Updated Nov 01 2026
In spite of the disadvantage of being one of the coldest months of the year, in January Barcelona offers two advantages above those that you’ll experience throughout the rest of the year. The first is that of continuing the Christmas celebrations in the first week of the year, which end on 6th January with celebrating the Día de Reyes – a major holiday in Spain.
The second advantage is that of making the most of the discounts in the winter sales, that start on 7th January. Unlike most Sundays of the year, the shops open their doors on the first Sunday after the sales start, so that anyone who wants to can pick up a bargain!
Christmas garden experience in Barcelona
Great Christmas light show
Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
Until January 10, 2027
Ticket sales starting in November
Barcelona Christmas Tour by Bus
Tour guide on board in English
Panoramic double-decker bus tour
Enjoy the most important monuments of Barcelona illuminated and the streets and avenues with Christmas lights
Ticket sales starting in November
Barcelona Pass for your holidays
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| SAGRADA FAMILIA skip the line |
| PARK GÜELL skip the line |
| HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS BARCELONA |
| APP AUDIO GUIDE BARCELONA +100 attractions |
| 10% DISCOUNT on other attractions |
Public holidays, events and things to do in January in Barcelona
Andy Warhol Pop Icons Exhibition in Barcelona
Location: Palau Martorell, Carrer Ample, 11, Barcelona.
Tickets: €16 general admission | €14 reduced | €9 children.
More information about the Andy Warhol exhibition in Barcelona.
Everest Ascent immersive experience
Experience the ascent of Everest first-hand with this incredible immersive experience
Eclipso Barcelona (Las Arenas)
New Year Day in Barcelona
New Year’s Day is one of the main public holidays of the year in Barcelona, when all the shops in the city close, with the exception of the Maremagnum shopping centre, which is open every day of the year, and a few shops in El Born and the Gothic Quarter.
If you’re planning to go to a restaurant on New Year’s Day, we recommend booking in advance, because many people choose to eat out today and you may otherwise find that the restaurant of your choice is fully booked.
You could also go to one of the New Year concerts, although note that these concerts are often organised just a few days in advance.
More information about New Year Day
1st January.
There aren’t any formal organised celebrations on New Year’s Day (but there are on New Year’s Eve).
Tickets Online
Travel cardsThe Kings Parade in Barcelona (Cabalgata de Reyes)
Although most of the city’s districts organise their own ‘Cabalgata de Reyes’ procession, the biggest and most spectacular is Barcelona’s official procession. It takes place on the afternoon of 5th January and during the event the city’s officials welcome the Three Kings, who arrive by boat at Barcelona’s port.
They then process through the streets of the city on decorated floats that are full of presents, much to the delight of the children, who know that if they have behaved well throughout the previous year they will receive the long-awaited gifts the following day, that they have asked for in their letters.
More information about The Procession of the Kings
January 5
Through the streets of Barcelona
€ Free
Epiphany in Spain (Día de Reyes)
On 6th January Epiphany (Día de Reyes) is celebrated in Barcelona. It’s a public holiday, so shops close with the exception of those already mentioned in Maremagnum and some of the shops in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, and the Gothic Quarter.
The day takes the form of different celebrations in each household, as opposed to official celebrations organised by the city. The opening hours of many museums, buildings and tourist sights are often affected, so we recommend checking in advance if you’re planning to visit any attractions.
More information about Epiphany in Barcelona
January 6
There aren’t any organised celebrations as such
Festa Major de Sant Antoni and Els Tres Tombs
The popular festival of Els Tres Tombs (The Three Turns) is celebrated on 17th January, which is ‘Sant Antoni Abad’ day, the patron saint of animals. It’s the day on which the local festivities start in the district of Sant Antoni, which is named after the saint. In spite of not being a public holiday as such, it’s one of the most popular festivals amongst the children.
On this day, in various parts of the Sant Antoni and Sant Andreu districts, horses process through the streets pulling carriages. It was traditional for the horses to walk the route three times, hence the rough translation ‘The Three Turns’. It’s now customary for sweets to be thrown from the carriages.
But 17th January only marks the start of the festivities, which continue for around a week, in which family activities, concerts, gastronomic tastings and the traditions are the main features. Without a doubt, it’s a great opportunity to see the real Barcelona, away from the tourist trail.
