Would you say Spain is mild in January ?

[ginodecplon]

Going to Spain end of the month for a city break.
The day we arrive is showing 17 degrees and 18 degrees both days after.
Do you think I'm going to need winter clothes ? Big coat etc
I was reading Spanish dress for season not weather
Is 17 degrees likely to feel chilly over there ?

I wouldn't wear a big coat if it was warm and I was walking around a city, 17 C is likely to feel pleasantly springlike with hints of it warming up for summer. I'd dress in layers and expect to take a coat off in the daytime, but need it if sitting around outside in the evening when it would be much cooler.

The temperature in Spain outside the summer can vary massively over a day, from close to 0 C in the mountains at night to over 20 C in the daytime - I've experienced this many times. I don't care how Spaniards dress. I'm not sweating in a coat because the weather is comparable to a summer's day in the UK but they think it's big coat weather.

It also matters where in Spain you're going. The weather in Seville vs Santander for example might as well be in a different country.

I'd wear a very light Uniqlo type puffer, the kind that folds up small. And take a couple of cardies.

I’m in Madrid and it’s close to freezing at the moment. But the sky is clear and blue and there is no wind, it’s glorious. I’ve been out in my puffer and a beanie and gloves. 17-18 here feels quite warm and if you’re doing plenty of walking you may be comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans. 17 here is nothing like 17 in the UK. You definitely won’t need a big coat. Where in Spain?

Recently got back from visiting family in Spain. It was around 17-18 most days. I took a coat (a smart, wool coat) but it was too warm to wear it in the sun. Spanish were well and truly wrapped up warm, but I dress for my comfort, not for appearances.
It got very chilly when the sun went down, though.

We have 3 days in Barcelona the!n 2 in Malaga

Should have said, we were in Valencia.

Maybe close to the water it’s a bit breezier, but I think a big coat is overkill. A puffer and scarf will suffice. It cools dramatically when the sun goes down, even so, it’s not that kind of deep into your bones cold! Have fun.

We had -2 here last week so I'm hoping I can cope
It's always crazy to see the Spanish so wrapped up when it's over 16 degrees
That's a lovely spring /summer day up here where I live ha ha

Just back, in the sunshine it feels warmer, so just a light jacket needed for daytime ( if needed) however you will need something warmer at night but not a UK winter jacket.

As others say it makes a difference where in Spain you are going - with a forecast of 17/18, I'm guessing Malaga or Seville? I've just come back from Malaga area and have been wearing leggings and tee shirt with a cardigan for the morning or in the shade. The air temperature can feel a bit chilly if there is a breeze or in the shade and you'll want a sweater and a thin padded jacket for the evening, especially if you plan to sit outside (although it can be quite warm if you are next to an outdoor heater). It's an idea to check the night time temperature too as somewhere like Granada may look warm in the day time but can get to near freezing overnight. And check the forecast again a day or so before you travel as it can be very changeable at this time of year. I always pack a thin waterproof and a folding umbrella too.

Just seen Barcelona and Malaga - I would expect Malaga to be a couple of degrees warmer than Barcelona (normally).

Thankyou everyone

I think you’ll need a decent jacket more for the evenings and mornings: we’ve been waking up to 1 degree and it’s then been getting up to 16-19 degrees. Layers are your friend!

After a couple of years I too am now wimping it up in my Big Coat because I can’t take ‘the cold’ anymore 😂

It's difficult to explain a winter Mediterranean climate to people who don't live there! I'm in the Eastern Med and while it's warm (20c) during the day, the temperature drops at sunset and it gets very cold at night 🥶