January Weather in Madrid, Spain

Last updated: February 6, 2025

January in Madrid, Spain presents a cool and varied climate, featuring maximum temperatures reaching up to 19°C (66°F) and dropping to a chilly -9°C (17°F) at night. The average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), providing a brisk atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. Rainfall adds to the mix, with 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread over 4 days, resulting in a 90% humidity level that lends an invigorating freshness to the air. Whether it's exploring the city's vibrant streets or sipping hot chocolate, January's weather offers a unique charm that captures the essence of winter in Madrid.

January Temperature in Madrid

In January, Madrid experiences a chilly embrace with temperatures dipping as low as -9°C (17°F) at night, creating a stark contrast with daytime highs that can reach up to 19°C (66°F). The average temperature hovers around a brisk 5°C (41°F), hinting at the lingering winter chill. As the month progresses into February and March, there's a gradual warming trend, with minimum temperatures rising and average highs slowly climbing, setting the stage for spring's arrival. The dramatic shift from the frosty nights of January to the milder days of the months that follow underscores Madrid's diverse climate, where warm sunlit afternoons can quickly follow the crispness of frigid mornings. This dynamic temperature play not only enhances the charm of the city but also invites residents and visitors alike to adapt their winter wardrobes while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that Madrid has to offer.

January Weather in Madrid: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Madrid, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec414750556574807970604945
Data source: Temperature data for Madrid generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Madrid

In January, Madrid experiences a mild start to the year with a precipitation total of 31 mm (1.2 in), falling over just 4 days. As winter grips the city, the rainfall is generally light, serving as a refreshing contrast to the dry summers that lie ahead. This pattern is consistent with the city's climate, where the precipitation begins to ramp up in the following months; for instance, March sees a notable increase to 45 mm (1.8 in) across 7 days. As the seasons transition from winter to spring, we observe a gradual rise in both the volume of rain and the number of rainy days, culminating in April's peak of 70 mm (2.8 in), which sets the stage for a vibrant and lush landscape. The overall trend highlights the contrast between Madrid’s relatively dry winter months and the wetter spring season, making January an ideal time for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued atmosphere in the city.

January Precipitation Trends in Madrid

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Madrid, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec312845712517121934535440
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Madrid

In January, Madrid experiences its peak humidity at a notable 90%, setting the tone for a rather damp start to the year. This high level gradually dips as the months roll on, with February seeing a decrease to 86%. As spring approaches, humidity continues to decline, reaching 79% in March and 74% in April. The trend of decreasing humidity persists through the warmer months, with more comfortable levels of 71% in May and dropping to a drier 59% by July. As summer transitions to autumn, humidity begins its ascent again, climbing back to 65% in September before peaking at 87% in November and returning to 90% in December. This cyclical pattern highlights Madrid's unique climate, where winter and early spring embrace a moist atmosphere, while the height of summer offers a refreshing relief.

January Average Humidity in Madrid

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Madrid, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%86%79%74%71%63%59%58%66%77%87%90%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Madrid

In January, Madrid experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating that while sun exposure is manageable, precautions are still advisable, especially for prolonged activities outdoors. With a burn time of 30 minutes, it’s essential to apply sunscreen if you plan to enjoy the crisp winter sun. As the month transitions to February, the UV Index increases slightly to 4, maintaining the same exposure category but still allowing for safe outdoor enjoyment with minimal risk. This trend of gradual increase continues as spring approaches, highlighting that early months of the year provide opportunities to bask in the sun while remaining mindful of skincare. For more detailed information about UV levels throughout the year, visit Madrid UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Madrid for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Madrid in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec346810111198643
Data source: Madrid January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Madrid

In Madrid, January greets the year with about 196 hours of sunshine, making it one of the cooler months in terms of light. However, as February rolls in, the sun begins to shine brighter, offering 256 hours of golden rays, hinting at the warmth to come. The trend continues with March and April, where sunshine hours steadily increase to 317 and 334 respectively, painting a picture of spring's arrival. By the time May arrives, residents and visitors can bask in 405 hours of sunlight, laying the groundwork for the dazzling summer ahead. From June to August, Madrid experiences peak sunshine, with July showcasing an impressive 433 hours. As summer wanes, the light begins to taper off, with September's 348 hours offering a warm farewell, followed by a gentle descent into autumn with October and November bringing 315 and 245 hours respectively. December concludes the year with 236 hours, reminding us that while Madrid may cool down, its sunny spirit remains bright.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Madrid: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Madrid experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec196h256h317h334h405h417h433h405h348h315h245h236h
Data source: Madrid January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Madrid During January

