Many tourists consider the autumn season ideal for a holiday, so they plan their holidays for the beginning of autumn. Indeed, this time of year has a lot of advantages, the main of which is, of course, the weather: the exhausting summer heat is already a thing of the past, but the sun is not in a hurry to hide behind the clouds and continues to give its gentle warmth to holidaymakers.
If you have long dreamed of going to Spain to wander through the narrow winding streets, to get into the atmosphere of its cities, it is time to do it in early autumn. And we recommend you start your acquaintance with Spain from its capital — Madrid. Kidpassage will tell you in detail about all the nuances of visiting the city in September.
Holidays in Madrid in September: pros and cons
The Spanish capital attracts several million tourists annually, and the city is open to the public all year round. The mere fact of such an active attendance suggests you will not get bored here. Reviews of holidays in Madrid in September are mostly positive, but there are still a few disadvantages.
So, what advantages of visiting the city in September do tourists name most often?
- Weather conditions. In summer, the city suffers from heat, but the thermometer starts to drop with the onset of autumn. The temperature is perfect for walking with children.
- Bullfighting season. In October, the bullfighting season comes to an end. In September, tourists still have a chance to visit the Las Ventas arena and see the legendary spectacle.
- Fashion Week. The city hosts a popular fashion industry event in September — Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid.
- It's a great time to visit the city's parks. Of course, you can do this anytime, but autumn is the perfect time for long walks in the park alleys. In summer it's too hot, in winter it's cloudy and cold. And seeing the parks of Madrid is a must for every tourist.
And here are the disadvantages Madrid has in September:
- Lots of people. Autumn is the high tourist season in the Spanish capital, so the city streets are pretty crowded. In addition, students come here in September.
- Changeable weather. At this time, the weather becomes slightly erratic; autumn clouds increasingly cover the sun.
- High average hotel room rates.
The weather in Madrid in September
Madrid's comfortable mild weather between September and October attracts many tourists. Madrid's September climate offers the best of both worlds – warm enough for leisurely strolls through historic streets and cool evenings perfect for al fresco dining. Whether you're exploring art galleries or savoring tapas at charming cafes, the delightful air temperature ensures an enjoyable travel experience.
In September, huge crowds of tourists are on the city streets. During the day, it is still comfortable in light summer clothes, but at night it gets a little cooler, and you need to wear a windbreaker for a walk. The weather in early September is still a bit like summer but without such debilitating heat. In the first decade of the month, precipitation is unlikely; the sky is clear and cloudless.
Temperatures in Madrid in mid-September are comfortable for extended outdoor activities.
Madrid confirms its status as Europe's sunniest city year after year. Holidaymakers will need sunglasses and sunscreen, as the effects of ultraviolet light can still damage your skin. The weather in Madrid at the end of September gradually deteriorates; you never know whether the Spanish sun will shine with its former fervour or disappear from the horizon for a long time, giving way to rain clouds.
Air and water temperature
Madrid has a mixed climate — continental with Mediterranean features. The local weather is quite variable, but the beginning of autumn is warm and comfortable for long walks outdoors.
Air temperature in Madrid in September
With average highs ranging from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F) and comfortable lows of 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F), September offers the perfect blend of warmth and pleasantness.
Precipitation
In September, rain is possible in the city. Their probability is exceptionally high at the end of the month. The average amount of precipitation is 11.3 mm, and about three rainy days are expected. Thunderstorms with rain are possible at night (1-2 days per month).
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Madrid remains sunny even in autumn. The number of clear days slightly decreases compared to the summer period and amounts to 73%. Cloudy weather accounts for 17% and overcast weather for 10%.
Tour Holidays in Madrid
The number of attractions per square metre in Madrid is at an all-time high. Even if you come here for a whole month, there will need to be more time to see even half of the city's interesting places.
Madrid impresses with its rich cultural heritage, Spanish traditions and unique flavour. The home of Plácido Domingo and Julio Iglesias, Lope de Vega and Miguel de Cervantes, it will tell you its history and reveal the secrets of the past.
Royal Botanic Gardens
It is still a bit hot in early September, so tourists will enjoy a walk in the park, breathe fresh air, and relax on a bench in the shade of trees. Head to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Madrid, which in 1942 was included in the list of Historic Gardens of Cultural Heritage of Spain.
The garden contains more than 5,000 different species of plants. There are also informative excursions and unusual sculptures on its territory, and holidaymakers can visit the local scientific library and historical archive.
Sabatini Gardens
"Green Oasis" in the middle of Madrid has one distinctive feature — the landscape design is made in strict geometric forms. The gardens occupy 2.5 hectares; a rectangular pond and many trees are trimmed like a ruler. Pines, boxwoods, cypress and other representatives of flora have turned into a real work of art thanks to the landscape craftsmen. There are also statues of Spanish monarchs in the park.
