What to do in Madrid in January: weather, Three Kings and ideas for outings

January weather: cold, dry and bright

Source: AEMET, climatological normals 1981-2010, Madrid-Retiro station. These are historical averages, not a forecast. The cold is felt mostly in the morning and evening; night frosts are possible, and wind from the sierra can chill a sunny day. For the whole season, see Madrid in winter.

Public holidays and closures in January 2027

• Friday 1 January (Año Nuevo): national holiday. Many shops and restaurants are closed, and so is the Prado Museum.
• Wednesday 6 January (Epifanía, or día de Reyes): national holiday. Most shops are closed; the Prado shortens its hours (10:00-14:00) according to its usual calendar, to be checked for 2027.

On those days, favour walks and monuments whose opening is confirmed. How Spanish opening hours work is explained in Spanish opening hours in Madrid.

Crowds and prices in January

After 6 January this is one of the quietest months for museums, and hotels are generally cheaper than in December, outside trade-fair weeks. The winter sales (rebajas) traditionally start just after Three Kings' Day; dates are free in Spain, so each shop sets its own. To estimate your spending, see the Madrid travel budget and, to choose a neighbourhood, where to stay in Madrid.

What's on in January 2027

Cabalgata de Reyes: Tuesday 5 January

The Cabalgata de Reyes Magos parades on 5 January 2027, from 18:00 to 21:00, from Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz to Plaza de Cibeles along Paseo de la Castellana and Paseo de Recoletos. Entry is free. Arrive an hour early to get a spot at the front and dress warmly: you stand outside in the evening. Spanish children get their presents on the morning of 6 January, hence the excitement the night before.

Christmas festivities

Christmas lights stay up until early January. Traditions and the calendar are detailed in Christmas in Madrid.

Sales and cultural outings

Shops on the Gran Vía and in the Salamanca district hold their sales; see shopping in Madrid. The Teatro Real and the theatres keep their winter programme: check their official websites.

What to wear in January

• A proper coat, a hat, a scarf and gloves for the morning.
• Layers: museums and cafés are well heated.
• Comfortable shoes for walking, even in dry weather.
• Lip balm and moisturiser: the dry air is quickly noticeable.

Best things to do in January

• The big museums: the Prado (€15 general admission, price checked in October 2026), the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. See also Madrid's museums.
• The Retiro in clear weather: the Retiro Park and its Crystal Palace are pleasant around midday, when the sun warms up.
• Hot chocolate: a stop at the San Ginés chocolatería or one of the historic cafés.
• Roscón de Reyes: this ring-shaped brioche is sold in bakeries around 6 January.
• The Royal Palace: a visit to the Royal Palace is done indoors.
• Rainy days: see what to do in Madrid when it rains.

January 2027 at a glance

Going further

January follows the festivities described in Christmas in Madrid and precedes what to do in Madrid in February. To compare every month, read the best time to visit Madrid, and for the year's big events the popular festivals of Madrid.