I was wondering if anyone's traveled to Spain (Madrid, Barcelona) in January and if they've got any comments about the weather. I read it's probably the coldest month in Spain but we have an opportunity to go then and I'm not sure if we should or not.

Based on the past 13 yars statistics: Barcelona, day temperatures from 12°C to 16°C, going down to 8 to 4 at night. Madrid days from 9°C to 13°C, with nights ranging from 4°C to -2°C.
http://www.wetteronline.de/Europa.htm

And yes, go!

I was in Madrid and Toledo a couple of Januarys ago. It was bright and crisp by the day and in the upper 40s to low 50s, but very cold at night, near freezing. Very good time for sightseeing, as crowds are small and everything is open. It would be slightly milder but also possibly wetter in Barcelona, being beside the sea.
I'd say go for it.

kimhe - thanks!

Alec, thank you also.

I was in Madrid a few years ago in late December and early January. It was cold but very tolerable even for a Southern gal like me. Unless you really hate any kind of cold weather I think you will be OK.

I haven't been to Barcelona.

One more thing--Spain is a lot less crowded and less expensive in the off season. It was nice not to wait in long lines and fight crowds.

In 2000 I was in Madrid, with side trips to Granada, Sevilla, Barcelona and Toledo. I live in Spokane, Washington, where it's really cold in January, so Spain was a welcome relief to me. I did not find it especially cold, though it wasn't balmy, by any means. I think it's a good time to visit. I don't even recall much--if any--rain.

I've posted this suggestion before for people traveling to Spain in the winter, but since you're new to the forums, you may not have seen it before:

I suggest you take along lightweight long underwear (I like the brand called CuddleDuds). Even though the hotels heat their rooms, in our experience none of them kept the rooms toasty warm and the blankets weren't particularly warm. So I was happy that I had along my CuddleDuds to wear to bed at night. And of course, it's great for layering during the day.

ENJOY Spain, it's a fascinating country and culture.

Unless you are looking for beach quality time, Spain can be more pleasant in the colder months for many of the reasons stated above.

We also have so many sunny days that it is refreshing to be able to sit outside for a quick coffee or beer when the sun is out, whether you must keep your coat on or not.

You will have plenty of museums to keep you occupied and hopefully sunny days to enjoy your strolls looking at fabulous architecture.

I went to Madrid last January and it's hell of a cold weather. I'm freeszin like crazy. So I advice that you should bring winter clothes to warm you up because like stated by other comments above, heater in most hotel is not enough to tolerate the cold temperature..

so gudluck!

January is 31 days long so that can also affect weather too. Living in Spain I have learnt that the weather is variable, never expect the expected.

Granada will probably be freezing. Spain is a great trip any time of year.

It depends on what you call "cold". I LOVE the winters because I hate the heat & have a higher tolerance for the cold.

January is cold in Madrid, sure, but it's not like an "Ohio, USA" cold with blowing snow and freezing rain, no. The great majority of Madrid days in January are totally cloudless - just the way I like it when it's cold outside.

I can't speak personally on Barcelona in January so I'll leave that to those whom have been there then.

Saludos, MadridMan @ you-know-where!!!!