Palma de Mallorca in January – Weather, Events & Travel Tips
January in Palma de Mallorca is calm, cool, and full of local traditions. As the crowds disappear after the holidays, this is the perfect time to explore Mallorca at a slower pace, enjoy its stunning winter landscapes, and experience unique cultural festivals. If you’re looking for peaceful beach walks, cozy cafés, and scenic hiking – January is one of the best months to visit without the summer rush.
📌 Quick Facts – Palma in January
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🌡 Weather | Cool & mild (6°C–16°C) |
| 🌊 Sea Temperature | ~15°C (too cold for most swimmers) |
| 🎉 Events | Sant Sebastià & Sant Antoni Festivals |
| 🏖 Beaches | Quiet & scenic, great for walks |
| 🚶♂️ Outdoor Activities | Hiking, cycling, winter markets |
| 🍽 Food to Try | Ensaimada, calçots, sobrassada |
| 💰 Travel Costs | Low season, best hotel deals |
🌤 Weather in Palma de Mallorca in January
✅ Average temperature: 6°C – 16°C (43°F – 61°F)
✅ Rainy days: Around 6–8 days of occasional showers
✅ Sea temperature: 15°C (too cold for swimming, but beaches are great for walks)
✅ Daylight hours: ~9.5 hours
💡 Tip: January mornings and evenings can be chilly, but the afternoons are usually pleasant in the sun.
🔗 Palma de Mallorca Weather Guide
Packing Tips for Palma in January
✔ Warm layers – Sweaters, jackets, and long-sleeve tops for cool evenings.
✔ Comfortable shoes – Ideal for walking around the Old Town & countryside.
✔ Sunglasses – Even in winter, the Mediterranean sun is bright.
✔ Umbrella – Occasional light rain is common.
✔ Scarf & gloves – Not essential but useful for evening strolls.
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to hike in the Tramuntana Mountains, bring sturdy shoes and a windproof jacket.
Events & Things to Do in Palma in January
January in Mallorca is all about traditional festivals, local celebrations, and cozy winter experiences.
Sant Sebastià – Palma’s Biggest Winter Festival 🔥
📍 Where: Palma city center
🕒 When: January 19th & 20th
Sant Sebastià is Palma’s patron saint festival, celebrated with huge bonfires, live music, and street parties.
✅ What to Expect:
✔ Giant barbecues in the streets – locals grill meat & share food.
✔ Free concerts in Palma’s main squares.
✔ Traditional “correfoc” fire runs with dancing devils.
💡 Tip: Bring some sausages or meat to grill at the public barbecues – it’s part of the tradition!
Sant Antoni – Fire Festivals in Rural Mallorca 🔥
📍 Where: Villages across the island (Alcúdia, Artà, Manacor)
🕒 When: January 16th & 17th
Sant Antoni is one of Mallorca’s most famous festivals, with bonfires, animal blessings, and masked devils parading through the streets.
✅ Best places to experience Sant Antoni:
✔ Sa Pobla – The most traditional fire & devil festival.
✔ Manacor – Music, fireworks, and parades with huge figures.
✔ Artà – Bonfires & community feasts in the old town.
💡 Tip: If you want an authentic local experience, visit a small village instead of Palma for Sant Antoni!
Winter Beach Walks & Outdoor Adventures
Coastal Walks & Quiet Beaches
Even though January is too cold for swimming, Mallorca’s beaches are stunning in winter, making them perfect for peaceful walks and photography.
✅ Best beaches for a January stroll:
✔ Cala Deià – A dramatic rocky cove, perfect for photography.
✔ Playa de Muro – Long sandy stretch with dunes & wooden walkways.
✔ Port de Sóller – A scenic harbor with cozy cafés.
Hiking & Nature in January
January is one of the best months for hiking in Mallorca, with cool temperatures and crisp air.
✅ Best winter hikes:
✔ Puig de Galatzó – A moderate summit hike with ocean views.
✔ Barranc de Biniaraix – A scenic valley trail near Sóller.
✔ Castell d’Alaró – A hike up to a historic castle with breathtaking views.
🔗 Best Hiking Trails in Mallorca
Winter Food & Seasonal Delicacies in January 🍽
Mallorca’s winter food scene is rich, warming, and full of local traditions.
What to Eat in January
✅ Ensaimada – A fluffy pastry, perfect with coffee.
✅ Calçots – Grilled sweet onions, served with romesco sauce.
✅ Sobrassada – A spicy cured sausage, ideal for winter tapas.
✅ Arroz Brut – A hearty saffron-infused rice stew.
💡 Tip: Visit a traditional “cellar” restaurant for a cozy, authentic Mallorcan meal.
🔗 Best Tapas Restaurants in Palma
✈️ Travel Tips for Visiting Palma in January
✔ Stay in Palma or a rural retreat – The best areas for a cozy winter escape.
✔ Rent a car – Public transport is available, but a car makes exploring small villages easier.
✔ Pack warm layers – Palma is mild, but mountain areas can be colder.
✔ Book accommodations early – January has some of the best hotel deals of the year!
🔗 Where to Stay in Mallorca
🔗 Rent a Car in Palma
❓ Common Questions About Palma in January
Is Palma de Mallorca cold in January?
🌡️ Not too cold! Daytime temperatures are mild, averaging 14-16°C (57-61°F), while nights can drop to around 6-8°C (43-46°F). You’ll need a light jacket, but the afternoons can feel pleasantly warm in the sun.
Can you swim in Mallorca in January?
🌊 It’s possible, but chilly! The sea temperature is around 15°C (59°F), which is too cold for most people. However, some locals and winter swimmers still take quick dips!
Is Palma busy in January?
🚶♂️ No, it’s a quiet time. Most tourists leave after New Year’s, making it one of the most peaceful months to explore the island without crowds.
Are restaurants and shops open in January?
🍽️ Yes! Palma’s Old Town cafés, tapas bars, and shopping areas stay open, but some beach clubs and tourist hotspots in smaller towns may close for winter.
🌴 Palma in January: Summary
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Weather | Cool & mild (6°C–16°C) |
| 🎉 Biggest Event | Sant Sebastià & Sant Antoni Festivals |
| 🏖️ Beaches | Best for scenic walks & quiet sunsets |
| 🚶♂️ Outdoor | Perfect for hiking & coastal trails |
| 🍽️ Food | Ensaimadas, sobrassada, winter stews |
| 💰 Travel Costs | Low season, best hotel deals |
📌 Final Thoughts – Is January a Good Time to Visit Palma?
✅ Perfect for cultural festivals, hiking, and a peaceful escape.
✅ Cool but mild weather – great for outdoor adventures.
✅ Low-season prices – amazing deals on flights & hotels.
If you want to experience Mallorca’s winter charm, explore without crowds, and enjoy authentic local festivals, January is a fantastic time to visit!
