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Barcelona vs Madrid: which is better, and when to go
Barcelona is at its best in May and Madrid in May. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Barcelona and Madrid
At a glance
| Barcelona | Madrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | May (10/10) | May (9/10) |
| Warmest month | August, 29°C | July, 33°C |
| Coolest month | January, 14°C | January, 10°C |
| Quietest month | January (Low) | January (Low) |
| Busiest month | July (Very High) | August (Low–Moderate) |
| Cheapest month | January (€€) | January (€) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Barcelona for
- a milder coolest month (January highs around 14°C, against 10°C)
- a gentler warmest month (August highs around 29°C, against 33°C)
Choose Madrid for
- quieter months across the year on average
- a calmer peak month
- lower prices across the year on average
- more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Barcelona | Madrid | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C · Low · €€ | 10°C · Low · € | Close |
| February | 14°C · Low · €€ | 12°C · Low · € | Madrid |
| March | 16°C · Moderate · €€€ | 16°C · Moderate · €€ | Close |
| April | 18°C · Moderate-High · €€€ | 19°C · Moderate · €€ | Barcelona |
| May | 22°C · Moderate · €€€ | 23°C · Moderate–High · €€€ | Barcelona |
| June | 26°C · High · €€€€ | 29°C · Moderate–High · €€€ | Barcelona |
| July | 28°C · Very High · €€€€€ | 33°C · Moderate · €€ | Madrid |
| August | 29°C · Very High · €€€€€ | 32°C · Low–Moderate · € | Close |
| September | 26°C · High · €€€€ | 26°C · Moderate–High · €€€ | Close |
| October | 22°C · Moderate-High · €€€ | 20°C · Moderate · €€ | Close |
| November | 18°C · Low · €€ | 14°C · Low · € | Close |
| December | 14°C · Moderate · €€€ | 10°C · Moderate · €€ | Madrid |
FAQ
Barcelona or Madrid?
Is Barcelona or Madrid better?
Both are at their best in May, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona and Madrid?
Barcelona: May. Madrid: May.
Which is cheaper, Barcelona or Madrid?
Madrid is cheaper on average across the year.