While Barcelona may not be such a hot weather destination in January, it still boasts blue skies and is one of the busiest times of year to visit. In January you will find that the city is much quieter, meaning you can enjoy the tourist retreats in their quieter season and experience Barcelona like a local rather than a tourist.
You’ll find that everything is a little bit happier too, from your flights to general travel around the city to your accommodation, grocery sales and even restaurant deals.
If you’d rather come in December, read our guide to celebrating Christmas in Barcelona like a local.
January weather in Barcelona
The weather in January in Barcelona will always be better than that in the UK. The temperature in January averages around 16°C during the day, usually in bright sunshine. The temperature usually only drops to around 10°C at night, which means you’ll be sorted out with a warm jacket and a few jumpers! However, rain is unlikely, with an average of just five rainy days in January.
Things to do in Barcelona in January
sightseeing
Check out the top tourist attractions in Barcelona that may be too busy for you in the coming months. Barcelona is home to some of the most incredible architectural structures designed by some of the world’s most famous architects such as Gaudí.
The Holy Family
This is a must see, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Barcelona and the world. Incredible inside and out, with over four million tourists coming to see this every year, you have to see this place for yourself.
Book yours Skip-the-line ticket online before you go!
Park Guell
Another work of Gaudí, this lively mosaic park is a must-see. It is surrounded by beautiful lush green surroundings, making it the perfect place for a day visit or a few hours to roam.
Book yours Entry ticket online before you go!
Casa Batllo
This is another beautiful piece of Gaudí found on Passeig de Gracia, with a bone-like facade. Book this immersive 10D experience of Casa Batllo.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is an important piece by Gaudí as it was his first major architectural work after graduating and was originally built as the home of Manuel Vicens. It is now a museum displaying Gaudí’s works.
Book yours Skip-the-line ticket online before you go!
Palau Guell
Palau Güell is a beautiful mansion designed by Gaudí for Eusebi Güell. Another place that shows Gaudí’s architectural genius and innovations, creating space with just a small plot of land.
See also: Hidden Treasures in Barcelona
Barcelona Picasso Museum
The Museu Picasso de Barcelona is a must-see while it’s quiet. This museum opened in 1963 and displayed the 4,251 works from Picasso’s formative years while he lived in Barcelona. This is the perfect place to really learn more about Picasso during his stay in Barcelona.
Book yours Skip-the-line ticket online before you go!
Joan Miró Foundation
Located in Montjuïc, this museum was built by Joan Miró himself. His goal was to create a place for contemporary art research. He got a lot of inspiration from nature, this museum reflects that beautifully.
See also: The most unusual museums in Barcelona
National Art Museum of Catalonia
This museum is the national museum of fine arts in Catalonia. Filled with an incredible collection of art from different eras, the museum originally opened as a medieval art exhibition and has continued to inspire and educate society about art.
Visit the Festa Dels Tres Tombs on January 17th
the Parade of the Tombs of Tres is a wondrous celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony Abbot. St. Anthony Abbot was a Roman Catholic monk and patron saint of domestic animals, basket-weavers, farmers, gravediggers and the sick. The Tres Tombs Parade is a three-kilometre procession through town celebrated to bless the locals’ animals. This parade dates back to the 15th century when farmers would bring their animals into town to be blessed.
Make the most of the great January sales in Barcelona
Whether you walk down Portal de l’Angel, Passeig de Gracia, La Diagonal, Carrer de Pelai or Las Rambla, you’ll come across hundreds of fantastic bargains. From your high-end brand stores like DIOR, Chanel, Louis Vuitton to your more affordable Stradivarius, Zara and Pull & Bear, you’ll find deals everywhere. Even in your local boutiques.
Also see: Where to Find the Best Vintage Shops in Barcelona
Visit Poble Espanyol
This is an incredible open-air museum, first designed for the 1929 Barcelona World’s Fair. It is a model for the different Spanish architectural styles such as Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance and Baroque.
Take a culinary tour of Barcelona
Barcelona is home to some of the most incredible, delicious cuisines. There are countless food markets such as Mercado de La Boqueria, Mercat de la Terra and Mercat de la Llibertat that are definitely worth a visit.
Check out the following foodie tours in Barcelona:
Barcelona also offers you some of the best restaurants in the world. From traditional Spanish to Mexican to Italian to Janese and everything in between, you won’t go hungry during your stay. And why not make the most of the tranquility and head to some of the city’s most popular restaurants.
See also: The Coolest Bars in Barcelona and Che Tas Bars in Barcelona
Take a trip to Andorra – just a few hours north of Barcelona
Home to the most beautiful slopes in the Pyrenees, Andorra is a perfect place to relax. Just a few hours north of Barcelona there are hundreds of companies offering all inclusive Barcelona to Andorra travel including meals, ski passes, transport and even your gear. What a fantastic way to end or extend your trip?
See also: The best ski resorts near Barcelona
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