You're standing in the middle of Puerta del Sol, the sun is hitting your face, and for a second, it feels like summer has arrived early. Then a breeze kicks up from the Guadarrama mountains and suddenly you're reaching for that jacket you almost left at the hotel. That’s the reality of Madrid Spain April weather. It is a month of transition, a bit of a tease, and honestly, one of the most misunderstood times to visit the Spanish capital.
Most people check a quick forecast, see "18°C" (64°F), and pack a suitcase full of t-shirts. Big mistake.
Madrid is sitting on a high plateau, roughly 650 meters above sea level. This altitude matters. It means that while the afternoons can feel like a dream, the mercury drops fast once the sun ducks behind the buildings. April is famously "wishy-washy," as locals might say. You can get four seasons in twenty-four hours.
The Temperature Rollercoaster
Let’s talk numbers, but keep it real. On average, you’re looking at daytime highs around 18°C or 19°C. On a really lucky day towards the end of the month, you might even hit 23°C (73°F). It feels warmer than the thermometer says because the Madrid sun is intense. You’ll see people lounging in Retiro Park, soaking it up like it’s July.
But then there’s the flip side.
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The nights are still crisp. We’re talking 6°C to 8°C (43°F to 46°F). If you’re planning on hitting a rooftop bar like Azotea del Círculo at 10:00 PM, you will be shivering without a proper layer.
- Early April: Still carries the ghost of winter. Expect more variability and cooler breezes.
- Late April: Generally more stable. The "summery" vibes start to creep in.
The UV index usually hits about a 6 in April. That’s high enough to burn you if you’re out walking the Gran Vía all afternoon. Don't let the cool breeze fool you; the sun is doing its work.
Does it Actually Rain?
There’s an old Spanish proverb: En abril, aguas mil (In April, a thousand waters).
It sounds daunting, like you’re going to be wading through floods. In reality, Madrid is one of the driest capitals in Europe. While April is technically one of the "wettest" months for the city, we’re only talking about 45mm to 50mm of rain spread across 9 to 12 days.
Most of the time, it’s not a day-long soak. It’s more like a sudden, aggressive shower that lasts 20 minutes and then vanishes, leaving the pavement steaming and the sky incredibly blue.
If it does rain, use it as an excuse to duck into the Prado or the Reina Sofía. Honestly, the light in Madrid right after a rainstorm is some of the best in the world. The air gets scrubbed clean, and the sunset colors over the Royal Palace become almost neon.
The "Local" Dress Code
Madrileños have a specific way of dressing for Madrid Spain April weather. They dress for the season, not the temperature.
Even if it’s a weirdly hot Tuesday in mid-April, you won’t see many locals in shorts. Shorts are for July. In April, the city is still in "spring mode." Think light trench coats, leather jackets, scarves (always a scarf!), and stylish sneakers.
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Spanish fashion in the capital leans "smart casual." You want to look put-together. A blazer is basically the unofficial uniform for April. It’s heavy enough for a breeze but light enough to carry when you’re three vermouths deep at a sidewalk café in La Latina.
What to actually put in your bag
- Layers are king. A t-shirt under a light sweater under a denim or leather jacket.
- Comfortable sneakers. You will walk 20,000 steps. No joke.
- A compact umbrella. You probably won't use it, but you'll be glad you have it when that aguas mil hits.
- Sunglasses. Non-negotiable. The Madrid glare is legendary.
Events that Shape the Month
The weather isn't the only thing shifting in April. In 2026, Easter (Semana Santa) wraps up right at the start of the month (March 27 – April 5). If you’re there during the first few days of April, expect massive crowds and solemn processions.
The city actually gets a bit quieter right after Easter Sunday because many locals take their own vacations then. It’s a great window to visit if you want shorter lines at the museums.
By mid-April, the "terrazas" are in full swing. This is the heart of Madrid culture. Whether it’s a tiny table on a sidewalk or a posh rooftop, sitting outside with a caña (small beer) and some olives is the goal. April is the sweet spot because the heat isn't oppressive yet. You can sit in the sun for two hours without feeling like you’re melting.
Beyond the City Limits
If you're planning day trips to Toledo or Segovia, keep in mind they are usually a few degrees cooler than Madrid. Segovia, in particular, sits right against the mountains. While it might be a pleasant 18°C in Madrid, it could be a windy 14°C in Segovia.
The Guadarrama mountains often still have patches of snow on the peaks in April. It makes for a beautiful backdrop when you’re looking north from the Temple of Debod at sunset.
Why April is (Probably) the Best Month
Look, May is great, but it starts to get crowded. June is hot. April has this "awakening" energy. The trees in the Retiro are that specific shade of neon green that only happens in spring. The city feels energized but hasn't yet reached the frantic pace of the high summer season.
Is the weather perfect? No. It's moody. But that’s part of the charm. You get the crisp mountain air and the warm Iberian sun at the same time.
Actionable Tips for your April Trip:
- Check the 24-hour forecast every morning. Don't rely on the "monthly average." A cold front can drop temperatures by 10 degrees overnight.
- Book the popular terraces in advance. Everyone wants to be outside the moment the sun peaks out.
- Eat "Torrijas". Since it's right around Easter, bakeries will be selling these Spanish-style French toasts. They are heavy, sugary, and perfect for a slightly chilly April afternoon.
- Visit the Royal Botanical Garden. April is peak bloom for many of the species there, and it’s right next to the Prado.
Basically, if you pack for three different climates and bring your best sunglasses, you're going to have an incredible time. Madrid in April is about flexibility. One minute you're shivering in the shade of a narrow street in Malasaña, and the next you're stripping down to a t-shirt in a sun-drenched plaza. Just go with the flow.
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To make the most of your stay, focus on the late afternoon window between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is when the light is most golden, the wind usually dies down, and the city truly comes alive before the evening chill sets in.