What's the weather like in Costa Brava in January
Temperature
On average, January is the coldest time of the year to visit Costa Brava, Spain, when the region is in the midst of its winter season. During this month, the average temperature for Costa Brava starts off at 7°C on January 1st and slowly increases until it reaches 8°C by January 31st. The daily highs and lows for the region follow the same pattern rising up from 13°C to 14°C and from 1°C to 2°C, respectively, as the month progresses.
With average temperatures this cold, you'll need to bring plenty of warm clothing such as jeans, jumpers and coats for both the daytime and the evening. Unless you're planning on visiting a spa or taking a dip in an indoor swimming pool, you're best off leaving your swimming gear at home, too.
Although it only happens on an average of once every ten days, temperatures can sometimes fall below -3°C or rise above 18°C during January in Costa Brava. The hottest January day ever recorded at the airport in Girona the most accurately-located weather station for the Costa Brava is January 27th 2003 when temperatures up to 23.8°C were recorded. At the other end of the scale, the coldest January day ever recorded at Girona airport is January 9th 1985, when temperatures as low as -13°C were recorded. Not only is this day the coldest January day ever recorded it's the coldest day ever recorded in any month in the Costa Brava.
Rain
In January, the Costa Brava receives an average of 56mm (2 inches) of rainfall which is divided between eight rainy days. With this in mind, it's worth packing an umbrella or some waterproof clothing to ensure your holiday isn't ruined by a shower or two.
The highest monthly rainfall ever recorded at the airport in Girona in January is 221 l/m2 which was registered in 1982. The maximum number of rainy days ever recorded here is 19 which fell in 1996 and the maximum amount of precipitation which ever fell in a single day is 137.4 l/m2, all of which fell on January 18th 1982.
The likelihood of precipitation appearing on an average day in the Costa Brava in January increases slightly as the month progresses. Rainfall is least likely to make an appearance on January 1st and 10th when it only falls on 25% of days. At the other end of the scale, rainfall is most likely to fall around January 31st when it falls of 27% of days.
The most common types of precipitation you can expect during this month are moderate rain, drizzle and light rain. Although it's unlikely, snowfall is also a possibility at this time of year. The highest number of snow days ever experienced in the Costa Brava in January is two which occurred in 2009.
Average Sunshine Hours
The Costa Brava boasts an average of seven hours of sunshine each day during January, giving you loads of opportunities to explore the region, even if it's too cold to hit the beach.
Average Sea Temperature
With an average sea water temperature for the beaches in the area being as cool as 14°C, you wouldn't want to go for a swim in the sea, anyway.
Daylight Hours
Throughout January, the length of the day is gradually increasing in the Costa Brava, with a difference of 48 minutes between the start and the end of the month. January 1st is the shortest day of the month with 9:11 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day of the month is January 31st with 9:59 hours of daylight.
Humidity
During this month, the relative humidity for the Costa Brava fluctuates between 53% (mildly humid) and 98% (very humid) rarely falling below 32% (comfortable) or reaching 100%. On average, the most humid day of the month is around January 7th, when the average daily humidity rises above 98% three days out of every four. At the other end of the scale, the least humid day of the month is around January 30th, when the average daily humidity falls below 63% three days out of every four.
Wind
Across January, normal wind speeds range between 0 m/s (calm) and 5 m/s (light breeze) rarely rising above 9 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) happens around January 31st, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s. On the other hand, the lowest average wind speed of 1 m/s (light air) occurs around January 11th, when the average daily maximum is 4 m/s (gentle breeze).
Costa Brava Hotels in January
The two-star Hotel Cap d'Or is one of the most highly-rated hotels in Tossa de Mar. This hotel is made up of 11 single, double and family rooms, each of which comes complete with WiFi access, private bathroom, heating and air conditioning. There is a small selection of services and facilities available onsite, including breakfast served on the terrace, water sports, bar, restaurant and airport shuttle.
For a bit more luxury, consider staying at Hotel Rosa. Located in Begur, this three-star hotel provides accommodation in the form of 18 double rooms and three junior suites, each of which features 32" LCD TV, free WiFi access, heating and air conditioning. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of onsite services and facilities, which include spa, restaurant, terrace, laptop rental and games room.
The four-star Silken Park Hotel San Jorge is perfect for holidaymakers who want to stay in Platja d'Aro. At this hotel, guests can choose between basic rooms, view rooms, deluxe rooms, family rooms and suites, providing something for all budgets and group sizes. There is a handful of amenities and services available onsite, such as swimming pool, garden, restaurant, tennis courts, spa and free WiFi access.
Things to do in Costa Brava in January
The cool temperatures make January an excellent time to explore the area without getting too hot. Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar is one of the most popular parts of the Costa Brava to visit, and is the only standing walled city on the Catalan coast. Depending on where you're staying, you should be able to catch the train to Vila Vella where you can walk around the Medieval town, soak up the sights, admire the architecture and enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes.
One of the highlights of Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar is the ancient castle (Castillo de Tossa de Mar) which is found in the centre of the village. This castle is located on top of a tall hill, providing visitors with fantastic sea views which stretch on for miles. After wandering around the castle walls, you can re-energise by enjoying a drink or a bite to eat at the hilltop café it comes highly recommended before starting the walk back down. If you have the chance, visit the castle in the early evening when you'll have the chance to sip on a drink whilst watching the sun set.
If you're interested in art, don't pass up the opportunity to visit the Dali Museum in Cadaques. Built in the 1930s, this art gallery is unusually decorated and is full of fascinating objects, making it suitable for family and children alike. The museum only allows small groups to enter at a time, so it's best to book your tickets through the website in advance if you don't want to miss out.
During the tour you'll see thousands of objects which each played a role in Dali's life, in addition to more than 4,000 pieces of art which reflect his diversity of materials, media and techniques. Whilst a lot of the work forms part of a permanent exhibition, some other pieces are temporarily on loan from other collections, providing you with something new to see each time you go.
