Madrid in May

In May, Madrid averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (50 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

May offers comfortable temperatures in Madrid, with some rain to plan around.

22°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
10
Rain days
50 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Madrid

5th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
14 h 25 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Madrid (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (20°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (28°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Madrid

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:58 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
9:23 PM
Day length
14 h 25 min

Times shown for Madrid local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Madrid — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Madrid's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:58 AM – 6:38 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:38 AM – 7:38 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
8:43 PM – 9:43 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
9:43 PM – 10:23 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Madrid.

📅 When to book — Madrid in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Madrid's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — May in Madrid

High season

This is a busy month in Madrid — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Madrid

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Madrid in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 10°C / 50°F 2°C / 36°F 35 mm 8 0
February 12°C / 54°F 3°C / 37°F 35 mm 8 0
March 16°C / 61°F 5°C / 41°F 25 mm 7 0
April 18°C / 64°F 7°C / 45°F 50 mm 10 0
May 22°C / 72°F 11°C / 52°F 50 mm 10 0
June 28°C / 82°F 15°C / 59°F 25 mm 5 0
July 33°C / 91°F 18°C / 64°F 10 mm 2 0
August 32°C / 90°F 18°C / 64°F 10 mm 2 0
September 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 59°F 25 mm 5 0
October 20°C / 68°F 10°C / 50°F 55 mm 8 0
November 14°C / 57°F 5°C / 41°F 50 mm 10 0
December 11°C / 52°F 3°C / 37°F 55 mm 9 0

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Madrid in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Madrid in May?

In May, Madrid averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Madrid in May?

May can be fairly wet in Madrid, with about 10 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Madrid?

May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Madrid in May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Madrid for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Madrid on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.