Benidorm in January

Updated 12/10/2026 by the onbenidorm team · Dates checked October 2026

January in Benidorm brings mild, sunny afternoons averaging 17°C, cold nights around 6°C and a 14.6°C sea that only hardy swimmers try. The Three Kings parade fills the streets on 5 January, the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup comes to Parque Foietes on 17 January 2027, and Benidorm Fest is reported for 23–30 January. The water parks are shut until May.

Average high / low: 17.0°C / 6.3°C (AEMET)
Sea: 14.6°C
Sunshine: 5.8 hours a day, about 10 hours of daylight
Key dates 2027: 5 Jan Three Kings, 17 Jan cyclo-cross, 23–30 Jan Benidorm Fest (reported)
Best for: Over-60s, long stays, walkers, budget breaks

January weather in Benidorm

January is Benidorm's coolest month on land: bright afternoons of about 17°C, nights near 6°C. It is part of our Benidorm in winter series.

Rain is light, 3.6 days and 23 mm on AEMET's normals, and the sun shines for 5.8 hours of a 10-hour day. The sea, at 14.6°C, is still a fraction warmer than in February. For live forecasts see Benidorm weather in January.

Sources: AEMET Alicante 1981–2010 normals, seatemperature.org, weather2travel
Average	December	January	February
Daytime high	17.7°C	17.0°C	17.6°C
Night-time low	7.4°C	6.3°C	7.1°C
Sea temperature	16.5°C	14.6°C	14.2°C
Rain days (1 mm+)	3.8	3.6	3.0
Rainfall	25 mm	23 mm	22 mm
Sunshine per day	5.3 h	5.8 h	6.4 h
Daylight	10 h	10 h	11 h

What's on in Benidorm in January

Three dates shape the month; January 2027 events and what's on in January 2027 add the bar acts.

Three Kings parade, 5 January

The Cabalgata de Reyes is always on the evening of 5 January. In 2026 it left Parque de Elche at 18:00 for the Julio Iglesias Auditorium; the 2027 route is not yet published. 6 January is a public holiday and the last day of the Plaza de la Navidad programme.

UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, 17 January 2027

Visit Benidorm confirms the World Cup returns on Sunday 17 January 2027, raced around Parque Foietes and El Moralet.

Benidorm Fest, 23–30 January 2027

EFE reports Benidorm Fest opens on Saturday 23 January, with semi-finals on 26 and 28 January and the final on Saturday 30 January at the Palau d'Esports l'Illa; tickets are expected in November 2026. After RTVE's 2026 withdrawal, the winner goes to Eurovision only if RTVE takes part.

What's open and closed in January

Most hotels and show bars trade, but a few favourites close for some weeks.

Aqualandia and Terra Mítica: closed. Their 2026 seasons started on 23 May and 15 May.
Mundomar: reopens 2 January, 10:00–18:00, per taquilla.com.
Terra Natura: weekends and public holidays only until mid-March, per taquilla.com.
Benidorm Palace: show nights are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; confirm January dates before booking.
Bars: last January the Bodhran shut 7–15 January and Tommy's Bar from 17 January (Benidorm Seriously); see bars closed for winter.
Accessible bathing points: the council's 2017 plan pauses the service from 15 January to 14 February.

Is January a good time to visit Benidorm?

January suits calm, value breaks, not beach days. Hosbec put hotel occupancy at 64.6% in January 2026, the lowest published figure we found.

Over-60s and long stays: ideal, with quiet promenades and mild walking weather. See Benidorm for over-60s.
Couples: good for sunset strolls to the Balcón del Mediterráneo and a show night.
Families: limited to Mundomar, weekend Terra Natura and playgrounds.
Groups: the Strip is quieter, with some bars shut.

Packing and practical tips for January

Bring a proper jacket for 6°C nights and sun cream for midday. Benidorm Fest visitors should book once dates are confirmed; 1 and 6 January are public holidays. Next: Benidorm in February.

January events in Benidorm

Name	Area	Known for
Three Kings Parade	Town centre	5 January, evening
Benidorm Fest	Palau d'Esports l'Illa	23–30 Jan 2027 (reported)

Benidorm in January — FAQs

Is it warm enough to sunbathe in Benidorm in January?

On a still, sunny afternoon, yes: highs average about 17°C with nearly six hours of sun a day. Visitors report sunbeds are not usually set out on the beach in January, so bring a towel or use a hotel terrace.

Can you swim in the sea in Benidorm in January?

Only if you like cold water. The sea averages 14.6°C, too cold for most people without a wetsuit. Lifeguard services run all year, according to the council, but most visitors use a heated hotel pool.

Is Benidorm busy in January?

It is one of the quietest months: Hosbec reported 64.6% hotel occupancy in January 2026. With Benidorm Fest reported for 23–30 January 2027, the final week could be busier than usual.

When is the Three Kings parade in Benidorm?

Always on the evening of 5 January. In 2026 it started at 18:00 from Parque de Elche and finished at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium in Parque de l'Aigüera. The 2027 route was not yet published.

Do bars close in Benidorm in January?

A minority do. Last winter Tommy's Bar, Jail Rock and the Bodhran closed or cut hours for part of January, while most cabaret bars stayed open. Our bars closed for winter page tracks the current list.

Which theme parks are open in Benidorm in January?

Aqualandia and Terra Mítica are closed. Taquilla.com lists Mundomar as reopening on 2 January and Terra Natura as open at weekends and on holidays; confirm with the park first.

Related guides

Sources and how we checked

Last updated 12 October 2026 by the onbenidorm team.