Barcelona edges it in May. Barcelona averages 14–22°C with moderate crowds; Madrid 12–23°C with moderate–high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Barcelona and Madrid
The verdict for May
The best all-round month
+Excellent balance of weather, daylight and manageable crowds.
–Demand starts increasing toward summer.
Barcelona firing on all cylinders: weather, light, atmosphere.
Warm days, long evenings and peak spring energy.
+Great weather + long evenings
–Prices start rising
May delivers the combination most visitors want from Madrid: warm but manageable temperatures, long days and a lively atmosphere. Parks, rooftop terraces and outdoor dining are all in their element.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month