Madrid Weather in January

January weather in Madrid

January feels properly wintry in Madrid. Days reach about 10°C, while nights can drop to 1°C, so the cold is most noticeable after sunset. Rain falls on 8 days, but showers don't usually rule out a full day of sightseeing.

The Prado and Reina Sofía make good rainy-day stops, while clear spells suit a walk through Retiro Park. Evenings are cosy around La Latina, where you can duck into a bar for cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew. Save long outdoor café visits for a sunnier afternoon.

Three Kings and winter crowds

The Three Kings parade fills central streets on the evening of January 5. Families gather to watch the floats, and the next day is Epiphany, a public holiday when many shops and sights may close or change their hours. You can try roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake eaten around the holiday.

If you hate crowds, avoid the parade route near Cibeles that evening and visit the city's main sights on a weekday instead.

After the holiday rush, January is generally quieter than spring and autumn, Madrid's most popular visiting seasons. It's also usually a cheaper time to find a hotel, though prices and crowds can rise around the Three Kings celebrations.

Make the most of short days

With limited daylight, plan outdoor walks for the middle of the day and keep an indoor stop in reserve if the sky turns grey. The walk from Plaza Mayor through Sol to the Royal Palace is easy to shorten if the cold sets in.

Travelling with kids? The Three Kings parade is a big draw, but the central streets get packed. For a warm break nearby, head to Chocolatería San Ginés for churros and thick hot chocolate. January's chilly evenings make that classic Madrid stop especially welcome.