In January, the island has a different rhythm; the hustle and bustle of summer is over, and a calmer, perfect Mallorca arrives for you to enjoy. It’s a month for those looking for another side of the Mediterranean with towns that reflect real life and not just that summer postcard.
For those traveling with Rentallorca, it is the perfect time to settle into a cozy accommodation and use it as a base to explore the island calmly.
Weather in Mallorca in January: is it cold or can you go out in short sleeves?
The climate has mild temperatures during the day, cool mornings and evenings, and the occasional bit of wind that reminds you that the sea is nearby. Normal maximum temperatures are around 13 and 15ºC and minimums around 8 and 10ºC. You won’t find snow, nor will you be able to put on your swimsuit, but you can wear short sleeves at noon.
The advantage is that the weather in Mallorca in January allows you to walk, take routes, and visit towns without melting or fighting for shade.. If you come from a European city further north, it will probably seem almost like spring. Of course, remember to pack a jacket and a raincoat in case there are any showers.
What to do in Mallorca in January: routes, towns, and landscapes without tourists
January is perfect for touring the island by car and enjoying the towns of the center and east without rushing. In the center you can discover places like Sineu, Santa María or Inca, with more local markets and less oriented to mass tourism. It is an ideal area to see the rural Mallorca with fields, vineyards, and squares.
The north of the island has the Serra de Tramuntana, which looks spectacular in winter, with routes through towns such as Pollença or Alcúdia, almost empty viewpoints, and coves that invite you to stroll and take photos of the surroundings.
Towards the east, areas such as Artà, Capdepera or the coves of the eastern coast have a wilder and quieter air, perfect for combining sea, gentle hiking and charming stone villages.
Indoor and outdoor plans for all tastes
If the day is cooler or cloudier, Palma de Mallorca in January is a great plan to enjoy the old town, its shops, bars, museums and the cathedral. dominating the bay. You can easily spend a day wandering the streets, entering cozy cafes, and visiting cultural spaces without endless queues.
If the sun is shining, outdoor plans are a must. You can take routes of hiking through the Tramuntana, walks along the coast, visits to viewpoints, and tours of towns with sea views.
In January the beaches are practically empty so you can walk on the sand with a coat, enjoy the Mediterranean light, and feel like you have the island almost to yourself. It is not a season for dips, but it is for breathing sea and tranquility.
Local festivities: what you can't miss in winter
Here are some of those festivals that you can’t miss if you are lucky enough to come to Mallorca in January. Write them down in your calendar!
San Sebastián in Palma
Palma celebrates the San Sebastián festivities, its patron saint, in January with concerts, cultural activities, and bonfires in squares and neighborhoods. It is a perfect opportunity to combine culture, gastronomy and local life, and discover the city illuminated and lively in the middle of winter.
Sant Antoni
In many towns in the center and north of Mallorca, January is lived with intensity thanks to the Sant Antoni festivities, with bonfires, demons, music and traditions very ingrained. It is one of the best ways to see the most authentic Mallorca with streets full of its people, typical food, and a festive atmosphere very different from the tourist summer.
Markets and winter traditions
In addition to the big festivals, the weekly markets in the towns maintain their prominence in January with an offer of local products with fewer tourists and more neighborhood atmosphere. It is the ideal time to buy local products and then enjoy them calmly in your accommodation, whether in the interior, in the north, or on the east coast.
Tips for traveling to Mallorca in January (and enjoying it without rushing)
To take advantage of Mallorca in January, it is best to rent a car and have accommodation as a base to explore the different areas.
We advise you to wear layered clothing, t-shirt, light sweater, and jacket to adapt to the change in temperature during the day. And don’t forget comfortable shoes to walk through the cobbled streets and take a simple route.
With fewer tourists, you can improvise more, but it is advisable to check schedules of restaurants and shops, as some reduce services in winter. And even though it is January, the Mediterranean sun is still treacherous, so a little sunscreen doesn’t hurt.
Visit Mallorca in January: another side of the island that will surprise you
Mallorca in January is not the island of umbrellas and hammocks, but that of the towns that live at their own pace, the routes are multitudes and the coves are silent. It is the perfect time for those who want to know the essence of the island beyond the summer.
From Palma to the towns of the center, passing through the north and the east, you will discover a Mallorca that is calm, authentic, and very pleasant to travel by car and on foot. With Rentallorca accommodation as a base, you can organize a trip tailored to your needs and enjoy the other side of Mallorca. Contact us to book your apartment!