More information about Festa Major de Sant Antoni i Els Tres Tombs
Sant Antoni Abad Day: January 17
Tres Tombs Sant Andreu de Palomar neighborhood: to be confirmed
Tres Tombs Sant Antoni neighborhood: to be confirmed
Winter sales in Barcelona
The winter sales start on 7th January. These can last for a couple of months, depending on the shop, so if your visit to Barcelona falls at this time of year we recommend making the most of the opportunity to pick up a bargain. The discounts vary depending on the season and the shop, but they often start at 30% and sometimes even 50%.
As the weeks go by the discounts increase, but of course the variety of products and sizes available decreases, which often means that it’s difficult to find what you’re looking for towards the end of the sales.
More information about Winter Sales
Starting January 7
In the shops throughout the city
Hotels and other accommodation in January in Barcelona
Transport and tourist cards
Online Discount
Weather and temperature in Barcelona in January
Barcelona’s average minimum temperatures are at their lowest in January, so if you’re visiting at this time of year you do need to make sure you pack your winter clothes. With regard to rainfall, January is actually the month with the 3rd lowest rainfall, so you would be unlucky to suffer bad weather in this way.
On some occasions the temperatures can go as low as 0ºC or below, and snow is possible in the city centre itself. We recommend going to one of the city’s parks, such as Park Güell if it does snow, or to one of the viewpoints such as the Turó de la Rovira, because the city covered in snow is one of the most beautiful images you could be fortunate enough to have.
Climate statistics for January
Average maximum temperature: 13.7ºC
Average minimum temperature: 4.1ºC
Average overall temperature: 8.8ºC
Average rainfall: 40mm
Sunrise: 08:17 (1st January) – 08:04 (31st January)
Sunset: 17:33 (1st January) – 18:06 (31st January)
Advice, advantages and drawbacks
Advice
Fira de Reis: Between 1st and 5th January it’s still possible to se the Fira de Reis (the New Year’s market). If you’re in the city during any of these days we recommend starting the tour on the Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes where it crosses with Carrer Muntaner, and walking down the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes away from Plaça de Catalunya from there. Even though the stalls end before you get to Plaça Espanya square, it worth walking up there, as you’ll be able to have a drink at the top of Les Arenes shopping centre whilst admiring the fantastic views of Montjuïc from its viewpoint.
Advantages
Enjoying the end of the Christmas and New Year festivities: in contrast to what happens in many countries where Christmas is celebrated, in Spain the festivities continue up to 6th January thanks to the procession of the Three Kings on the evening of 5th January, and the Día de Reyes (Epiphany) on 6th January.
The sales: you can make the most of the winter sales to pick up a bargain.
Fewer visitors to the city: January is one of the quietest months for tourists in Barcelona, so we recommend making the most of this advantage, avoiding the queues and visiting some of the most popular sites that are otherwise swarming with visitors.
Drawbacks
The cold:. it’s not a disadvantage as such for visiting the city, especially if you’re used to the cold, but we do admit that it’s not the ideal temperature in which to enjoy Barcelona’s many charms to the full.
Hours of daylight: In spite of the fact that it starts to get dark later than in December, sunset is still much earlier than in other months of the year and in order to fit in all the sights within the hours of daylight you’ll have to hurry more than in spring or summer.
Frequently asked questions about Barcelona in January
What can you do in Barcelona in January?
January is a good month to enjoy the final days of the Christmas celebrations, visit the Three Kings Parade on 5 January and celebrate Epiphany on 6 January. You can also visit exhibitions such as Andy Warhol. Pop Icons, experience the ascent of Everest at Everest Ascent, or see The World of Banksy. The month also brings the winter sales, which start on 7 January, and the Festa Major de Sant Antoni.
Is January a good time to visit Barcelona?
Yes, particularly if you prefer to visit the city when there are fewer tourists. January is one of the quietest months for tourism in Barcelona, so you can enjoy some of its main attractions with fewer queues. The first week also offers the final Christmas celebrations, including the Three Kings Parade on 5 January and Epiphany on 6 January. Winter sales start on 7 January. The main drawback is the cold weather and shorter daylight hours.
