Deciding what to pack for Madrid is crucial, at least to me. If you’re like me, you’d want to dress appropriately for the season AND blend in with the impeccable local style (I’m no fashion blogger, but I really don’t like looking like a total tourist, even though sometimes it’s inevitable).
To make things a lot easier for you (considering my many many visits to the city and my huge Spain obsession), I’ve compiled this complete packing list for every season, including general travel essentials that you must always bring.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Planning a last-minute trip? Check out:
Highly-rated accommodations in Madrid:
1. Woohoo Rooms Boutique Sol (mid-range, near the central Puerta del Sol)
2. Oriente Palace Apartments (mid-range/luxury, near the Royal Palace)
3. 7 Islas Hotel (boutique, near the central Gran Via)
Top tours in and around Madrid:
1. Four FREE walking tours of Madrid (the literary quarter tour is my favorite!)
2. Skip-the-lines Royal Palace guided tour
3. Wine and tapas tour
4. Day tour to Segovia and Toledo, two remarkable UNESCO-listed cities
Quick Overview of the Weather and Style in Madrid
To me, Madrid is an all-year-round destination, perfect for a European girls’ trip, a romantic getaway, and even a family trip.
Of course, it kinda sucks if you’re visiting and it doesn’t stop raining, but even then, there are plenty of indoor things to do in my favorite Spanish destination.
Spring
Madrid is an amazing European spring destination, but the weather tends to be a bit unpredictable if you’re visiting in early spring. Some days are chillier (and it might rain) and others are warmer, but overall the weather is pleasant.
Average highs in March are 17°C/63°F, while average lows are 5°C/41°F. By May, average highs are 25°C/78°F and average lows are 12°C/54°F.
Summer
It’s VERY HOT but dry, so at least you don’t sweat excessively and feel gross after five minutes of walking around (which is significant).
Expect average highs to be 27-33°C/81-92°F and lows to be 15-17°C/59-64°F, though the temperatures were even higher in recent years.
Fall
It’s similar to spring but obviously cooler (and wetter). September is still quite pleasant with average highs of 25°C/78°F and lows of 12°C/54°F. By November, it gets much colder, so expect highs to be 12°C/54°F and lows to be 4°C/40°F.
Winter
Definitely very COLD, but not as freezing as other European cities in winter. You’ll find average highs to be 10-14°C/50-57°F and average lows to be 2°C/36°F.
Local Style
Spanish women are huge fans of Spanish brands like Zara and Mango, as well as local boutique shops selling the most beautiful clothes. Especially in Madrid, they always look stylish, classy, and elegant (at any age!).
They’re also not afraid to wear bold colors and patterns, but it’s always done tastefully. Seriously, they’re so perfect it’s annoying.
What to Pack for Madrid in Spring
Spring in Madrid has its cooler and warmer days, so it’s important to be prepared for both. If you’re visiting in early spring, check the forecast as there’s a good chance you’ll need some sweaters and even a coat instead of skirts and dresses.
3-4 short-sleeved tops: Appropriate for the weather and the local style, I recommend packing short-sleeved blouses (similar in style to this one). I also love to wear a simple, comfy T-shirt (I have Weekday’s perfect shirt in several colors).
2-3 long-sleeve tops: You’ll need a couple of long-sleeve tops or even lightweight sweaters (similar in style to this one) for those spring days when it’s a bit chilly in Madrid.
1-2 pairs of jeans: I personally love Mango’s jeans because they’re super comfortable and flattering, but bring your own favorites.
1 skirt: What’s spring without a fun, flirty skirt? Whether it’s a classic denim skirt (not too short though) or a more flowy, colorful one (similar to this one), it is a must-pack item.
1-2 dresses: I also love dresses for spring trips. Pack one mini-dress and one midi-dress (similar to this one on Amazon or these ones on ASOS), and if they have a pattern, you’ll blend in perfectly in Madrid.
1 jacket/1 cardigan/both: For those chilly early spring days in Madrid, you have to pack a mid-weight jacket or a cardigan, at least for the evening (if not for the entire day). Choose a lighter cardigan (similar to this one) or a warmer cardigan (similar to this one) according to the temperatures.
Lightweight scarf (optional): Not mandatory but nice to have, a lightweight scarf is a perfect accessory for spring.
Sunglasses: One pair should be enough for a few days in Madrid.
Sneakers: Madrid is a city to discover on foot, so comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. I have these Nike sneakers, and they are my go-to shoes for any city break. I can walk in them all day long, and they go perfectly with every outfit.
Ballet flats: These shoes are a must-wear in Madrid if you want to blend in. Since I don’t recommend an entire day of walking in ballet flats, you can use them in the evenings or for a short stroll.
No-show socks: The only ones I wear with sneakers.
Lightweight pajama set: Similar to these sets.
What to Pack for Madrid in Summer
If you’re traveling to Madrid in July or August, I highly recommend packing light.
That’s when the summer sales in Spain start, and with these discounts, you can find great items by Spanish brands for bargain prices (don’t buy dozens of clothes just because they’re cheap, but it is an opportunity to refresh your wardrobe).
2-3 short-sleeved tops: Casual but not too simple, you should wear short-sleeved blouses (similar to this one). I also love to have a comfy T-shirt.
2-3 tank tops: For summer, I love stylish, loose-fitting tank tops.
1 pair of jeans: With the heat, I’m not sure you’ll actually want to wear them, but it’s always a good idea to pack a pair of jeans. My personal favorites are Mango’s jeans.
1-2 pairs of shorts: Paperbag shorts (something like these ones) are very popular in Madrid. I also love this style because it’s comfortable yet looks dressed up.
1 skirt: Whether it’s a classic denim skirt or a more flowy, colorful one (similar to this one), it is a must-have item for summer in Madrid.
