Has anyone been to Barcelona in January ?

[tinglingg]

We are heading there in a few weeks.
Today it says it's 18 degrees but when I've looked on snap maps people are wearing big coats and hats.
Surely it's not that cold at 18 degrees
Has anyone been this time of year ?
18 degrees to me from Scotland feels like summer
It's currently 1 degree here

I have a friend from Barcelona - Spanish people tend to dress as if they live in a colder place, with coats and hats in January even though it's usually warm enough to sit at pavement cafes.

@AHFBridport ah really ..that makes sense then
I was planning on just taking a leather jacket but after seeing them all wrapped up I didn't have a clue what to pack

I think you'll be fine in your leather jacket. Haven't been in Jan but been in winter and only needed to wrap up in the evening. Have a great trip!

I went to Malaga just before Christmas. I was in a sundress in the day and the Spanish were in puffa jackets and scarves! 😂

Thankyou

@BlondeFool they would have a heart attack if they experienced how cold the uk gets then ha ha

I've been at the start of Feb and the sun was warm - we even had lunch outside a couple of times. Take layers just in case.

Spanish dress for the season not the weather.

Ah that makes sense
Thought it was strange 18 degrees in huge coats

I went to Barcelona in December/January and it was gorgeous weather! We were totally confused by the locals wrapping up and I think they were equally confused by us in our lightweight jackets!

I've been in January, it was t-shirt weather during the day, but oh boy, did the temperature drop when the sun went down! You don't need a big coat but an attumn/spring one for the evening

My ex has just spent a few days in Barcelona for work. He flew back this morning and said the weather was great and much much warmer than chilly Scotland!

Yes, I'm just back from Madrid, and I was wearing a light parka over a thin jumper, but all the Madrilenos were wearing giant puffa coats, hats and gloves and looking thoroughly pinched and chillled.

Thanks everyone that's really helpful

I went in early Feb once. It was fantastic and better than the summer as it was such a welcome change and lift from British weather.
I wore jackets and jumpers and sweatshirts but not big heavy coats. I still remember the joy of the brightness of the light.
I also really needed my sunglasses! We walked everywhere including lunch outside down by the sea - 🥳
also if you like Zara there is a FANTASTIC Zara in Barcelona and def worth a little look amidst the sightseeing!
have a wonderful time! X

I went to Malta in December and it was 18 degrees .... I was walking around in shorts and t-shirts. The locals were wearing coats and hats and looking at me like I was very odd 😁

Ive been in Jan and December. Pleasant in the day, warm even, need a jacket or cardigan at night. Very pleasant weather when I was there. Went for a clothed picnic on the beach on Christmas eve. Enjoy your trip take comfortable shoes for walking, Ate like a horse when there, walked every where, lost almost a stone! Enjoy.

You´ll be fine in the sun, when the sun goes down (or sitting out of the sun outside) you need a jacket. I´ve just been to Malaga to see my family and that is what I did.

Haha, Madrid is not Barcelona though. We have a maximum of 10C and a minimum of 3C at night. I live just North of Madrid and we have had 8C maximum and -3C minimum, totally different kettle of fish to Barcelona.

@Lilactimes oh I love zara ! I have read it's cheaper in Spain too
Well I hope so anyway ha ha
Thankyou

I've been in February and was glad to have taken a decent winter jacket as if you're not sitting in the direct sun in the daytime or if you're in a breeze by the beach it can feel quite chilly.

Yes, I get that. I know Barcelona quite well. My point was simply that what locals are wearing isn't necessarily any real indication of what you should pack to wear yourself if you're an overseas tourist used to a colder climate. I would have died of overheating wearing what the Madrilenos were wearing when I was there last week.