Weather in Palma in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Palma. Within Spain it is 60th of 87 (Spain in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Palma is 6.7°C warmer by day and 7.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Palma peaks at 14.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 16.5°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 9.4°C; one night in ten drops to 6.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 20.4°C (2018-01-04) and the coldest night 3.9°C (1999-01-31).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 36 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2020 with 86 mm, the driest 1993 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 14.7°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.1°C to 15.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:09 and sets about 17:48 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 49%.

Is January a good time to visit Palma?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days. The best months for Palma on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder than London, but still winter

Palma is noticeably milder than London in January: its average daytime high is 6.7°C higher than London's 7.4°C. That makes it a reasonable choice for travellers who want to spend time outside without chasing summer heat. The catch is that January is Palma's coldest month, so pack jumpers, long trousers and a jacket rather than relying on light holiday clothes. The warmest 10% of days reach 16.5°C or more, but that is a pleasant bonus, not the baseline for your plans. Keep a warm layer handy for evenings and colder spells, and choose a city-break pace with opportunities to head indoors.

Make the most of daylight and stay flexible

With about 4.9 hours of sunshine within 9.5 hours of daylight, January offers scope for outdoor plans, but not uninterrupted sun. Put longer walks in the middle of the day, when temperatures are more likely to feel comfortable, and leave indoor time flexible around the forecast. There are about 6 rainy days, so a waterproof outer layer is a sensible addition to your bag. Rain need not define the trip, but a fixed outdoor schedule could be frustrating. This month suits travellers happy to adjust their plans as the weather changes; it is a poor fit if reliable warmth and long beach days are the main reason for going.