Climatological averages, historical records, packing tips and best time to visit Madrid during January. AEMET / ECMWF reanalysis 1991-2020.
Reference values based on 1991-2020 AEMET / ECMWF climatology. Year-to-year variation can be significant.
| Metric | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|
| All-time high | 42.2 °C | July 1995 |
| Heatwave record | 42.1 °C | August 2012 |
| All-time low | -10.1 °C | January 1971 |
| 24h rainfall | 60 mm | September 1972 |
Official records (AEMET). Secondary stations may have more extreme readings.
In January, Madrid typically shows crisp mornings under clear blue skies. The average high temperature is around 10°C and the average low around 1°C, with monthly rainfall of 33 mm spread over roughly 7 rain days and about 148 hours of sunshine. Average relative humidity stands at 76% and wind speed averages 9 km/h.
The local calendar in January is shaped by Three Kings parade on the 5th, so checking the forecast a few days in advance is worth it before any outdoor activity. Averages give a general picture but extreme events can vary widely: in January, Madrid has recorded both unusually warm spells and cold incursions across recent decades.
For a typical stay we recommend warm wool coat and a beanie. UV protection is sensible on sunny days, even in a mild winter month, and a closed-toe waterproof shoe helps on damp days. For multi-day trips bring thin layers that you can combine through the day.
The first two weeks of January usually offer the best balance in Madrid: moderate crowds, friendlier prices and weather that remains representative of the month. Late January starts showing features of the transition to the next month. Use our custom historical lookup to check the actual values for the exact year you plan to travel.
Of the twelve months, January is the coldest in Madrid and the 8th wettest. It collects 32 mm, 8 % of the whole year’s rain, spread over 8.3 days with appreciable precipitation, of which 1.0 exceed 10 mm. The warmest month is July and the wettest is October.
Among the 50 Spanish cities with AEMET climatological normals on this site, in January Madrid is the 44th warmest, with a mean maximum of 10.0 °C, and the 34th wettest. The wettest of them that month is Vigo, with 222 mm against Madrid’s 32 mm.
Averages hide what can actually happen. At the Madrid, Retiro observatory, a January has reached 19.9 °C as an absolute maximum and -6.1 °C as a minimum: that is the real range to reckon with, not the 6.5 °C mean. Relative humidity runs around 72 % and mean wind 6.5 km/h.
AEMET climatological normals 1991-2020, Madrid, Retiro observatory (667 m above sea level). Sources and methodology → · Forecast for Madrid →
