Barcelona in January
Quietest and best value
- Temperature
- 6–14°C
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- €€
+One of the quietest and best-value periods.
–Cool temperatures and a higher chance of rain.
Barcelona's highlights without the queues, at the year's best value.
Barcelona vs Madrid in January
Barcelona and Madrid are close in January. Barcelona averages 6–14°C with low crowds; Madrid 3–10°C with low crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Barcelona and Madrid
The verdict for January
- WeatherVery similar6/10 vs 6.5/10
- CrowdsVery similarLow vs Low
- PricesVery similar€€ vs €
- OverallVery similar7/10 vs 7/10
Madrid in January
Cool, crisp and surprisingly easygoing.
- Temperature
- 3–10°C
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- €
+Low crowds + better hotel value
–Cool nights
January is one of Madrid’s quietest periods, with cool temperatures and plenty of clear days. It is a strong month for museums, tapas bars and exploring the historic centre without peak-season crowds.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month