Barcelona in January: What's the weather like?

Barcelona's weather in January is mild considering this is winter around these parts, with the capital of Catalunya rarely experiencing freezing conditions. Rainfall is pretty rare, too, and crowds are small during a low-season month that has much to offer vacationers who are keen to see a more authentic side of the city. Sound like you kind of trip? Read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in January, along with tips on what to see and do, and how to plan your perfect trip.

Is January a good time to visit Barcelona?

Though January is winter in Barcelona, conditions remains relatively mild in comparison with many other European cities. 

While temperatures can be cool, it’s remarkably rare for Barcelona to experience snow or freezing weather, and days are generally clear with occasional rain.

January is also a low season month for tourism in Barcelona, which can make for a more authentic vacation, whether you’re passionate about Spanish cuisine, or want to discover Catalan culture and history.

All that considered, January can be a good month for travelers who want to do a deeper dive into the city’s art, architecture and cultural offerings free from the intense crowds — and heat — of summer.

That said, you’ll want to weigh up the pros of taking a low-season winter vacation with the cons of the weather In Barcelona in January not being conducive to making the most of its beaches.

So, on balance, whether January is a good time to visit Barcelona depends on what kind of trip you have in mind.

Still making up your mind? While there are plenty of tempting reasons to visit Barcelona, you might want to weigh up whether to visit Madrid or Barcelona first. 

Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia — without the hassle of planning, take a look at our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip before talking to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in January

Sitting in winter, the weather in Barcelona in January sees an average low temperature range of 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C), rising to average highs of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C).

When it comes to sunshine, you can expect around 4-5 hours a day, which is on a par with December. For comparison, July sees the city enjoy 9-10 hours of sunshine per day.

When it comes to rain, the good news is, January sees moderate levels amounting to an average of just 1.4 to 1.8 inches (35 to 45 mm) across the month.

For comparison, November typically experiences around 2.3 to 3.0 inches (60 to 75 mm), while July — the driest month — sees around 0.6 inches (15 mm).

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in January, and the best time to go to Spain.

What about the crowds and cost?

January is part of Barcelona’s low shoulder season for tourism, which means minimal crowds, shorter lines, and more space at popular attractions like Sagrada Família and Park Güell.

At the same time, travel costs tend to be lower in January in comparison with peak seasons like summer, and the Christmas and New Year holiday period. 

With flights and accommodation more affordable, January is an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers, albeit those who aren’t hoping for a beach break, though the weather in Barcelona in January can be warm enough for coastal strolls.

Traveling on a budget? Read up on Barca’s best things to do for FREE! 

If you’re traveling beyond Barcelona, find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Barcelona in January

Considering the cool-to-mild weather — coupled with low season crowds and a few festivals and events — here are some of the best things to do in Barcelona in  January.

Día de Reyes 

Marked on January 6th Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) is one of Spain’s most siginifcent holidays.

Celebrating the arrival of the Three Kings, the Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings’ Parade) takes place on the preceding evening, with spectacular floats and music. Sweets are also handed out to lucky kids. 

San Antonio Abad Festival 

Held in mid-January, this traditional festival is celebrated in honor of San Antonio Abad, patron saint of animals. 

Head to Barcelona’s Sant Antoni neighborhood to see parades of animals being blessed, hear traditional Catalan music, and enjoy local food specialties.

Explore top attractions in uncrowded conditions

Barcelona’s top attractions — among them Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Picasso Museum, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and La Rambla — will be far less crowded in January.

The same goes for indoor attractions like the Picasso Museum and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC). 

Alongside showcasing artistic masterpieces, they’re also ideal to visit when the weather is cool.

Warm up with Catalan cuisine

Continuing the warming up theme, January’s cooler weather is ideal for tucking into hearty winter dishes like escudella i carn d’olla (a Catalan meat and vegetable stew), and checking out the best tapas bars in Barcelona.

We also recommend booking a food-themed walking tour of the city, and spending time in La Boqueria market.

Editors tip: without wishing to lure you away from Barcelona, if you’re into Spanish food in a big way, our culinary experience in Seville has been curated to keep foodies well and truly sated.

Enjoy winter sports excursions

While Barcelona itself doesn’t see snow, nearby destinations like the Pyrenees offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities in January. 

So, you could consider taking a weekend excursion to a ski resort.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in January

Decided to visit Barcelona in January? Read on for a few tips that’ll help you plan your perfect trip.

First up, if you’re not actually keen on the process of planning, why not check out our customisable Spain itineraries?

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect itinerary, book every last detail, and provide support while you’re away, you’ll get to skip the stress of planning, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters. Namely, counting down the days to your vacation.

Secondly, dive into our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding where to go and how long you need, to how to get there, and where to stay.

On that subject, a key part of planning any trip is figuring out where to stay according to your tastes and budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly district (hello, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Poble Sec), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Barcelona.

Lastly, for in-depth expert advice on what to see and do in Barcelona — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Rough Guide to Barcelona, with a handy pocket guide available for shorter trips.