Are you planning a trip to Spain but don’t know what to pack & wear?
Well, don’t worry because we have listed down everything you will need on your vacation.
Weather In Spain In January:
Spain is the second largest country in Europe where the weather varies from region to region.
In Madrid, January is the coldest month of the year with an average daytime temperature of 52 °F (11 °C). At night it falls to 32 °F (0 °C).
Barcelona is also cold in January. The city has an average daytime temperature of 55 °F (13 °C) and a nighttime temperature of 39 °F (4 °C).
Santiago de Compostela has the mildest winter with a daytime temperature of 55 °F (13 °C) and a nighttime temperature of 46 °F (8 °C).
If you are a sucker for beach trips, we have bad news. The sea temperature in January is not suitable for swimming.
Most popular Spain beaches have average temperatures ranging between 50° F (12 °C) to (16 °C)
Despite being a winter month, the days in Spain are quite long.
The sun stays in the sky for a minimum of 11 hours per day.
The rainfall also depends on the region you are visiting. Madrid receives 40 millimeters of rainfall and is the driest city.
The amount of rainfall in other places ranges from 45 millimeters to 90 millimeters.
The cloud cover in January is less than in December and tends to decrease more at the end of the month.
The average speed of the wind in January is 7 miles per hour and humidity is around 77%.
What To Wear For Daytime Activities In January?
Spaniards are known for their amazing style and stunning outfits.
So if you are planning a visit to Spain, keep one thing in mind- slouchy clothes will not work anywhere in the country.
Spaniards always wear nicely fitting clothes and look crisp from day to night.
To blend right in with the locals you have to do the same.
As it’s cold in January, it is best to dress up in layers.
Women can wear well-fitting blouses, sweaters, long-sleeved t-shirts, button-down shirts, or polos as a base.
Top it off with a light cardigan, blazer, or waterproof jacket with removable lining.
For bottoms, you can opt for a long skirt, well-fitting denim, or dressy cotton pants. Lastly, the footwear needs to be comfortable and stylish.
Leather boots are perfect for your trip to Spain as they are comfortable and protect your feet from rain and cold.
Accessories are also an important part of Spanish women’s outfits.
No matter where you are going, wear a nice pair of studs, a simple bracelet, and a small pendant to upgrade your look.
Just like women, men also dress up to carry out errands. You will barely see any men wearing baggy t-shirts and slouchy shorts.
The right outfit choices for men include collared shirts, polos, full sleeves t-shirts, light sweaters, and button-downs.
Opt for muted colors like black, beige, and gray.
Layer them up with stylish and well-fitting coats and jackets. On colder days, you can also wear a puffer jacket to look more like the locals.
Denim pants are a popular choice amongst men in the winter months. If you don’t feel comfortable in denim, you can wear nicely tailored cotton pants and khakis.
Footwear for men can be leather boots or sneakers with thick soles.
One thing to remember is that rain is a common occurrence in Spain in January. So both men and women should pack a waterproof poncho to keep themselves warm and dry.
What To Wear For Nighttime Activities In January?
January evenings are colder than the days. In Madrid, the temperature drops down to 0°C.
The bone-chilling cold means you need to wear thick warm clothes for nighttime activities.
Women can wear a woolen bodycon with fleece leggings and top it off with a thick furry jacket or a wool coat. For footwear, long leather boots are a perfect choice.
Accessories are essential for nighttime as well. With a good pashmina shawl, a designer bag, and statement earrings, you can make a lot of heads turn.
For men, collared shirts tucked into cotton pants and a thick jacket is a perfect look for the evening.
As it’s cold, men can also wear a scarf around their necks. Beanies also make a great accessory and keep you warm on cold days.
For footwear, men can opt for closed-toe shoes and ankle socks.
Leather shoes are quite popular amongst the locals and work well with all types of outfits.
Other Things To Pack for A Trip To Spain In January:
- Travel-Sized Umbrella: Some regions in Spain receive rain for fifteen days and others for at least nine days.
- So It is best to pack a travel-sized umbrella for your trip to Spain in January.
- Lip Balm and Moisturizer: Cold weather often leads to dry and patchy skin and flaky lips.
- So make sure you pack your favorite lip balm and moisturizer. Apply them regularly to avoid a shabby look.
- Waterproof phone case: A waterproof phone case is essential for a trip to Spain because it can rain unexpectedly at any time of the day.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Spaniards care about their environment and frown upon people to buy and throw plastic water bottles.
- So it is best to pack a reusable water bottle for your trip to Spain.
- Prescription Medication: You can easily find a first aid kit at your hotel but if you take any prescription medications, make sure you keep them in your bag.
- Mittens: If you get cold easily, there is no harm in packing a pair of mittens.
Final Advice:
Spain may be fashion forward but locals are still quite religious and conservative about their clothing choices.
If you plan on visiting a church in Spain, make sure you are wearing full-length clothes and none of your skin is showing.
