Each season offers a different incentive to visit the Spanish capital, but perhaps it is in autumn that the city shows its best face: from September onwards, the weather is usually very pleasant and a great variety of cultural activities takes place. Then, from March onwards, in spring, after a winter which is seldom extreme, the capital is again delightful, culminating, at the end of the season, with the spectacular local festivals of San Isidro, on May 15th. Even the sweltering summers have their own attractions, as the city is empty of its usual residents and it's a perfect opportunity to go to a show or simply enjoy the long evenings on the terraces spread throughout the city.