In Madrid, January often brings a decent opportunity for sunny days, with the chance of sunshine sitting at 48%. This percentage is notably higher than February's 30%, suggesting a positive shift as the year progresses. As spring approaches, the likelihood of sun rises to 58% in March, maintaining a steady path into April and May before peaking in the summer months, particularly in July with an impressive 82% chance of sunshine. The trend clearly indicates that while January may provide a respectable amount of sunlight, the subsequent months transition into more consistently bright days, making Madrid increasingly vibrant as the seasons change.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Madrid

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Madrid throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Madrid experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48%30%58%36%45%62%82%77%50%58%62%44%
Data source: Madrid January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Madrid in January

In January, Madrid greets its residents with 9 hours of daylight, a modest beginning to the year as the city gradually awakens from winter's slumber. As the month rolls into February, the sunshine extends to 10 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. By March, daylight inches further to 11 hours, igniting a sense of rejuvenation in the atmosphere. April bursts forth with 13 hours of light, paving the way for the vibrant blooms of early spring. The trend continues upward in May and June, where the city basks in 14 and 15 hours of daylight, respectively, showcasing the height of spring vitality. A gentle decline begins in July, as daylight wanes slightly to 14 hours, followed by August at 13 hours, signaling the slow transition to fall. By September, daylight starts to slip back to 12 hours, before settling at 11 hours in October. The cycle completes itself as November and December plunge back to 9 hours, wrapping up the year with a nostalgic nod to its longer days. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight beautifully reflects the changing seasons, creating a dynamic backdrop for life in Madrid.

Average Daylight Hours in Madrid for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Madrid throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 38m10h 39m11h 57m13h 18m14h 26m15h14h 42m13h 42m12h 24m11h 4m9h 55m9h 19m
Data source: Madrid daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Madrid

In January, Madrid experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), slightly higher than in the subsequent months. As the winter transitions into early spring, the wind tends to calm, dipping to 2.5 m/s in February and further to 2.4 m/s in March. This trend of gradually decreasing wind speeds continues into the warmer months, with a low of 2.0 m/s (5 mph) in April. Interestingly, the winds show a mild resurgence in June and July, stabilizing around 2.5 m/s, before tapering off again towards autumn. Overall, this pattern illustrates a subtle yet consistent ebb and flow in Madrid's winter winds, blending seamlessly into the warmer season while maintaining a refreshing atmosphere.

Average January Wind Speed in Madrid

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Madrid, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.6 m/s2.52.42.02.42.52.52.22.12.02.22.2
Data source: Madrid January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Madrid Compares to Other Months

The weather in Madrid changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Madrid and find detailed weather information for every month.

In January, the weather is generally colder with average temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and a minimum reaching as low as -9°C (17°F). Precipitation occurs on 4 days, totaling 31 mm (1.2 in), and the humidity is quite high at 90%. In contrast, February brings a slight warming trend, with an average temperature of 8°C (47°F) and a minimum of -5°C (24°F). While precipitation decreases slightly to 28 mm (1.1 in) over 5 days, the humidity is also lower at 86%. For more details on how the weather compares, you can visit Madrid weather in February.

In January, Madrid experiences colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -9°C (17°F) and average highs around 5°C (41°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 31 mm (1.2 in) over just four days, yet the humidity is quite high at 90%. In contrast, March brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures of -2°C (29°F) and an average high of 10°C (51°F), reaching as much as 26°C (79°F) on warmer days. Precipitation increases to 45 mm (1.8 in) over seven days, while the humidity decreases to a more moderate 79%. For more details, you can check out the Madrid weather in March.

January in Madrid tends to be much colder than April, with average temperatures ranging from a frigid -9°C (17°F) at night to a maximum of 19°C (66°F) during the day. In contrast, April sees a noticeable rise in temperature, with lows around -3°C (27°F) and highs reaching up to 29°C (84°F), creating a more pleasant atmosphere. Precipitation is also more prevalent in April, with 70 mm (2.8 in) over 11 days compared to January’s 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 4 days. Overall, while January is characterized by its chilly, humid weather with 90% humidity, April offers a milder and drier climate with a humidity level of 74%. For more detailed information, you can explore Madrid weather in April.

