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Planning a trip to Barcelona in January and wondering what to pack? You’re in the right place!
January in Barcelona brings cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the year in Barcelona but if you compare it to the rest of Europe, it’s very mild.
I personally love visiting Barcelona in January because there aren’t many tourists which means you can truly enjoy all the attractions without having to wait or deal with the crowds.
Also, since the weather is very good (for January), you don’t have to wear overly bulky clothes .
✅ In A Rush? Here Are My Top Picks For Barcelona in January
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to pack for your January trip to Barcelona, along with travel tips.
Please note that you should always adapt any of my packing lists to your tastes. I try to give you packing lists that also fit the local style so you don’t feel out of place but ultimately, you need to wear what makes you feel good!
What is the Weather Like in Barcelona in January?
January is one of the coolest months in Barcelona, with temperatures typically ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
While the weather is generally mild, mornings and evenings can feel quite chilly, especially if there’s wind coming off the sea.
Rain is rare but possible, so packing layers and a few versatile pieces will help you stay warm and stylish.
Despite the fact that it’s one of the coolest months in the city, it’s really important to understand that it’s very mild and therefore there is a lot of winter sun.
To give you an idea, January in Barcelona is comparable to October in England so while you’ll need some layers, you don’t need to pack for full on winter.
Essential Packing List for Barcelona in January
You can find below a packing list with everything you will need to pack for Barcelona in January.
As usual, feel free to make it yours and don’t overthink it, Barcelona is a great place for shopping so you can always buy some extra stuff once you’re there.
Clothing
- A Coat: A mid-weight, stylish coat is perfect for Barcelona. Since mornings and evenings are a bit cool but the day is quite nice, I usually recommend a wool trench coat because it keeps you warm if needed and you can easily button it up but if it gets a bit warmer, you can open it. Leather / faux fur coats, medium-weight puff jackets or quilted jackets are also a great idea.
- Light Sweaters & Knitwear: You will need a top layer and since it’s still winter at the end of the day, I recommend some nice knit sweaters. They are very stylish and can be paired with a skirt or jeans. I wouldn’t opt for sweaters that are too bulky though because it’s not that cold.
- Long-Sleeve Tops: Great for layering or wearing alone on sunny afternoons. Stick with neutral or dark colors for easy mixing and matching.
- Short-sleeve t-shirts: These are also practical because it’s not always that cold so if wearing both a long-sleeve t-shirt and a sweater is too much for you, then a short-sleeve t-shirt will be perfect.
- Jeans & Trousers: You can wear any type of jeans or trousers in January in Barcelona. My only recommendation is to stick to neutral colours because it’s easier to pair with a top but then it’s entirely up to you.
- Autumn / Winter Dresses: If you like wearing tights, then you absolutely can in Barcelona in January. The weather is perfect for that and you don’t even need tights that are that thick. You can opt for a warm autumn dress (maybe with a tank top underneath) or a knit dress.
- Winter skirts and shorts: These are also perfect with tights and you can pair them with your knit sweaters. Make sure they are wintery though, with fabrics such as velvet or denim, because flowy summer-y ones won’t be ideal.
Footwear
- Comfortable Sneakers: Barcelona’s streets are made for walking, but some areas are uneven, so opt for comfortable sneakers. Leather sneakers are ideal. You can also opt for tennis shoes like New Balance.
- Ankle Boots: A pair of flat or platform ankle boots will keep your feet warm and comfortable. Also, you can wear them with anything so it’s definitely very versatile.
Bags
- Large handbag: In Europe, we love carrying around large handbags so we can put all our belongings in. If you want to fit it, you should opt for one of those. Make sure you can close it with zippers though because there are pickpockets.
- Money Belt: While Barcelona is generally safe, it’s known for pickpockets, especially in touristy areas. A slim money belt under your clothes is a good precaution.
Accessories
- Scarf: This is the ultimate accessory to wear in Europe regardless of the place you visit to be honest. In Barcelona, it comes in handy to add a bit more warmth or protect your neck from the wind but more importantly, it’s a statement piece. Opt for an oversized scarf if you want to fit it.
- Tights: If you plan to wear skirts or dresses
- Beanie or Hat: This is always handy on colder days and if you don’t want to use it, you can always put it in your handbag.
- Small Umbrella (optional): Rain is quite rare in Barcelona in January but that can always happen so if you have a compact umbrella, you can bring it.
Electronics
- Phone & Charger
- Power Bank
- Camera
- International Adapter: Spain uses type C and F outlets, so be sure to bring an adapter if needed.
- Loop earplugs: A lot of hotels can be loud at night so having earplugs can be a life saver.
- Headphones / earphones: Always practical when you travel but also if you want to listen to music in public transport.
Paperwork
- Passport
- Travel Insurance
- Bank Card + Travel Money Card: Using cards like Revolut or Wise can help you avoid high foreign transaction fees.
What to Wear in Barcelona in January Depending on the Weather:
☀️ If it’s sunny ☀️
A skater dress with tights under a trench coat and paired with ankle boots.
☁️ If it’s cloudy ☁️
Layer up with a knit sweater, jeans or warm trousers, and a stylish coat. Add a scarf, beanie, and ankle boots.
🌧️ If it rains 🌧️
A puff jacket, knit sweater, and jeans or trousers paired with waterproof boots and of course, an umbrella.
Things Not to Wear in Barcelona in January:
- Summer Dresses: January is too cold for summer attire. Save those for your next warm-weather trip!
- High Heels: While stylish, high heels can be tricky on Barcelona’s uneven streets, especially in areas like the Gothic Quarter. Opt for comfortable shoes instead.
- Overly Casual Clothes: Locals tend to dress smart-casual, so avoid overly casual items like sweatpants or athletic wear unless you’re at the gym.
With this packing list and insider tips, you’re all set for an unforgettable January trip to Barcelona!
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