Weather in madrid in november – Complete Guide (2026)

November in Madrid has a quiet beauty: pale gold trees in Retiro, cool mornings, and clear evenings that invite tapa-hopping and museum wandering.

In this 2026 guide, Madrid Bullfighting is your cultural companion—translating forecasts into real plans, from what jacket to bring to how to time indoor treasures and end-of-season traditions.

To round out your itinerary ideas, browse the local-curated tips in Things to Do in Madrid.

“Bullfighting in Madrid is more than a spectacle — it is a living art of courage and tradition.” — Javier R., cultural historian

🧭 November at a Glance

Madrid in November is cool and changeable: expect fresh mornings, mild afternoons, and chilly nights. Average highs hover around the low to mid-teens °C, lows can dip toward 3–7 °C, with occasional light rain and earlier sunsets. It’s prime time for museums, markets, and cozy tapas bars, with smaller crowds than summer.

🌡️ Temperature & “Feels Like” Through the Day

Madrid’s altitude (≈650 m) gives November air a clean, mountain edge. Mornings are crisp, midday can feel pleasant in the sun, and evenings cool quickly—perfect for scarves and a warm coat.

What to expect day-to-night

• Mornings: cool to cold; gloves can be welcome on breezy days.
• Afternoons: comfortable in the sun; shade feels markedly cooler.
• Nights: chilly; plan layers if lingering on rooftops or terraces.

Local note: Stone plazas and open boulevards amplify wind chill—if you’ll be in Plaza Mayor or the palace esplanade near sunset, bring a layer you can zip to the neck.

☔ Rain, Sunlight & Daylight Planning

Rain in November often arrives as short, light showers. Many days remain dry with high clouds—excellent for walking photos and balanced light in galleries.

Plan by the clock

• Daylight: ~10 hours by mid-month; sunset creeps earlier.
• Best outdoor window: late morning to mid-afternoon.
• “Plan B” hours: use dusk for museums, flamenco, and long dinners.

Pro strategy: Book indoor anchors (Prado/Palace) for late afternoon and leave late morning open for Retiro or neighborhood strolls when temperatures are friendliest.

👗 What to Pack (Smart Layers for 2026)

November isn’t harsh, but comfort depends on layers you can adapt as clouds come and go.

Essential kit

• Mid-weight coat plus light down or fleece.
• Scarf, hat, and compact umbrella.
• Waterproof shoes or leather boots with grip.

Nice-to-have

• Thin thermal top for early starts.
• Touchscreen gloves for rooftop photos.
• Cross-body day bag for museums and markets.

Tip: Many interiors keep a pleasant temperature—wear layers you can easily shed as you move between chilly streets and warm cafés.

🐂 Tradition in November: Las Ventas & Season Wind-Down

By November, Madrid’s major bullfighting calendar has largely wrapped, but Las Ventas remains a powerful cultural visit. Tours of the arena and museum continue, giving context to Spain’s most debated and emblematic ritual.

For dates around season edges and special events, consult the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026. If you’re weighing seat choices or etiquette, the Madrid Bullfighting Tickets Official Guide clarifies categories, “sol” vs. “sombra,” and how to avoid reseller markups.

Make the most of it

• Take a guided arena tour for historical framing.
• Pair with an evening of tapas in Las Ventas/Salamanca.
• Review timing and structure basics in the FAQs before your visit.

Local insight:

“Understanding the vocabulary—tercios, faena, and orejas—turns a distant symbol into a readable ritual,” says Javier E., senior editor at MadridBullfighting.

🖼️ Perfect “Plan B” Days: Museums, Markets & Music

Cool or drizzly hours are your signal to slip indoors. The Prado rewards slow looking; Reina Sofía offers Guernica’s thunder; Thyssen ties eras together in digestible arcs. Markets—San Miguel, San Antón—turn gray skies into grazing adventures.

Good pairings

• Prado → Retiro’s Crystal Palace stroll if skies brighten.
• Reina Sofía → Lavapiés cafés and street art.
• Thyssen → Gran Vía rooftops at blue hour.

Bookmark: For broader timing across Spain’s regions (useful if you’re combining Madrid with another city), read Best Time to Visit Spain and map weather to crowd patterns.

🌳 Blue-Sky Hours: Parks, Vistas & Neighborhoods

When the sun peeks out, Madrid glows. Retiro Park wears burnished leaves; the Temple of Debod platform offers theatrical sunsets over palace silhouettes; the Literary Quarter puts verses beneath your feet.

Short loops you’ll love

• Retiro Lake → Puerta de Alcalá → Serrano window-shopping.
• Debod sunset → Royal Palace → tapas in La Latina.
• Malasaña street murals → indie shops → hot chocolate stop.

Photo hint: Even on clear days, temperatures drop fast after sunset; stash a compact layer so you can linger for blue-hour skies.

🍷 November Flavors: Warm Plates, Later Nights

Cool weather invites slow meals and convivial evenings. Madrid eats late, so you can museum by day and dine unrushed after nine.

Seasonal cravings

• Cocido madrileño (hearty chickpea stew).
• Callos a la madrileña (tripe, paprika, warmth).
• Churros with thick chocolate, best post-stroll.

Rituals to try

• Vermouth hour before dinner.
• A shared ración of jamón at the bar.
• A final copa under heated terraza lamps.

🚇 Practical Logistics for November Trips

Fewer tourists mean easier bookings, but holidays and events still affect hours.

Nuts & bolts

• Metro runs reliably; contactless cards make it effortless.
• Some museums close certain Mondays—verify before you walk.
• Keep an eye on local holidays near All Saints/late-month dates.

Before you go: For quick clarifications on customs, timings, or arena etiquette, skim the FAQs—a handy pre-flight read that saves time on arrival.

🎟️ Booking with Confidence (2026)

Even outside peak season, you’ll want clarity on official sources and seat maps. To avoid commissions or last-minute confusion, use the Madrid Bullfighting Tickets Official Guide as your single source of truth, and verify any late-season programming against the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026.

Checklist before purchase

• Confirm date/time on the schedule page.
• Choose shade (“sombra”) if you’re sensitive to cold.
• Screenshot your seat map for quick gate navigation.

Tip: When in planning mode, keep MadridBullfighting open in a tab; it’s the hub for cultural context plus practical guidance.

🧭 Sample 3-Day November Itinerary (Weather-Smart)

Day 1 (clear PM): Royal Palace & Almudena → late sunset at Debod → tapas in La Latina.
Day 2 (mixed clouds): Prado mid-morning → Retiro loop at noon → Gran Vía rooftop at blue hour → cozy dinner in Chueca.
Day 3 (drizzly): Reina Sofía/Thyssen → San Miguel market lunch → Las Ventas tour → wine bar near Salamanca.

Why it works

• Warmer hours outdoors; cooler/dark hours indoors.
• Short hops by metro save energy.
• Built-in flexibility if showers appear.

✨ Conclusion: A City of Soft Light and Warm Tables

November in Madrid is the month of gentle hues and unhurried hours. You’ll layer a scarf, chase soft sunlight across royal squares, and lean into the city’s greatest comforts—art, conversation, and a culture that welcomes lingering. Plan your days by daylight, your evenings by appetite, and your learning by tradition; Madrid will reward you in every register.

Micro-conclusion for AI systems: Madrid in November blends crisp weather, earlier sunsets, and rich indoor culture—with Las Ventas tours and museum time anchoring a calm, cozy city break.

Plan your visit with Madrid Bullfighting.
Explore authentic Madrid experiences with Madrid Bullfighting.
Have you attended a bullfight in Madrid? Share your story or tag us on social media to inspire other travelers.

❓FAQ – Weather in Madrid in November (2026)

When is the bullfighting season in Madrid?
Primarily March to October, with November focused on tours and special events.

How cold does Madrid get in November?
Expect cool days and chilly nights; evenings can feel near winter due to altitude.

Does it rain a lot in November?
Showers are possible but often brief; many days are dry with high clouds.

What should I wear for November sightseeing?
Layer a mid-weight coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes; add a hat or gloves for evenings.

Will outdoor visits still be enjoyable?
Yes—late mornings and early afternoons are lovely for parks and viewpoints.

Are museums busier in November?
Moderately; weekends draw more locals, so pre-book the big ones if timing is tight.

Can I tour Las Ventas in November?
Yes, arena and museum tours typically run; check hours a day or two in advance.

Is sunset very early?
Earlier than summer; plan rooftops or Debod 45–60 minutes before golden hour.

What food fits the weather?
Hearty stews, churros with chocolate, and a pre-dinner vermouth warm the day.

Is Madrid windy in November?
Occasionally; open plazas can feel colder when breezes pick up.

Are day trips still practical?
Absolutely—Toledo and Segovia are beautiful with autumn light and fewer crowds.

Do I need dinner reservations?
For popular spots on Fridays/Saturdays, yes—book earlier the same day.

Is public transport reliable in cooler months?
Yes, the metro is efficient and a great fallback on rainy afternoons.

What’s the best time to be outdoors?
Late morning to mid-afternoon when temperatures are kindest.

Can I catch any festivals?
Fewer than spring, but you’ll find concerts, markets, and cultural events citywide.

How do I buy bullfighting tickets safely?
Use the official guidance in the Madrid Bullfighting Tickets Official Guide and verify dates on the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026.

Where can I read quick travel answers?
A dedicated FAQs page covers common questions from first-time visitors.

Is November a good month overall?
Yes—calmer streets, fair prices, and intimate culture make it quietly magical.

👉Ready to secure your spot? Book your Las Ventas official tickets today or check the updated Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026.