Weather in Playa de las Americas in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Playa de las Americas. Within Spain it is 13th of 87 (Spain in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Playa de las Americas is 12.2°C warmer by day and 12.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Playa de las Americas peaks at 19.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 22.0°C or more. Roughly 1 in 167 days top 25°C. Nights average 15.1°C; one night in ten drops to 12.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 27.0°C (2018-01-02) and the coldest night 10.1°C (1993-01-12).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 19 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 1996 with 70 mm, the driest 2018 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 19.9°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 19.3°C to 20.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (23.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:00 and sets about 18:32 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 32%.

Is January a good time to visit Playa de las Americas?

It is a reasonable choice: mild days. The best months for Playa de las Americas on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug, Sep.

Comfortable daytime warmth, not summer heat

January is the coolest month here, so set your expectations around mild weather rather than hot afternoons. The warmest 10% of days reach 22°C or more, but that is a bonus rather than the temperature to plan around. Light daytime clothing is a sensible starting point, with a jumper or light jacket available when you need it. Evenings need more thought: the coldest 10% of nights fall to 12.7°C or below. If you like being outdoors without strong heat, the temperatures are a good fit. If your priority is lying out in dependable warmth, January is a less convincing choice.

Useful sunshine, with room for rain

Around 7 hours of sunshine within 10.4 hours of daylight gives January a reasonable balance for spending time outside. It does not mean every day will be clear, so keep your plans flexible rather than making the whole trip depend on uninterrupted sun. There are about 4 rainy days during the month, enough to make a light waterproof sensible but not a reason on its own to rule January out. Plan outdoor time around the brighter spells and leave some flexibility for wet weather. This is a better match for travellers happy to adjust their day than those who need a completely dry holiday.

Treat sea swimming as a bracing extra

The sea averages 19.9°C, which puts it in the bracing category rather than the warm-swimming range. Its January year-to-year range of 19°C to 21°C also suggests you should not book expecting bath-like water. Swimming may still appeal if you are comfortable in cooler seas, but it is a weaker selling point for anyone who dislikes a chilly entry. Pack swimwear if you want the option, alongside something dry and warm to put on afterwards. For a holiday centred on being beside the water rather than spending long periods in it, January's mild air temperatures are a more useful advantage than its sea temperature.