January in Mallorca is noticeably quieter. Christmas is over, most visitors have gone home, and the island returns to its normal routine. For families, that means outdoorsy weekends, easy mountain hikes and a more local feel. Then just when you think bed times are back in play, the island’s biggest winter festivals step in. Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià bring fire, demons and street life to Palma and across the island, adding energy and drums to an otherwise calm winter rhythm.
What’s the Weather Like in Mallorca in January?
- Temperature: Daytime highs in Palma around 14–16°C, cooler in the mountains and in-land. Chilly evenings and even chiller mornings demand jumpers and jackets, but the midday sun can feel almost ‘t-shirt’.
- Rainfall: Occasional showers or stubborn lingering storm, with plenty of sunny, crisp, clear days in between
- Sea temperature: Cold for swimming but great for a New Year’s dash, perfect most days for coastal walks and beach picnics
- Daylight: Just under 10 hours, sunsets around 18h – and they can be epic in January.
It’s not beach weather in the summer sense, but it’s brilliant for being on the beach, and outdoors generally. Walking, cycling and city days all work well, and on blue sky days you may just find yourself in a t-shirt soaking up the sunshine as if it were already Spring.
Read our Mallorca Weather Guide →
What’s Happening (& What’s Not) in Mallorca in January?
Outdoorsy weekends and quiet streets to wander set the tone in Mallorca this month. Palma, Sóller, Pollença and most inland towns and villages operate year-round, with shops and markets open as normal. Outside of Palma, many non-seasonal restaurants, cafés and smaller hotels take a well-earned annual break in January, often closing for the full month.
Beach resorts such as Palmanova and Alcúdia are largely closed at this time of year, aside from a small number of hotels and restaurants that stay open through winter. Flights and car hire are typically good value, although airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair run reduced schedules. Getting around the island is straightforward, with buses, trains and taxis operating as normal, apart from a few seasonal TIB routes and the Sóller wooden train and tram. Parking is rarely an issue.
Read our Seasonal Travel Guide →
What’s On in Mallorca in January
16–17 January | Sant Antoni | Island-wide
Sant Antoni is one of Mallorca’s oldest traditions and marks mid-winter across the island. The festival centres on Saint Anthony the Abbot, protector of animals, and the traditional battle between order and temptation, represented by the dimonis. While they can look rather scary, these figures are closer to mischievous trouble-makers than anything sinister.
Villages light bonfires, beat drums and welcome fire-wielding dimonis into town squares. Early evening celebrations tend to be social and family-focused, with big groups gathering around communal barbecues, grilling sausages and pork, while children wear devil masks and horns and run around with friends. As the night goes on, celebrations become louder and more intense. Sa Pobla, Artà and Manacor are among the best-known places to experience it, but tend to suit older children rather than under-teens. Many towns also programme separate activities specifically for children, and most Sant Antoni events are easiest for families earlier in the evening.
The following morning, many towns hold the beneïdes, where animals are brought through village squares to be blessed. This is a calmer, daytime tradition that works well with children.
Friday 16 January | Revetla
- Bonfires, music and visiting dimonis across towns and villages from sunset
Saturday 17 January | Beneïdes
- Morning animal blessings for pets and farm animal in town centres and village squares
19–25 January | Sant Sebastià | Palma
Palma’s patron saint celebrations bring music, food, giants and fire to neighbourhoods across the city. Daytime events are accessible for families, while evenings are busier and louder, particularly towards the finale.
cancelled – Monday 19 January | Revetla
- Bonfires, barbecues (BYO meat) and live music
- Key locations include Plaça d’Espanya, Plaça de Cort and Plaça Major
- Look out for the dreadful dragon Drac de na Coca
Cancelled – Tuesday 20 January | Sant Sebastià Feast Day & Family Cycle Ride
- Public holiday in Palma, Palma schools and some businesses closed
- Sant Sebastià Family Cycle Day | 12h | Start point: Plaça de Cort
- Family cycle ride with traffic-free streets
- Free registration, open to all ages. Bring your own bikes and helmets.
Saturday 24 January | Trobada de Gegants
- Gegants and ‘Big Heads’ parade and dance through the city streets
Sunday 25 January | Volada d’Estels and Correfoc Finale
- Kite flying at Parc de la Mar during the morning
- Closing correfocs (fire run) in the evening – usually intense and crowded , best avoided with younger children
Other Events for Families
Saturday 17 January | Beach Clean-up | 10–12h
- Coastal clean-up organised by Mallorca Preservation
- Location: Playa El Toro
- Registration required
Postponed – Sunday 18 January | Family Birds of Prey Centre Day | 10–16h
- Family open day marking the inauguration of the Vuelo Alto birds of prey sanctuary
- Location: Camí de Son Lluch
- Workshops, flight displays, rescued birds and a small market. Ticketed event
All dates and times are correct at the time of publishing but may change, particularly in the case of poor weather. We aim to keep listings updated, but always check directly with the organiser before heading to an event.
Island Adventures – Best Things to Do with kids in January
1. A winter walk
The Alaró Castle route works well in January. Just steep enough to warm you up, panoramic views to spot snowy peaks, and a perfect spot to stop for a cosy lunch on the return.
- Distance: 7 km return
- Best for: Children aged 7+ (we’ve walked it with 5yr old seasoned walkers)
- Nearby: Alaró village for a post-walk wander or late lunch if you skip the restaurant on route.
[Read the full family hike guide →]
2. Merienda moment
January is peak chocolate and churros season. Warm, sugar-dusted and straight from the fryer, it’s an easy winter treat to build into a market morning or city stroll.
[Find our favourite churros stops →]
3. Indoor energy burner (for rainy days)
When the weather turns and they need to blow off steam; climbing centres and indoor sports halls give kids space to move while parents stay dry, and most run year-round.
[See our rainy-day picks in Palma →]
Looking Ahead
Planning ahead for your next holiday, or looking for hotel tips and beach picks within walking distance? You’ll find our seaside stays and family-friendly favourites across the island here.
Plan your Mallorca trip with us →
February brings almond blossom season, countryside walks and the first signs of spring. The next Family Edit lands soon. Subscribe to receive it straight to your inbox.
