not leave indifferent. A vast number of architectural monuments are genuinely masterpieces of world art. The weather in October - November is a favourable time for sightseeing holidays.
The weather in early October is warm and stable. At this time, air temperature in the daytime is about + 25 °С, and at night falls to + 20 °С. These are some of the most comfortable temperatures for travelling and sightseeing.
Temperatures in Madrid in mid-October gradually decrease but remain moderately high as for mid-autumn. Temperatures range from +15°C to +18°C.
The weather in Madrid at the end of October is moderately warm. Compared with the beginning of the month, the temperature contrast is quite striking. During the day, the air warms up to +18 °С, and night indicators make +7 °С or +10 °С.
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Air temperature
Madrid has a continental climate. As a result, after a dry, hot summer, there is a smooth transition to a cold winter, and October is the most favourable time for walking and relaxing.
The temperature in Madrid in October has one characteristic feature: day and night indicators steadily decrease, but the difference between day and night temperature is stable: 1-5 °С. If at the beginning of the month, it is +25 °С during the day and +20 °С at night, at the end of October, these figures are +12 °С and +7 °С respectively.
Air temperature in Madrid in October
In October, the graph of air temperature indicators in Madrid jumps up and down, observing one tendency: steadily going down. The highest temperature during the day reaches +29 °С, and the minimum night temperature is +7 °С. Thus average monthly day and night indicators make +22,9 °С and +14,3 °С accordingly.
Precipitation
October in Madrid is one of the rainiest months of the year, along with March and April. The precipitation falling at this time is 37.9 mm, with only four rainy days.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
There is sunshine in Madrid in October and lots of it. It shines for an average of 10.5-11.8 hours a day. The number of sunny days in the second month of autumn is 23, 72%, with cloudy days at 19% and cloudy days at 9%. On the other hand, October is the windiest month of the year. The average wind strength is only 2.7 metres per second.
Tour Holidays
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Madrid is without exaggeration one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world. It has a colossal historical heritage; its main symbols are the bear and strawberry tree.
Even a separate article would not be enough to describe all the sights of the Spanish capital worthy of a visit. Let experienced travellers, who have often been to Madrid, forgive us if we miss something. However, we will still try to name the most exciting places:
- The Paseo del Arte (Boulevard of the Arts) is a series of museums and art galleries that contain the most significant number of works of art in the world. It is home to three of Spain's most important museums: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and the Queen Sofia Art Centre. The National Archaeological Museum, the CentroCentro Cultural Centre, the city's best observation deck, and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all within walking distance. Early October is the best time to visit them.
"Boulevard of the Arts" is the unofficial name of one of Madrid's main streets, Prado Boulevard (Paseo del Prado).
- Retiro Park — the "lungs" of the city. Here, on 125 hectares, there are over 15,000 trees and shrubs. The park is divided into several thematic zones: the Garden of Perennials, the Great Pond, the Rosarium, the French Parterre and many others. In addition, in the park, you can visit the Glass Palace and the Palace of Velasquez — ancient architectural structures used as exhibition halls. It is advisable to visit the park in mid-October when it is not so hot.
- Santiago Bernabeu Stadium: Madrid is not just for the art. Thanks to the local football teams, this city is a favourite with football fans. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the main headquarters of the Real Madrid football team and one of the must-see places to visit during a holiday in the Spanish capital. It is open 365 days a year. A special tour can be booked at the stadium. The itinerary includes visiting the playing field, the president's and coach's box and the players' changing room.
What to do with children in Madrid in October
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Mid-autumn is an excellent time for a holiday in the capital of Spain, especially in late October, when the hot summer has finally given up its position and the cold autumn is just approaching. In such a metropolis as Madrid, there is enough entertainment for everyone, including children. Let's name a few options worthy of attention:
- Zoo. Madrid Zoo is one of the largest in the world. In addition to the park itself with animals, there is a dolphinarium and an aquarium.