Plaza de Cibeles
At the end of September, the weather still pleases vacationers, so spend the last hot days at Cibeles Square — a favourite place for tourists and locals. In the centre of the square, there is a fountain of great historical value: earlier, the townspeople collected drinking water here.
In addition to the fountain, there are still a lot of artificial beauties here: three palaces — Cibeles, Linares and Buenavista, and the Bank of Spain, whose building can be safely called an architectural masterpiece.
Do you want to give an unforgettable experience to your children? Then be sure to visit the following places with them:
- Casa de Campo Park has attractions, a zoo, an aquarium and many entertainments.
- City of professions Micropolix, where children can take part in activities and games related to the various professions.
- Biopark Faunia, which is home to many birds and animals.
- Perez Mouse Museum, where tourists will be met at the entrance by the hero of a Spanish fairy tale — Perez. The mouse will show guests his home and an unusual collection.
Holidays, events, festivals
There is hardly another nation in the world that is as passionate about celebrations and fun events as the Spanish. Holidays in Madrid in September will charge the city's guests with positive emotions for a long time.
First, let us remind you that the bullfighting season continues in early autumn. Some foreigners come to Madrid, especially for this spectacle. Fights can be seen every Sunday at the Las Ventas arena. As we have already written above, the Spanish capital will host the Spring-Summer Haute Couture Week in autumn.
In addition to the fashion shows, there are organised showrooms where you can buy designer clothes. Exhibitions and film screenings are also held as part of Fashion Week.
The Festival de Otoño is held annually in Madrid. The program is vibrant; the guests of the capital and the people of Madrid enjoy the performances of musical and dance ensembles and watch theatrical and circus performances. The festival also includes artist-fan meetings, exhibitions and other exciting events.
The Autumn Festival lasts for five whole weeks, all this time in Madrid there is an incredible atmosphere of fun and joy. The city is very crowded, as people from different parts of the country come to the festival.
Madrid has a developed cultural and creative life, so we recommend looking at the event's poster. The city will host interesting entertainment shows and concerts.
Cost of vacation
Don't expect prices in Madrid to be low in September. This period is a high tourist season, so the cost of tours and services will be appropriate.
Package Tours
In early autumn, tour operators reduce prices slightly. The September tour to Madrid is 10% cheaper than the August one. In October, prices will drop another 10%.
Airfares
In autumn, the cost of air travel will drop slightly. In September, travellers pay 7% less. But in the second autumn month, air travel will rise in price by 2%.
Accommodations
At the beginning of autumn, you will have to pay more for a room than a month earlier (the average daily price in September is 218 euros, in August — 103 euros). And in October, prices will decrease by 6% (the average everyday price is 205 euros). September is the most expensive month for accommodation in local hotels compared to August and October.
Food and Transport
Tourists often walk into the resort, and the fresh air gives you a beastly appetite. In Madrid, there are cosy cafes and restaurants on every corner. On average, you can have lunch in a city cafe for 15-17 euros. The price includes first, second, dessert and a drink. In a restaurant, visitors pay about 25 euros for similar dishes.
Madrid has an excellent transport system. The metro or buses will take tourists to any point in the city. The ticket costs around 1.5-2.0 euros.
It is more favourable to buy The Madrid Travel City Pass. Its price will depend on the duration of validity. Public transport is free for children under the age of four. Taxis are also available in the city (2-3 euros for boarding and from 1 euro per kilometre).
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What clothes to pack for Madrid in September?
The days in the capital are sunny and warm, and people feel comfortable in summer clothes. But at the end of the month, it is better to dress in multiple layers: in warm weather, you can take off extra clothes, and if the sky is sharply covered with clouds, you can put them on again.
Towards the end of the month, it gets cooler in the evenings, and you can't do without a windbreaker.
Your clothes and shoes should be as comfortable and practical as possible. Avoid chafing, and your clothes should not restrict your movements. For those travelling here at the end of the month, we advise you to bring an umbrella.
Tips for travellers with children
Madrid is an excellent choice for a family holiday; the main thing is to choose the right time to visit. September is perfect for tourists with children. The beginning of autumn is warm; there is no exhausting heat, most days are sunny, and there is almost no rain. Such weather disposes to get acquainted with the city, which has an incredible number of exciting places for kids and teenagers.
Spaniards adore children, so every little thing here is designed with the needs of kids and their mums. For example, you can get down the metro with a pram; public transport has special seats for passengers with children, and almost every cafe offers a children's menu.
September tour to Madrid will be a great opportunity to give your family unforgettable emotions, bring unique souvenirs to your relatives and friends, and learn many new things about Spain. In this country, other places are also great for family holidays: whichever corner of Spain you go to, you will have pleasant memories.