What is the weather like in Barcelona in January?
January is one of the coldest months in Barcelona. The average maximum temperature is 13.7°C, the average minimum is 4.1°C and the overall average is 8.8°C. Average rainfall is around 40 mm. Minimum temperatures are the lowest of the year, so bring warm clothes, especially for the mornings and evenings.
Does it snow in Barcelona in January?
Snow is possible in Barcelona in January, although it is not a frequent occurrence. Temperatures can occasionally fall to 0°C or below, and snow may reach the city centre. If it snows, you could visit Park Güell or head to the viewpoint at Turó de la Rovira to enjoy views of the city.
Is January one of the rainiest months in Barcelona?
No. January is the third-driest month of the year in Barcelona, with around 40 mm of average rainfall. If it rains during your stay, take a look at our guide to what to do in Barcelona when it rains.
What are the main events in Barcelona in January?
The main celebrations include the Three Kings Parade on 5 January and Epiphany on 6 January. The winter sales begin on 7 January, while the Festa Major de Sant Antoni starts around 17 January. January also features the traditional Els Tres Tombs processions in the Sant Antoni and Sant Andreu districts.
When is the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona?
Barcelona’s official Three Kings Parade, known as the Cabalgata de Reyes, takes place on the afternoon of 5 January. The Three Kings arrive by boat at Barcelona’s port, where they are welcomed by city officials, before travelling through the streets on decorated floats. Many districts also organise their own processions. You can find more information in our guide to the Three Kings Parade.
Is 6 January a public holiday in Barcelona?
Yes. 6 January is Epiphany, known in Spain as Día de Reyes, and is a public holiday. Most shops close, although Maremagnum and some shops in the districts of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera and the Gothic Quarter may remain open. The opening hours of museums, buildings and tourist attractions may also be affected, so check in advance if you are planning a visit.
When do the winter sales start in Barcelona?
The winter sales in Barcelona start on 7 January and usually last for the next couple of months, depending on the shop. Discounts often start at around 30% and can sometimes reach 50%. They may increase as the weeks go by, but the selection of products and available sizes tends to decrease. Shops also open on the first Sunday after the sales begin.
What is Festa Major de Sant Antoni and when are Els Tres Tombs celebrated?
Festa Major de Sant Antoni begins around 17 January, the feast day of Sant Antoni Abad, the patron saint of animals. One of its best-known traditions is Els Tres Tombs, a procession in which horses pull carriages through the streets of Sant Antoni and Sant Andreu. Traditionally, the horses completed the route three times, and sweets are thrown from the carriages. The festivities continue for around a week, with family activities, concerts, food tastings and other traditions. The dates of the processions in the two neighbourhoods are confirmed separately.
Are shops open in Barcelona on New Year’s Day?
Most shops in Barcelona are closed on 1 January, which is a public holiday. Exceptions include Maremagnum, which is open every day, and a few shops in El Born and the Gothic Quarter. Restaurants can be busy, so it is advisable to book a table in advance. Some New Year’s concerts also take place, although they are often announced only a few days beforehand.
Which exhibitions can you visit in Barcelona in January?
The exhibitions featured in our guide include Andy Warhol. Pop Icons at Palau Martorell. You can also experience the ascent of Everest at Eclipso Barcelona, or visit The World of Banksy at Espai Trafalgar. Find out more about the Andy Warhol exhibition in our article.
What is the Fira de Reis in Barcelona?
The Fira de Reis is a traditional market held between 1 and 5 January. One way to explore it is to start on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, where it crosses Carrer Muntaner, and walk along Gran Via towards Plaça Espanya. Once you reach the square, you can go up to the top of Las Arenas shopping centre for a drink and views of Montjuïc. You can also find out more about Plaça Espanya.
What should you pack for Barcelona in January?
Bring warm winter clothes, including a coat, as January is one of the coldest months in Barcelona. Minimum temperatures average 4.1°C and can occasionally fall to 0°C or below. Days are also relatively short: the sun sets at around 17:33 at the beginning of January and 18:06 towards the end of the month. Plan your sightseeing accordingly so you have enough daylight to visit the places you want to see.