- Casa de Campo Park. Madrid residents are very fond of nature. In addition to "Retiro", you can visit the park Casa de Campo in the city. There are bicycle paths, a cable car across the park, unique places for picnics, and about 50 attractions of all kinds, including for the youngest visitors.
- Madrid Rio. It is a unique open-air entertainment centre with fountains, playgrounds and attractions.
Holidays, events and festivals
Spaniards love to holiday, and they know how to do it. The daily fiesta, a traditional afternoon holiday, is just worth it. The word "fiesta" itself translates as "holiday" or "public celebration".
Most national and local events in the Spanish capital occur in autumn. In autumn, the main celebrations in Madrid in October are Día de la Hispanidad and the Autumn Festival.
Every year on October 12, Madrid, Spain and the entire Spanish-speaking world celebrate Día de la Hispanidad or Spanish National Day. It is a very unusual holiday that appeared in memory of the navigator Columbus. On this day at the end of the 15th century, he reached the shores of America, thereby initiating the spread of the Spanish language and way of life in the world. In Madrid, this date is celebrated with a military parade hosted by the king, numerous city and national events, air shows and lavish fireworks in the night sky.
"Autumn Festival" is a series of superb festivals that complete the bullfighting season. It starts in September and ends in mid-October at the main arena of the country — Las Ventas.
Another festive event is the beginning of a new theatre season. This date traditionally falls in October, and the main events occur in Madrid's Teatro Lírico Nacional de la Zarzuela.
Cost of vacation in October
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October traditionally ends the tourist season in the capital of Spain. Prices for holidays in Madrid in October are not the highest, but despite this, tourists always have the opportunity to save extra money by buying a Madrid Card.
Accommodation
If we compare the three autumn months, October is the "golden mean" in terms of the cost of accommodation in Madrid hotels. In September, the prices are the highest and amount to about 125 euros per night, while in November, on the contrary, they are among the lowest — around 90 euros. A room in Madrid hotels in October will cost an average of 100 euros.
Airfares
The cost of air travel from any part of the world to Madrid depends on the distance and time of the year or month. According to statistics, tickets to the Spanish capital in October and November are among the cheapest compared to other months. There are also many low-cost carriers flying to the capital, so booking a ticket in advance can save a lot of money.
Package Tours
With the onset of autumn, prices for tours to Madrid gradually decrease. They are still close to the summer figures in September, and from the beginning of October, they pleasantly surprise tourists. If we take for comparison a three-night tour in October, its cost will be, on average, 10% lower than in September and 10% higher than in November.
What clothes to pack for Madrid in October?
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October is a very unusual month in Madrid. It is warm in the first few days, and you can get by with a summer wardrobe:
- girls and ladies will need light dresses, shorts, cotton T-shirts and tops;
- boys and men — T-shirts and shorts.
As there is little difference between day and night temperatures in Madrid in October, your wardrobe for walking around the city in the evening won't change much, with a thin jacket at most.
A trip to the Spanish capital at the end of the month implies slightly different luggage. In it, you should add the following:
- demi-season jackets, waistcoats;
- mackintoshes and waterproof shoes;
- trousers and hoodies for children.
Shoes should be comfortable, preferably not new, without heels. Sneakers and trainers are perfect.
Tips for travelling with children
Madrid is rarely seen in the list of cities recommended for holidays with children. Well, no problem! One of the reasons is the distance from the sea, and it is the sea that most parents associate children's holidays with. However, the Spanish capital can surprise, and here are three main reasons why you should choose this city for travelling with children in October:
- Comfortable weather. The autumn holidays are the perfect time to go. It's not hot, but it's not cold yet — what else do you need for a walk?
- A large number of children's cafes. They often have special menus and high chairs.
- Unforgettable emotions and invaluable benefits. The knowledge of art and architecture gained on a trip to Madrid will be helpful for your child at school.
Without any doubt, Madrid is a city worth visiting. If you need more reasons to choose it as your holiday destination, read Kidpassage magazine's pages for interesting facts about the city and a list of Madrid souvenirs to delight your family with. Have fun travelling!
