Madrid in January: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in January means cold winter temperatures, though the weather is pretty mild and dry in comparison with other European destinations at this time of year. Being a low season for tourism, it’s also a quieter time to visit the culture-packed capital of Spain. Sound like the kind of European winter break you’re looking for? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid 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 Madrid?

January is the coldest month of the year in Madrid — it’s fair to say, winter has well and truly set in. 

That said, despite the chilly temperatures, Madrid’s winters are generally dry and sunny in comparison with many other European cities. 

As a result, this low season month can be a good time to visit Madrid if you prefer fewer crowds, lower travel costs, and love more authentic travel experiences — visiting in January means locals will outnumber tourists. 

Related, at this time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s top attractions free from the somewhat oppressive heat and crowds that come during the summer high season.

In addition, a few January events are on hand to add more local color to your winter vacation.

Still making up your mind about where to go? 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 Madrid in January sees an average low temperature range of 30°F to 35°F (-1°C to 2°C), rising to average highs of 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C).

As such, it’s one of the coldest months of the year, and also among the darkest, with around 4-5 hours of sunlight a day. 

For context, October, for example, sees around 6-7 hours of sunshine a day, while the summer months enjoy up to 11 hours.

In good news, January is relatively dry, with some rainfall, but less than in the earlier fall months. 

In terms of the numbers, January experiences around 1.0 to 1.4 inches (25 to 35 mm) of rainfall across the month. 

Meanwhile, November — the wettest month — sees 2.0-2.4 inches (50-60 mm), and July, the driest month, sees a mere 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 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.

And, if you’re not set on Spain, discover some of the best places to travel in January, and the best winter destinations in eastern Europe.

What about the crowds and cost?

January sits in Madrid’s tourist low season. As a result, you can expect smaller crowds in even the most popular attractions, including the incomparable Prado Museum and Royal Palace.

At the same time, hotels, and accommodation are more affordable than during the peak summer season, and spring and fall shoulder seasons.

January is also a great time to take advantage of post-holiday sales in Madrid’s shopping districts.

Traveling on a budget? Find out about free things to do in Madrid.

If you’re traveling beyond Madrid, read up on Barcelona's best things to do for free, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Madrid in January

Considering the winter weather and low season crowds, here are some of the best things to do in Madrid in January.

Experience the Three Kings Parade 

Celebrated on January 5th, Three Kings Day (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos) is one of Spain’s most important holidays, and sees Madrid hosts its spectacular Three Kings Parade.

Expect elaborate floats, music, and street performances.

Savour fine food at Madrid Fusión

Held in late-January, Madrid Fusión is an international gastronomic event that sees some of the world’s top chefs gather for culinary workshops, tastings and presentations.

Editor’s tip: love Spanish food and drink? Without wishing to lure you from Madrid, our customisable Culinary Experience in Seville itinerary has a tempting focus on food.

Warm your belly and soul with local culture and cuisine 

Staying on the food theme, when colder weather strikes, Madrid’s classic churros con chocolate comes into its own. 

After spending a few hours exploring the city on foot, head to Chocolatería San Ginés to devour their celebrated crispy churros dipped in thick hot chocolate. 

Another delightful way to warm up — and quicken your pulse — is to experience an authentic flamenco performance at one of Madrid’s famous tablaos, such as Corral de la Morería or Casa Patas. 

Take day trips to Segovia and Toledo

Though undeniably stunning (and busy) in summer, January is a fine time to take day trips to nearby Toledo and Segovia, both of which are seasonally scenic in the quieter winter months. 

While UNESCO-designated Toledo — the ancient capital of Spain — is known for its temples and El Greco artwork, Segovia hosts the awe-inspiring Alcázar Castle, an iconic Ancient Roman aqueduct, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace, and a Gothic cathedral.

Explore Madrid’s top attractions in quieter conditions.

Madrid’s top museums, galleries and historic attractions are, arguably, all the more rewarding to visit in quieter low season months like January.

For example, with fewer tourists blocking your view, you can really take your time admiring masterpieces by the likes of Goya, Velázquez and El Greco in the must-visit Prado Museum.

The same is true of the Royal Palace of Madrid — another iconic attraction that’s perfect to visit in January with low visitor numbers making exploration of its opulent interiors and gardens all the more rewarding.

Plan your trip to Madrid in January

Decided to visit Madrid in January for a culture-packed winter vacation? Here are some tips to 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.

For example, our customisable five-day Made for Madrid itinerary will see you explore the city’s culture and cuisine in authentic style.

If you're short on time but don’t want to scrimp on experiences, check out our handy day-by-day-itinerary for the perfect weekend in Madrid.

We also suggest taking a look 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, Retiro!), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Malasaña), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Madrid.

Lastly, for advice on what to see and do in Madrid — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid.