Spain in January | Activities, Climate, Temperature, and More
Spain is a gorgeous country with wonderfully pleasant and sunny summers. However, just because January in Spain is considered the coldest time doesn’t mean you should only visit during the summer. Winter in Spain can have some beautiful sights and activities.
With different climates in different areas of Spain, you’ll be sure to find a place to settle during the cold month of January. And with several things to do to keep you warm, you won’t even notice the temperature outside. Let’s look at the climate and temperature in different areas of Spain during January.
Climate and Temperature in Spain
Spain is known as a sunny country. It has a recorded 3,000 hours of sun every year. Even though it has a reputation for being a hot country, the temperature in Spain is generally pretty mild.
Because of its large size, Spain has three different climates:
Along the northern coast of Spain, near the Cantabrian mountains, you’ll find a maritime climate. Cities like Cantabria and Galicia usually have mild winters and cool summers. There is frequent rainfall, and the weather is often cloudy.
Central Spain, known as the Meseta, has a more continental climate. The summers are dry, hot and sunny, and the winters are quite cold. You’ll experience rainfall mostly during spring and fall. There is also snowfall closer to the mountains that surround this area.
Closer to the southern part of Spain, there is a Mediterranean climate. Spain is generally known for having this type of climate. The winters are rainy, and the summers are hot and dry. The area around Murcia has an almost African climate, being quite hot in general. The average temperature in Spain truly differs from climate to climate.
Spain Weather in January
To find the perfect place for you to spend January in Spain, we have to discover different parts of Spain. Let’s take a look at the weather and climate in different areas and cities in Spain during January.
Weather in Southern Spain in January
As mentioned above, the southern part of Spain has a Mediterranean climate. Thus, even in January, the average temperatures are a little warmer than in the rest of Spain.
In places like Malaga and Costa del Sol, temperatures can reach highs of 64°F and lows of 45°F. The weather is enjoyable during the day. It’s warm enough to go sightseeing and do activities.
However, when the sun sets, it starts getting quite cold. You will see locals wearing thick coats all day long, so follow their lead and have something warm with you at all times.
The Coldest and Hottest Parts of Spain in January
The area of Castilla y León has been named the coldest part of Spain. In general, the highest average temperature is 46°F in January. Temperatures can also reach as low as 32°F. On January 7th, 2024, Spain recorded its lowest temperature since records began in Vega de Liordes, Castilla y León. The temperature reached -31°F.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Andalusia has been named the hottest part of Spain in January. With an average temperature of 59°F that never goes lower than around 40°F, Andalusia is the place to go if you don’t enjoy the cold. You can still have a beach holiday in Andalusia, even in January.
Barcelona, Spain | Weather in January
Located in Catalonia, the weather in Barcelona is pretty much on par with the rest of Spain. Averaging about 47°F, you might want to consider a warm jacket when exploring. It’s relatively cloudy, but you shouldn’t expect much rainfall, as Barcelona averages about three days of rain in January.
Instead of running away from the cold, take a ski trip to the mountains of Andorra. There are trips that go from Barcelona, and an entire weekend can go for only €260 ($278). This includes your return trip from Barcelona, meals, ski passes, and equipment.
If you want to stay in Barcelona, then be sure to celebrate Three Kings Day. The Cavalcada de Reis is a parade that happens every year on January 5th, and Catalans tend to give gifts on this day instead of Christmas.
Madrid, Spain | Weather in January
Madrid is quite cold during January, averaging a temperature of 41°F. You can expect it to be cloudy and rainy, with an average of 6 days of rainfall. However, there are still a lot of things to do.
Head to Sierra de Guadarrama for some winter sports. Since mountains surround Madrid, January is usually the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding. The slopes are about an hour away. However, you can get there easily using public transport.
And if you don’t feel like venturing too far, you have to visit the Royal Palace. No trip to Madrid is complete without visiting the official residence of the Spanish royal family. That would be like visiting London and not going to Buckingham Palace.
Mallorca, Spain | Weather in January
As one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is warmer than Barcelona and Madrid. Mallorca, an island in the Mediterranean, has an average temperature of 50°F in January. The weather is only partly cloudy most of the time. However, there is a moderate chance of rainfall.
During this time, be sure to visit the Alfabia estate. It was the residence of Behabet, a Muslim lord and former governor of Mallorca in the 13th century. As such, the estate boasts some of the most gorgeous gardens. You can also see the Raixa Finca, an old-time Moorish farmstead developed in the 18th century.
Seville, Spain | Weather in January
Sevilla, as it’s known in Spanish, is located within the province of Andalusia. This means that Seville does not do winter like the rest of Spain. With an average temperature of around 55°F, January in Seville is quite pleasant. However, the weather can be partly cloudy, and there’s a moderate chance of rainfall.
During January, some fun things to do in Seville include taking a tapas cooking class or maybe even a Flamenco dance class to stay warm. A tapas food and wine tour is also great for when you want to eat but not cook. You can spend a night with some sharks or dine with the fishes at the Seville Aquarium.
Final Thoughts on the Weather in January in Spain
With so many activities to try in Spain during January, we believe that you shouldn’t miss out on even the cold months. So on your next trip to Spain, be sure to go during January. You will most definitely enjoy the skiing opportunities and lovely tapas tours.
And you’ll have bragging rights to your friends because you got to go snowboarding in Madrid or spent a night with sharks in Seville. Be sure to pack your winter clothes and essentials for an amazing experience.