January and May in Madrid present a stark contrast in weather conditions. January sees much colder temperatures with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while May boasts a warmer climate with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). The maximum temperature in January reaches only 19°C (66°F), compared to May's impressive highs of 33°C (92°F). Additionally, January experiences higher humidity levels at 90%, while May is more comfortable with humidity at 71%. Precipitation is slightly lower in May at 25 mm (1.0 in) over 6 days compared to January's 31 mm (1.2 in) over 4 days. For more details on the weather in May, check out Madrid weather in May.

In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). The month experiences high humidity at 90% and sees light precipitation, averaging 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 4 days. Conversely, June brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (105°F), averaging 23°C (74°F). The humidity drops to a more comfortable 63%, and precipitation is lighter at 17 mm (0.7 in) over the same 4 days. For more detailed information, you can check Madrid weather in June.

In January, the weather is chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a comfortable maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 5°C (41°F). The month experiences relatively high humidity at 90% and sees approximately 31 mm of precipitation over four days. In contrast, July boasts significantly warmer conditions, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a blistering maximum of 40°C (104°F), and an average of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is minimal, at just 12 mm over a day, and humidity drops to 59%. For more detailed information, you can check out Madrid weather in July.

In January, the weather in Madrid is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilling minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a mild 19°C (66°F) on the warmer days. The average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), coupled with high humidity levels at 90%, making the air feel particularly damp. Precipitation is relatively low, with only 31 mm falling over about four days.

In contrast, August brings a dramatic shift in temperature, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and soaring maximums climbing as high as 41°C (106°F). The average temperature in this summer month reaches a comfortable 26°C (79°F), and with humidity dropping to 58%, the heat feels more tolerable. Rainfall is minimal, totaling just 19 mm over three days, which is typical for the dry summer months. For a closer look at what to expect, visit Madrid weather in August.

The weather in January and September showcases significant contrasts. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -9°C (17°F), with an average reaching about 5°C (41°F) and highs of only 19°C (66°F). The month experiences around 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation, typically spread across four days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 90%.

In stark contrast, September brings much warmer temperatures, with lows of 6°C (44°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and maximum temperatures soaring to 36°C (98°F). It sees a slightly higher total precipitation of 34 mm (1.3 in) over the same number of days, but overall humidity drops to a more comfortable 65%. For more detailed insights, you can check Madrid weather in September.

When comparing the weather in January and October, notable differences emerge. January experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and an average of just 5°C (41°F), while October offers much milder conditions, starting at a minimum of 2°C (35°F) and reaching an average of 16°C (60°F). Additionally, October can see maximum temperatures soaring up to 31°C (89°F), providing a stark contrast to January's peak of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation in October is also higher, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over five days compared to January's 31 mm (1.2 in) over four days. October's lower humidity at 77% further enhances the comfortable feel of the month compared to January's damp 90%. For more detailed insights on the October weather in Madrid, you can visit Madrid weather in October.

January and November bring distinct weather patterns to Madrid. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -9°C (17°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). This month typically sees about 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread over 4 days, and the humidity is quite high at 90%. In contrast, November experiences milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around -2°C (29°F) and averages reaching 10°C (49°F), peaking at 22°C (72°F). Additionally, November is wetter, with 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 9 days, and slightly lower humidity at 87%. For a more detailed look at November weather, check out Madrid weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (17°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while December features a milder range, with minimum temperatures at -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation levels are lower in January at 31 mm (1.2 in) over 4 days compared to December’s 40 mm (1.6 in) over 6 days, indicating that January tends to be drier overall. Despite these differences, both months share high humidity levels at 90%. For a more detailed look at December's climate, you can visit Madrid weather in December.

Compare Madrid's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Madrid

As winter deepens in January, Madrid experiences a notable chill compared to the milder months that precede it. With average temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F) and maximums reaching only 19°C (66°F), residents and visitors alike feel the crisp air, especially with the frequent humidity levels around 90%. Despite the chill, precipitation remains minimal with only a handful of wet days, allowing for plenty of opportunities to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture. The dry spell, combined with the occasional frost, sets January apart from the warmer and more temperate months. For a deeper insight into the city's varying conditions throughout the year, take a look at the full details in Madrid Climate.