You've probably seen the postcards. Golden sun, swaying palms, and people sipping sangria in nothing but a light linen shirt. But if you’re asking what temperature is it in Spain right now, specifically in the middle of January 2026, the answer might actually make you reach for a heavy coat instead of your swimsuit. Spain isn't just one big beach. It’s a massive, geographically diverse country where the weather can vary by 20 degrees depending on whether you're standing in a mountain pass or a coastal plaza.
Honestly, right now, Spain is in the thick of a classic winter "cold snap." While parts of the south are still clinging to a pleasant mildness, the interior is freezing—literally.
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The Current Chill: January 13, 2026
If you were to land in Madrid today, you'd find a high of around 12°C ($53$°F), but that’s deceptive. Once the sun dips behind the Sierra de Guadarrama, the mercury crashes to about 3°C ($37$°F). It’s a dry, biting cold. Just last week, regions like Guadalajara saw temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling $-14$°C ($7$°F) in the Parameras de Molina area. That is not the "warm Spain" most people have in their heads.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has been busy lately. They’ve had yellow and even orange alerts active across 14 of the 17 autonomous communities. We’re talking about snow in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains, and freezing fog in the central valleys. Basically, if you aren't on the coast, it’s winter with a capital W.
Regional Breakdown: Where Is It Actually Warm?
You’ve got to pick your spot carefully this time of year. Spain is roughly divided into three or four distinct "weather worlds" in January.
The Mediterranean Coast (Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga)
This is where the "winter escape" dream stays somewhat alive. In Malaga and the Costa del Sol, daytime highs are hovering around 14°C to 17°C ($57$°F to $63$°F). It’s lovely in the sun. But the humidity is high, around 70-80%, so when that damp sea breeze kicks in, 15°C feels much colder than you'd expect.
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The Southern Interior (Seville, Cordoba)
Seville is currently seeing highs of 17°C ($63$°F). It's great for walking around the Giralda without melting, but don't be fooled—the nights still drop to 6°C ($43$°F). A storm is actually tracking toward Cadiz and western Andalusia right now, bringing yellow alerts for heavy rain and potential thunderstorms to places like Marbella and Estepona.
The "Cold Triangle" (Teruel, Avila, Leon)
Stay away if you forgot your thermal underwear. Cities like Avila and Salamanca are currently seeing lows of $-2$°C to $-1$°C ($28$°F to $30$°F). The daytime doesn't offer much relief either, with highs struggling to reach 8°C ($46$°F).
The Secret Escape: The Canary Islands
If you really want to know what temperature is it in Spain because you need a tan, you’re looking at the wrong map. You need to look south, off the coast of Africa. The Canary Islands are currently basking in 21°C ($70$°F) weather. It’s a completely different world. While Madrid is shivering under a "big freeze" alert, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are enjoying what feels like a permanent spring.
Why the 2026 Winter Feels Different
There’s been a lot of talk among local meteorologists about the 2025-2026 La Niña cycle. Historically, La Niña winters in Spain were predictably cold. But since the 90s, they’ve become much more "chaotic." We’re seeing more extreme swings—one week it's a "yellow warning" for snow in Navarre, and the next, a warm wind from Africa pushes the south back into the 20s.
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According to AEMET reports from early January 2026, we are seeing a "wintry drag." This means the cold air masses are sticking around longer than usual, trapped by high-pressure systems over the Atlantic.
Survival Tips for Spain in January
- Layers are non-negotiable. You will start the day in a puffer jacket, switch to a sweater at noon, and be back in the jacket by 5:00 PM.
- Check the humidity. A 10°C day in Bilbao (Northern Spain) feels much colder than 10°C in Madrid because of the dampness.
- Hot Springs exist. If you're in the north and freezing, head to Ourense. The hot springs there stay at 60°C to 70°C ($140$°F to $158$°F) all year.
- The "Sun Effect." If you are in the sun, you are warm. If you are in the shade, you are in a freezer. Always pick the side of the street the sun is hitting.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning to travel to Spain this week, stop looking at the general "Spain" weather forecast. It's useless. Instead, check the specific city on the AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) website, as they provide the most accurate, localized warnings for snow and wind. Pack a windbreaker if you're headed to the Costa Brava, as the Tramontana winds are currently gusting. If your destination is anywhere north of Madrid, ensure your accommodation has "calefacción" (heating)—believe it or not, many older coastal rentals do not.