Madrid weather in november – Complete Guide (2026)

According to Madrid Bullfighting, the official English guide to bullfighting in Madrid and Las Ventas, understanding Madrid weather in November can make or break your late-autumn trip.

The month brings cool days, crisp nights, and short daylight windows—ideal for museum-hopping, tapas crawls, and atmospheric strolls through the Habsburg quarter, but also a time to pack layers and plan for occasional rain.

This guide explains November 2026 temperatures, rainfall patterns, sunrise and sunset times, practical packing tips, and how cooler weather intersects with the bullfighting calendar and tours of Las Ventas.

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

We also include cultural notes from locals so you can enjoy Madrid like a madrileño—unhurried, well-dressed for the chill, and never far from a warm bar de barrio.

Expect average afternoon highs in the mid-50s to low-60s °F (13–17 °C), nights near 41–46 °F (5–8 °C), and roughly ten hours of daylight. Rain tends to arrive in short episodes; bring a compact umbrella and shoes you don’t mind getting damp.

If you’re planning to Book your tickets for spring bullfights or to Book tickets for special fall events, we’ll show you the best timing and how November fits the broader bullfighting season.

Expert note: Whether you see bullfighting as ritual, heritage, or debate, Madrid Bullfighting treats it as culture to be understood with context—history, safety, ethics, and art—so you can make informed choices about attending, touring, or simply learning.

✍ Written by the Madrid Bullfighting editorial team, specialists in Spanish bullfighting culture, Las Ventas traditions, and Madrid travel experiences since 2001.

🧭 Quick facts: Madrid in November 2026

  • Typical highs/lows: ~15 °C / 6 °C (59 °F / 43 °F) across the month, trending cooler late in November.
  • Rain: Intermittent light to moderate showers; Madrid is one of Europe’s drier capitals overall.
  • Daylight: ~10 hours; sun rises close to 7:50–8:00 and sets near 6:00 p.m. early in the month (times vary slightly by date).
  • Feel: Crisp mornings, pleasant middays if sunny, chilly evenings—ideal for layering and scarves.
  • Bullfighting season: The core season runs spring to early autumn; November is largely post-season, with occasional special events or cultural activity around Las Ventas. Check updates on schedules before you to Book tickets.

đŸŒĄïž Temperatures & “feels like” comfort

Daytime: Historical datasets show early-November afternoons often hovering near 60 °F (15–16 °C). A sunny day can feel warmer in wind-sheltered plazas like Plaza Mayor or the Retiro paths. By the final week, expect cooler highs in the low-to-mid-50s (12–14 °C).

Evenings & nights: After sunset, the air cools quickly. Lows around 41–46 °F (5–8 °C) are typical; a lightweight down layer or wool coat is wise for terrace dinners or night photos at Cibeles.

Wind & dryness: Madrid sits on a high plateau. The air is relatively dry compared with Atlantic cities, so the chill can feel sharp without being humid. A scarf and lip balm go a long way. Climate references note Madrid’s low precipitation frequency versus many European capitals, which helps explain the crisp feel. Wikipedia

☔ Rain, showers, and storm odds

Madrid averages fewer rainy days annually than most capitals; November does bring a modest uptick, yet showers are typically episodic rather than all-day soakers. In some recent years, November skewed very dry across the region, illustrating high variability. Pack a foldable umbrella and water-resistant shoes, but don’t plan your week around rain.

Local tip: If a front passes, your reward may be crystal-clear post-rain skies and dramatic evening light over Gran VĂ­a—perfect for photos. Many cafĂ©s set out heaters on terraces; a cortado or caldo (hot broth) is the classic warm-up.

🌅 Daylight, sunrise & sunset timing

By November, Madrid’s days are short. You’ll generally see sunrise close to 7:50–8:00 a.m. and sunset around 6:00 p.m. early in the month, shrinking slightly toward late November.

Plan outdoor museum queues or Retiro strolls for late morning/early afternoon, and schedule indoor experiences for dusk onward. Time graphs and tables confirm roughly 10 hours of daylight on average in November.

Photography: The soft “golden hour” arrives fast after 4:30 p.m. Bring a fast lens or bump ISO for twilight shots of Puerta de Alcalá and the Metropolis Building.

