My husband and I are starting to think about going to Madrid and surrounding area Dec 26-Jan 6 or thereabouts. I'd appreciate feedback on this idea.

-Is this a good time to visit? We like museums, palaces, churches, gardens (maybe not in the middle of winter , walking around and enjoying the sites. We do not like any type of sports activity, so no skiing!

-What's the weather at that time? Weather.com says 30s to 50s, Fodors says bitterly cold. Which one is it? What about precipitation? Rain, snow?

Thanks!

I was there at the beginning of December and it wasn't cold at all in my opinion. The only drawback is the rain. It tends to rain quite a bit that time of year.

We were there for Xmas a year ago. It was snowing when we landed. Being from Texas, I was cold. But the snow didn't stick in the city, and it didn't keep us from enjoying the sites. HOWEVER, please research museum hours on the web for the holidays. You could hit 3 days in a row that the Prado and other major sites would be closed. It's usual to at least close early on the 24th, close 25th and 26th, then the same thing occurs around New Year's. If you also hit their usual day to be closed, you will be quite frustrated with all the closures.
The gardens won't be much to see in the winter.

Thanks for all the replies.

Jer, I don't think I know you... why do you think you know me??? I checked out your website, it's cool! Thanks.

Amapola

Hi Amapola, I posted here the other day but it was deleted by the moderators.

Just did not want you to think I never came back

To make a loooong story short, a board member of mine is also called "Amapola" and that was why I thought you were one and the same.

Saludos from Madrid,
jer...