What to Do in Madrid in May: Weather, San Isidro and Events

May is one of the best months to visit Madrid: afternoons are mild, around 22 °C, days grow longer and the city celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro, on the 15th. It is also a busy month, with pricier hotels and crowded weekends. This guide gathers the weather to expect in May 2027, public holidays, crowds, dated events and ideas for outings. Dates are those found in October 2026; check them before booking.

May weather: pleasant, with a few thunderstorms

The rose garden of the Parque del Oeste in May

Madrid-Retiro normals	May
Average maximum temperature	22.2 °C
Average minimum temperature	11.3 °C
Rainfall	about 50 mm
Rainy days	about 7.3

Source: climate normals from the Spanish meteorological agency (AEMET), Madrid-Retiro station, 1981-2010 period. The sun is already strong at midday: bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle for walks. Late-afternoon thunderstorms are possible; keep an indoor visit in mind (what to do in Madrid when it rains). For the whole season, read Madrid in spring.

Public holidays and closures

1 May (Labour Day): a public holiday throughout Spain; in 2027 it is a Saturday.
2 May (Day of the Community of Madrid, commemorating the 1808 uprising): in 2027 it falls on a Sunday and is not moved on the official calendar.
15 May (San Isidro): a local holiday in Madrid; in 2027 it is a Saturday. The City sets its two local holidays each year: check them.

National museums are usually closed or on reduced hours on 1 May; check each venue's website. Neighbourhood shops close on holidays, but the tourist centre stays open.

Crowds and prices in May

May is high demand: spring breaks, festivals, big end-of-season matches. Book accommodation early for the weekend of 15 May and for the end of the book fair. On weekdays outside events, queues stay manageable if you book tickets for the Prado. To choose a neighbourhood, see where to stay in Madrid, and for spending the Madrid travel budget.

May 2027 events

End of the Mutua Madrid Open: until 2 May

The Caja Mágica tennis tournament runs from 19 April to 2 May 2027: see Madrid in April.

San Isidro: around 15 May

The San Isidro meadow on the festival day

The San Isidro festivities honour Madrid's patron saint. The 2026 programme ran from 7 to 17 May; the 2027 one had not been published in October 2026. On 15 May, Madrileños come to the meadow in traditional dress (chulapos), drink water from the spring and taste rosquillas. Almost all activities are free; the official programme is published by the city hall shortly before the festivities. The San Isidro collegiate church is the starting point of the procession.

Museum Day and Museum Night: mid-May

International Museum Day is on 18 May; the European Museum Night takes place on the nearest weekend. In 2026 the Night was held on 16 and 17 May, with free admission and night openings in many museums. Check the 2027 dates on the museums' and the City's sites, and expect long queues.

Retiro book fair: late May

The free Feria del Libro sets up in the Paseo de Coches of the Retiro: in 2026, from 29 May to 14 June (85th edition). The 2027 dates are not yet known.

Ideas for May

Rose gardens: the one in the Parque del Oeste hosts the international new-rose competition; flowering depends on the weather.
El Capricho: a historic garden open only at weekends and on public holidays (page).
Evenings on a terrace: they are long and pleasant, but Madrid's nightlife starts late: see Madrid at night.