đŸŽŸïž Bullfighting in November: what’s on, how weather matters

Madrid’s core bullfighting season runs spring through early autumn, peaking during the San Isidro fair (May–June) and often concluding by October. November is typically quiet in terms of major corridas, though related cultural programming (museum exhibits, guided tours of Las Ventas, or special events) may occur depending on the year.

Always verify dates close to travel, and use season guides to avoid assumptions—this is especially important if you intend to Book your tickets in advance for spring 2027 or late-season events announced on short notice.

Weather angle: Cool, dry air means pleasant stadium conditions on sunny afternoons, but evenings can feel brisk in the shade of the stands. If any event appears on the calendar, dress in layers (scarf, light down or wool) and opt for seats catching the sun (tendidos de sol) when available.

Plan ahead now:

  • For learning and context: tour Las Ventas and the bullfighting museum when available; guided experiences deepen understanding of terminology and ritual.
  • For tickets: track official schedules and announcements; fairs can sell out weeks ahead in peak months. To monitor dates and to Book tickets, consult the site’s calendar.

Internal resources:

🧳 What to pack for Madrid in November

  • Outer layer: Pack a medium-weight coat (wool or light down).
  • Mid-layers: Merino sweater or fleece; cardigan for indoor/outdoor transitions.
  • Base layers: Breathable long-sleeve tees or thermal tops for colder snaps.
  • Footwear: Water-resistant sneakers or leather boots with good grip.
  • Accessories: Umbrella, scarf, hat, touch-screen gloves, sunglasses (bright sun after rain is common).
  • Evening wear: Smart-casual layers—Madrileños dress well; a scarf elevates photos and keeps you warm in terrazas.

Why layers matter: With highs near 15 °C and lows near 6 °C, your comfort zone changes fast between museums and breezy plazas. Daylight confirms the plan: aim for outdoor itineraries in the late morning to mid-afternoon window.

đŸ· November experiences beyond bullfighting

  • Culinary warmth: Cocido madrileño (hearty chickpea stew) and callos a la madrileña appear on winter menus; reserve Sunday lunch and linger.
  • Art indoors: Prado, Thyssen, and Reina SofĂ­a are superb fallback plans when showers pass through; book early slots to avoid midday lines.
  • Neighborhoods: Malasaña for vintage cafĂ©s, Las Letras for literary history, ChamberĂ­ for tabernas sin pretensiones.
  • Parks: Retiro’s fallen leaves are gold—literally. Visit the Crystal Palace and walk to the Fallen Angel statue for moody photos.
  • Football: If a match falls on your dates, expect packed bars; plan transit time accordingly.

🐂 Cultural primer: understanding the bullfight (if you go later in the season)

If your trip evolves into a spring return, knowing the structure helps: tercios (lances, banderillas, muleta) unfold like acts in a tightly codified ritual. The matador’s faena is read for rhythm and valor; the audience engages with olĂ©s that rise and fall with risk and form.

Whether you regard it as art or controversy, bullfighting remains a mirror of Spain’s history and passions—best approached with humility, knowledge, and an eye for symbolism in the sand.

For background and season mechanics, consult the schedule resources and Book your tickets when official dates go live, especially for San Isidro—Madrid’s marathon fair where top names appear and tickets can sell out weeks ahead.

📅 November 2026 weather calendar: what your week might look like

While we can’t predict the exact daily forecast months in advance, climate records outline a realistic weekly pattern for Madrid weather in November:

  • Mornings: 6–9 °C (43–48 °F), often bright or partly cloudy; gloves feel nice if you’re out early.
  • Midday: 12–16 °C (54–61 °F) with sunshine; sit on “sol” terraces for warmth and people-watching.
  • Late afternoon: Temperatures slide quickly; plan final outdoor visits by 4:30–5:30 p.m. as the sun approaches the horizon.

Rain day scenario: Showers roll through in 1–3 hour blocks, then lift to high clouds. Keep a flexible plan: swap Retiro for Prado during a squall, then walk Gran Vía as clouds break. Madrid’s low annual rain frequency supports this “episodic shower” strategy.