1-2 dresses: I absolutely love dresses for summer trips! Pack one mini-dress and one midi-dress (similar to this one on Amazon), and go for patterned ones to look like a local.
1 lightweight cardigan: Just in case the evenings get a bit chilly, I love to have one lightweight cardigan (something like this one).
Sunglasses: One pair is enough for a city break in Madrid.
Sneakers: Comfortable shoes are key when exploring a city like Madrid. I have these cute Nike sneakers, in which I can walk all day long.
Sandals: Do not bring flip-flops! If you see people walking in Madrid in flip-flops, 99% that they are tourists. Instead, pack comfortable yet stylish sandals.
No-show socks: The only ones I wear with sneakers.
Short pajama set: Similar to this set.
What to Pack for Madrid in the Fall
Early and late fall can be very different in terms of weather, so check the forecast to see the exact temperatures.
Early fall might resemble spring and summer, so pack lighter clothes. If you’re visiting in late fall, you should also pack a coat.
1-2 short-sleeved tops: For warmer early fall days or layering, a simple, comfy t-shirt is useful.
1-2 long-sleeve tops: You’ll also need a couple of long-sleeve T-shirts.
2-3 lightweight sweaters: I personally prefer neutral-colored sweaters for fall (similar to this one).
1-2 warm sweaters: For those cooler fall days, bring at least one thicker, cozy sweater.
1-2 pairs of jeans: Most of what I own are Mango’s jeans because they’re super comfortable and flattering.
1 mid-weight jacket: You can pack a classic black faux leather jacket or something a bit lighter for early fall days like a denim jacket.
Scarf: Pack a mid-weight scarf (not too thin, not too chunky).
Sunglasses: Even in the fall, it’s good to have one pair of sunglasses.
Sneakers: Madrid is a city to discover on foot, so you’ll need comfortable shoes. I have these super comfortable Nike sneakers, and they are my go-to shoes for a city break.
Ankle boots: Be sure to bring boots that you can also wear on rainy days.
Socks: For both the sneakers and ankle boots.
Long pajama set: Similar to this set.
What to Pack for Madrid in Winter
2-3 tank tops: I always wear them as my base layer. I love my spaghetti-strap stretchy tank tops from Mango that I bought years ago, which are similar to these ones.
Thermal long-sleeve top: This is a must-have extra layer for me. I bought mine a few years ago in Decathlon, but the specific ones I use are not available anymore. However, you can find highly-rated alternatives on Amazon like these ones.
2-3 lightweight sweaters: As a person who’s always cold, I have to add these light sweaters as an extra layer (similar in style to this one).
2 warm sweaters: Any chunky sweater that will keep you warm is great.
1-2 pairs of jeans: I usually buy Mango’s jeans because they’re comfortable and flattering.
Leggings/thermal leggings: Again, as a person who has a big issue with cold weather, I wear a pair of leggings under my jeans.
Winter coat: I know you want to look beautiful (who doesn’t?), but be sure to bring a coat that’s actually warm! I bought mine a few years back at Stradivarius, but you can check out this best-seller on Amazon.
Warm scarf: For winter, I love any blanket-like, cozy scarf.
A beanie and gloves: For those super cold winter days.
Boots: Be sure to bring boots in which you can walk all day but are also suitable for rainy days.
Warm socks: Go for high-quality wool socks.
Warm pajama set.
Other Travel Essentials
You might already have a list of these travel accessories, but I promised you a full Madrid packing list.
Good to know: Since I’m a carry-on luggage kind of traveler, one of my biggest travel packing tips is to use refillable travel bottles for all the liquids.
Toiletries and other personal care items:
- Hair, body, and skincare products: Shampoo & conditioner, body wash, body lotion, face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, hairbrush, hair ties, Q-tips, deodorant, tweezers, and nail file.
- Dental care: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Makeup.
- Feminine hygiene products.
- Medications.
- Bandages.
- Glasses.
Bras and underwear: I always pack one pair of underwear for each day, plus two extra (like I’m preparing myself for an apocalypse).
Jewelry: For a short city break, I normally don’t bring more than two necklaces and pairs of earrings, but that’s just my own preference.
Crossbody bag/small comfortable travel backpack: The best travel purse for Madrid can be your personal favorite, but if you want to feel safer and more comfortable, consider bringing an anti-theft crossbody bag or backpack. Depending on your preferences, you can also wander around with a sling backpack.
A travel journal and a pen: I can’t travel without them! Starting a travel journal is a fantastic way to document your trips, so it’s an essential in my eyes.
Selfie stick: Optional, but nice to have.
Umbrella: Besides summer, pack an umbrella for every other season in Madrid.
Laundry bag: I have something similar to this one.
Reusable water bottle: After trying quite a few, I now only use Corkcicle’s canteen, which actually keeps my water cool for hours and hours.
Electronics: Phone (Dah!), camera, laptop/tablet (only if you really need them), chargers, travel adapter (Spain uses plugs types C and F, and operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz), and headphones.
Travel documents and money: Passport + copies, plane ticket, travel insurance info, accommodation info, emergency contacts, itinerary, wallet, cash, and credit cards. Any information that I can have on my phone, I prefer not to print out.
You should also check out my full post about women’s travel sneakers I love.
Related Posts
Read more about Madrid:
- 2-day Madrid itinerary
- 4 days in Madrid
- Famous Madrid landmarks and monuments
- Non touristy things to do in Madrid
- Tips for visiting Madrid like a Pro
- Where to stay in Madrid
- Breakfast and brunch places in Madrid
- Free museums in Madrid
- Reasons to visit Madrid
- Fun facts about Madrid
- Things to do in Alcala de Henares, a day trip from Madrid
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