Spain, Europe

Madrid in January

Low prices and quiet museums. The Three Kings parade on January 5 and winter sales afterward.

Quiet valueCold and sunny, highs near 50F (10C), nights near freezing

Gran Via and the Madrid skyline — MadridPhoto: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC0

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Madrid. Low prices and quiet museums. The Three Kings parade on January 5 and winter sales afterward.

Weather: Cold and sunny, highs near 50F (10C), nights near freezing
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Madrid

January in Madrid is cold and sunny, with highs near 50F (10C) and nights near freezing. The skies are often bright blue, so walking the center is pleasant if you dress warmly. Prices are at their lowest and the big museums are calm. The Three Kings Parade fills the streets on the evening of January 5, January 6 is a holiday with closures, and the winter sales start soon after.

It suits museum lovers, budget travelers and families who want the Three Kings magic without summer heat. It is not a month for long terrace lunches outdoors. For warm sunshine and a livelier street scene, pick April, May or October instead.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Madrid this month.

Three Kings Parade

On January 5, a huge evening parade winds through central Madrid, with the kings throwing sweets to children. Arrive early for a good spot.

Winter sales

After the holidays, shops across the city cut prices, and the main shopping streets are fun to browse.

Quiet Prado

The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen are calm, so you can see Velazquez and Goya without a crowd.

What to pack for January

A warm coat for cold mornings and nights
A scarf, hat and gloves
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses for the bright winter sun

Our timing tip

Check museum hours around January 6, when many sights close or run shorter hours for the holiday.

Book Madrid for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Madrid
Opens a hotel search for Madrid in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Madrid
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Madrid
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Madrid for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade)

January 5 every year

A huge evening parade through central Madrid, with the kings throwing sweets to children.

Christmas and New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol

Late November to early January

City lights, a Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, and the famous twelve grapes at midnight on December 31.

Things to do in Madrid

Full guide

Museo del Prado

Velazquez, Goya, and Bosch. Free entry runs the last two hours of most days, with long lines; buy a timed ticket instead for a calmer visit.

Tickets and tours →

Museo Reina Sofia

Home of Picasso's Guernica. Closed Tuesdays; free evening hours on several days.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

A superb private collection spanning centuries, and usually calmer than the Prado.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Royal Palace

One of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Still used for state ceremonies, which can close it on short notice.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Retiro Park

Rowboats on the lake, the Crystal Palace, and the rose garden, especially in May and October.

Tickets and tours →

Mercado de San Miguel and La Latina

A glass-and-iron market near the Plaza Mayor, then Sunday tapas in La Latina after the El Rastro flea market.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book the Prado for a morning timed entry rather than the free evening hours, which draw long lines.
Visit the Royal Palace at opening or late in the day, and check it is not closed for an official event.
Adopt local hours: museums in the morning, a long lunch, a rest in the heat, then tapas after 9pm.
Visit El Rastro early on Sunday morning, before it gets packed by late morning.

Know before you go

In August, some family restaurants, bars, and shops close for a week or more. Major museums, sights, and chains stay open.
Many museums close one day a week, most often Monday; the Reina Sofia closes on Tuesdays.
Spanish holidays like January 6, May 1, and Holy Week bring closures and reduced hours. May 2 and San Isidro on May 15 are local holidays in Madrid.
Many smaller shops close for a midday break outside the main shopping streets, roughly 2pm to 5pm.