Weather in Spain in January

Low season, lower cost January sees Spain in the heart of winter, with cooler temperatures across the country. That said, regional variation plays a part in conditions — while inland and northern regions can be quite chilly, mountainous areas often experience snow, and southern and coastal areas are milder. Also note that January is a moderately wet month, with northern and coastal areas prone to more precipitation. Thinking of visiting Spain in winter? Read on for more detail on the weather in Spain in January.

Spain in January at a glance

• Average lows: 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C); average highs: 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C).
• Mild in the south, with snow in mountainous areas
• The north is colder and rainier.
• It's low season, so expect  lower costs and smaller crowds.

Is January a good time to visit Spain?

Whether January a good time to visit Spain will depend on what kind of vacation you want.

In essence, it can be a great time to visit Spain if you prefer cooler weather, smaller crowds, and lower costs.

As for reasons to visit Spain in January, it’s good month to explore history-rich cities, or to enjoy winter sports in ruggedly scenic mountainous regions. 

That said, the flipside of January’s low season benefits (lower costs and smaller crowds) is that some attractions may have shorter hours, and the weather can be unpredictable, particularly in the north.

On balance, though, Spain — a country that’s often seen as one of the best summer destinations in Europe — has plenty to keep culture vultures happy in winter. 

Overall, the weather in Spain in January is mild compared with other parts of Europe. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for warm weather, consider visiting the Canary Islands in January, or Valencia, both of which are pretty great winter sun destinations.

Keen to visit, but less keen on planning? Browse our customisable Spain itineraries, and contact our local experts to start curating your dream trip to Spain.

Average daily temperatures in January

A little colder than December, overall the weather in Spain in January heralds an average low temperature range of 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C), with average highs spanning 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C).

Regional variations in temperature are laid-out below:

Central Spain (Madrid)

• Highs: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
• Lows: 32°F to 37°F (0°C to 3°C)

Thinking of visiting Madrid? Arm yourself with our itinerary for the perfect weekend, and read up on the best areas to stay in Madrid.

North-eastern Spain (Barcelona, Catalonia)

• Highs: 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)

Planning a vacation in Barcelona? Discover the best areas to stay.

Southern Spain (Seville, Granada)

• Highs: 58°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C)
• Lows: 42°F to 47°F (5°C to 8°C)

Keen to uncover the best of Andalucía in Southern Spain? Check out our customisable Andalucia Explored itinerary.

Eastern Spain (Valencia)

• Highs: 58°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C)
• Lows: 42°F to 47°F (5°C to 8°C)

Discover why Valencia is such a great weekend break destination, and see our Valencia City Break itinerary. 

Northern Spain (Bilbao and Basque Country)

• Highs: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)

Want a picture of the weather in Spain around the year? Read up on the best time to go to Spain.

What about the crowds and cost?

January sits firmly in Spain’s low season, which means even majorly popular tourist destinations like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville will be less crowded. 

All the better for visiting galleries, museums and historic sites — queues will be rare and, once inside, you’ll be able to take your time.

Understandably, though, ski resorts and winter holiday destinations in the Pyrenees are likely to be at their busiest in January, so it’s best to book early.

When it comes to costs, you can expect to pay a less for flights and accommodation in January, especially once the New Year holiday has well and truly passed. 

On a budget? Find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and Barca’s best things to do for FREE!

Or, if you’re not fixed on Spain, discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Spain in January

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Spain in January.

Enjoy winter sports

January sees Spain’s mountainous regions in the throes of their ski season, with Sierra Nevada, Andalusia, being one of the most one popular — and scenic — winter sports spots.

Explore scenic cities in comfortable crowd-free conditions

Being a being a low season month, January is a great time to take advantage of the smaller crowds to get up close to top attractions in Spanish cities, including the Alhambra in Granada, Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, and Madrid’s Royal Palace.

With the weather in Spain in January being somewhat unpredictable, it’s a good idea to include indoor activities and attractions — like museums and galleries ­— on your itinerary.

If you’re something of a gourmand, we recommend taking a food-themed vacation during Spain’s winter months. There’s something special — and supremely satisfying — about tucking into hearty tapas dishes in local bars when the weather is chillier.

If you’re into food, note that Seville is an excellent destination for culinary experiences.

Editor’s tip: to take in five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Granada, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona – without the hassle of planning, book our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip.

Escape to the captivating Canary Islands

With average lows of 58°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C), and average highs of 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C), heading to the Canary Islands in January means you’ll get to enjoy beautiful beaches and hike in the epic outdoors while much of Europe is shivering. 

For example, you could walk your way around Gran Canaria’s epic landscapes in wonderfully warm weather before blissing out on some of the island’s best beaches. 

Want more inspiration? Read up on the best things to do in Spain.

Ready for your dream trip to Spain?

Before booking your dream trip to Spain, browse our Spain itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

• Andalucía Explored (9 days): discover the best of Andalucía's breath-taking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards (and more) on a culture-packed 9-day trip that also showcases incredible natural landscapes. 
• Gems in Southern Spain (16 days): starting out in Seville, this will see you exploring Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Malaga and the Costa del Sol in immersive, leisurely style.
• The Lands of Wine from Madrid (5 days): offering a deep dive into two of Spain’s most esteemed wine regions — Ribera del Duero and La Rioja — this includes tours of four famous wineries.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to Spain.

Festivals and events in Spain in January 

Here are a couple of special events held in Spain in January.

• Día de Reyes (Epiphany): known as Three Kings' Day, this 6th January national holiday is one of the most important in Spain, and sees cities and towns across the country host parades.
• Tamborrada: January 20th sees San Sebastián in the Basque Country host a unique festival featuring a 24-hour drumming parade in honor of the city’s patron saint.