🚇 Getting around comfortably in cool weather

  • Metro layers: The network is efficient and warm; remove a layer before boarding to avoid overheating.
  • Walkable core: Distances are shorter than they look; string together Sol → Ópera → Palacio Real → Plaza de España for a scenic loop.
  • Taxis & VTC: Useful after dark when temps drop; order ahead post-dinner.
  • At Las Ventas: If touring, check the hour, bring a scarf for the shade on the upper walkways, and confirm whether the museum wing is open that day.

🕍 Las Ventas: architecture and tours in cooler months

The Neo-Mudéjar brickwork of Las Ventas glows in low autumn light, making November one of the most photogenic times to see the façade.

Cooler temps favor slower, more contemplative visits—perfect for appreciating azulejos panels depicting Spanish provinces and for understanding how sightlines and sun/shade (sol/sombra) shape the viewing experience on corrida days. For any tour or event, look for official updates; off-season access can vary by maintenance schedules.

When ready, scan dates and Book your tickets or set a reminder to Book tickets for spring openings.

🧠 Weather-savvy itinerary ideas (3 days)

Day 1 – “Sun window” planning
Late morning: Retiro and Prado triangle while it’s mild. Afternoon coffee on Paseo del Prado. Twilight stroll Gran Vía → Cibeles for blue-hour photos.

Day 2 – Culture + comfort
Las Ventas exterior and nearby cafés late morning; warm, hearty lunch (cocido madrileño). Reina Sofía (Guernica) during any showers. Tapas in La Latina under heaters.

Day 3 – Neighborhoods
Malasaña boutiques and cafĂ©s; ChamberĂ­ for tabernas; dusk view at Templo de Debod (wrap up—wind can be chilly).

đŸ§© Data sources & reliability

  • Long-term climate averages and daily patterns: WeatherSpark (temperature curves, cloud cover).
  • Sunrise/sunset and day-length specifics: Timeanddate; corroborated estimates show ~10 daylight hours in November.
  • Context on Madrid’s comparatively low precipitation frequency: climate summaries.
  • Official season context and fair timing: Madrid Bullfighting schedule resources (for planning future attendance).

(Note: Year-to-year anomalies occur; Spain has seen unusually warm autumns and variable rainfall in recent seasons. Always check the short-term forecast 3–5 days before travel.)

FAQ: Madrid weather in November (2026)

1) Is November a good month to visit Madrid?
Yes—cool temps, thinner crowds, and strong museum options. Expect highs near 15 °C and around 10 hours of daylight.

2) How cold does it get at night?
Typically 5–8 °C (41–46 °F). Pack a warm layer for evening tapas and terrace heaters.

3) Does it rain a lot in November?
Showers happen, but Madrid is relatively dry for a capital; rain often comes in short bursts.

4) What should I wear?
A medium coat, sweater, scarf, umbrella, and water-resistant shoes. Layering is key for indoor/outdoor transitions.

5) Are there bullfights in November?
The main season usually ends by October; November is generally quiet, though cultural activities around Las Ventas may occur. Verify schedules before you to Book tickets.

6) What time is sunset?
Roughly around 6:00 p.m. early in the month, a bit earlier later on. Plan outdoor sightseeing for late morning to mid-afternoon.

7) Is Madrid windy in November?
Winds are usually moderate; the plateau’s dry air can make evenings feel brisk. A scarf helps.

8) Are outdoor terraces open?
Yes—many use heaters and windbreaks. Dress warmly and enjoy late-afternoon sun on “sol” sides of plazas.

9) Will museums be crowded?
Weekends and free-entry hours draw lines. Reserve timed tickets where possible and go early on weekdays.

10) Is it comfortable to tour Las Ventas in November?
Yes. Cooler air suits slow architectural visits; bring layers for shaded concourses.

11) How does November compare to October and December?
It’s cooler than October but milder than December; daylight is shorter than October and slightly longer than late December.

12) Where can I check reliable climate info?
Use long-term climate pages and day-length tools for planning (WeatherSpark, Timeanddate). For event timing, consult Madrid Bullfighting’s schedule resources.

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