Aranjuez

Aranjuez, 48 km (30 miles) south of Madrid, is a royal town on the Tagus river best known for its UNESCO-listed Royal Palace and formal gardens. It has a continental Mediterranean climate, with July highs averaging 33°C (91°F), January lows around 2°C (36°F), and about 405 to 470 mm of rain a year falling on only 47 days. The gardens and palace make it one of the easiest day trips from Madrid by commuter train.

Welcome to Aranjuez

Aranjuez began as a royal hunting estate and grew into the spring residence of the Spanish crown in the 18th century, leaving behind a palace, three major gardens, and a town laid out around the Plaza de San Antonio. The Tagus river and the Jarama meet just outside town, and the flat river valley means summers run hotter and drier than in Madrid, with winter nights cooling fast. Most visitors come for a day and spend it between the palace and the Prince’s Garden.

Aranjuez Weather: Seasonal Snapshot

• Spring (March to May): highs climb from 16°C to 24°C (61 to 75°F), the gardens bloom, and March-April is the wettest stretch at about 106 mm across the two months.
• Summer (June to August): hot and dry, averaging 33°C (91°F) in July with only 9 mm of rain, so schedule the gardens for morning or evening.
• Autumn (September to November): September still reaches 28°C (82°F) before cooling to 15°C (59°F) in November, with about 48 mm of rain in October and November.
• Winter (December to February): cool and quiet, with highs of 11 to 13°C (52 to 55°F), lows near freezing, and only about 29 to 39 mm of rain a month.

Plan Your Trip to Aranjuez

1. Aranjuez weather by month: month-by-month temperatures, rainfall, and a comparison table so you can pack correctly.
2. Best time to visit Aranjuez: the exact date windows for good weather, low prices, and the two main festivals.
3. Things to do in Aranjuez: the Royal Palace, three gardens, the Strawberry Train, and day trips, with hours and ticket prices.
4. Events and festivals in Aranjuez: San Fernando in May, the Motin reenactment in September, and the early music season.
5. Best neighborhoods in Aranjuez: where each district sits and who it suits, from the Centro to La Montaña.
6. Where to stay in Aranjuez: the best hotels and hostales by area, from palace-facing to resort and budget.
7. Aranjuez travel tips and FAQ: trains from Madrid, costs, tipping, safety, and the questions visitors ask most.

Where to Stay in Aranjuez

The historic center holds the town’s best hotels, all within a 10-minute walk of the palace, while the northern La Montaña district has the only resort-style property with a spa and golf course. Budget travelers should look at the central hostales, which run about €50 to €60 a night. Full options are in the where to stay guide.

Suggested Hotels in Aranjuez

NH Collection Palacio de Aranjuez

An 18th-century building directly opposite the Royal Palace with modern rooms, a courtyard, and some palace-view rooms. Best for couples who want the most central stay in town. Check rates and availability

Hotel Jardín de Aranjuez

A friendly 3-star on Avenida del Principe, a short walk from the palace and Prince’s Garden, with air-conditioned rooms and a buffet breakfast. Best for couples and weekend visitors who want central comfort without palace-adjacent rates. Check rates and availability

Hostal Real Aranjuez

A classic central hostal on Avenida Infantas, steps from the Royal Palace, with simple rooms and an on-site restaurant. Best for budget travelers who want to be next to the sights. Check rates and availability

Aranjuez Quick Facts

• Best months to visit: April to June and mid-September to October, with highs of 19 to 28°C (66 to 82°F).
• Warmest month: July, averaging 33°C (91°F) by day and 20°C (68°F) at night.
• Coldest month: January, averaging highs of 11°C (52°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F).
• Wettest month: October at about 48 mm; driest is July at about 9 mm.
• Getting there: C-3 commuter train from Madrid Atocha, 35 to 45 minutes, about €4.20 each way.
• Royal Palace: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00 winter and 10:00 to 19:00 summer, €9 general admission.