Honestly, if you're picturing yourself sipping sangria in a sundress under a blistering sun today, January 17, 2026, you've got a bit of a surprise coming. Spain is currently shivering. The country is basically in the thick of a winter episode that’s making the usual "sunny Spain" postcards look like a bit of a lie.
Right now, as we speak, the national weather agency AEMET has about 17 provinces on high alert. We aren't just talking about a little breeze. There’s a serious cold wave crashing through, bringing snowstorms and persistent fog to places that usually only see "winter" as a slight drop in temperature.
The Reality of Weather in Spain Right Now
Kinda wild, but the current temperature in "Spain" (as a general reading) is sitting around 38°F. That’s barely above freezing. If you look at the mountain areas, it’s even more intense. We've got snow levels dropping down to 800 or 900 meters in regions like Castilla y León.
In Teruel, temperatures have plunged to -4°C. Imagine that. Spain!
The northern coast is getting battered too. We’ve seen yellow and orange alerts for massive waves along the Cantabrian and Galician coasts. It’s not exactly beach weather. It's more "stay inside and find a heavy wool sweater" weather.
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Why It’s Actually Snowing in the South
You might've heard about the DANA (an isolated high-altitude depression) that’s been hovering around. Forecasters like Jorge Rey are pointing to a new one potentially hitting next week, which means the chaos isn't over.
Even Malaga, which usually stays pretty mild, is looking at a wet and cold weekend. We’re talking about a 100% chance of rain in some spots. If you’re in the Sierra de las Nieves, you might even see snow from 1,500 meters up.
Basically, the weather in Spain right now is a mix of Atlantic fronts sweeping from west to east and cold polar air sticking around like an uninvited houseguest.
Breakdown of the Main Cities
Cities across the peninsula are all over the map today, but none of them are "hot."
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- Madrid: It’s cold. Really cold. Expect highs around 10°C (50°F) but it feels way sharper with the wind. The humidity is high, around 92%, making that 38°F bite right through your coat.
- Barcelona: A bit better, but still damp. You’re looking at highs of 15°C (59°F), but with the cloud cover and sea breeze, you'll still want a proper jacket.
- Seville: Usually the safe bet for warmth, but even here, it’s only hitting about 15°C or 16°C. They had light rain and mist this morning.
- The Mountains: If you're in the Pyrenees or the Picos de Europa, you’re looking at significant snow accumulations—up to 5 centimeters in just 24 hours in some spots.
It’s a massive misconception that Spain is "always warm." January is the coldest month here for a reason. But 2026 is proving to be particularly moody.
What This Means if You Are Traveling
If you're here right now, you need to change your strategy. Forget the terraces for a bit unless they have those big industrial heaters.
Go for the indoor stuff. The Prado in Madrid or the Picasso Museum in Malaga are much better options when the UV index is literally 0. Yes, 0. There is no "warming sunshine" to speak of today in the north or center.
Actually, the only place where you can find a semblance of summer is the Canary Islands. While the mainland is freezing, places like Tenerife are still hovering around 21°C (70°F). It’s like a different world entirely.
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What’s Coming Next?
The forecast for the next few days shows a slight "warm-up" tomorrow, Sunday the 18th, with highs reaching maybe 47°F in some areas, but don't get too excited. It’s staying cloudy.
By Monday, we might see 48°F, but another front of rain and snow is predicted to hit by mid-week. If you're driving, especially in high-altitude areas like Ávila or Segovia, you absolutely need to check for ice. The "Ice Triangle" (Teruel, Calamocha, and Molina de Aragón) is living up to its name.
Actionable Advice for Navigating Spain Today
- Check AEMET daily: Their alerts for snow and wind are updated constantly and are the most reliable source for specific provinces.
- Layers are non-negotiable: You’ll be freezing outside but the moment you walk into a tapas bar or museum, the heating will be cranked up.
- Mountain travel: If you're heading to the Pyrenees for skiing, check the avalanche bulletins. The recent heavy snowfall and temperature fluctuations are making some slopes tricky.
- Coastal caution: Stay off the seawalls in Galicia and the Cantabrian coast; those "orange alert" waves are no joke.
The weather in Spain right now is demanding respect. It’s beautiful, sure—there’s nothing quite like seeing the Alhambra with a backdrop of snow-capped Sierra Nevada—but it is definitely, undeniably winter. Pack the boots, leave the sandals in the suitcase, and maybe grab an extra umbrella. You're going to need it.