Mallorca in winter
3+ Reasons why the island is the perfect place to be in the off-season
Looking for a European vacation destination to escape the cold and dark winter days? You’ve found it! The Balearic Island of Mallorca is the perfect place to be in winter.
Winter in Mallorca is generally a quiet time, with far less people than in the summer months.
The temperatures are pleasantly mild and there is plenty of sunshine: perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, or even extended discovery tours, without the sweat and crowds.
I spend a few weeks in Mallorca every winter to escape the gray-on-gray of Germany, get some winter sun and enjoy the peace and quiet the island offers during the cold months.
Read on to learn all about the benefits of a winter vacation in Mallorca.
3 reasons why Mallorca is worth visiting in winter
1. Mild temperature
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is located south of Barcelona in the Mediterranean Sea.
The island is always worth visiting, but wintertime is my favorite season to be their! The climate remains relatively mild even in the cooler months, from November till March.
Winter temperatures in Mallorca average between 57 °F / 14 °C and 63 °F / 17 °C during the day, dropping to between 41 °F / 5 °C and 48 °F / 9 °C at night. January is the coolest month on the island.
Occasional rainy days can occur, but they are usually not intense enough to disrupt major excursion plans. It can be chilly at night and in the early hours of the morning, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
I was in Mallorca in early January this year and was not too lucky with the weather. Although unlucky is relative, as my alternative was 41 °F / 5 °C and constant drizzle in Germany.
We had a lot of wind, and it was cloudy, but still wonderfully mild with an average of around 59 °F / 15 °C degrees.
2. Less crowds
You may have seen the pictures of Playa del Palma in summer! Even though the party tourism is slowly being pushed back, Mallorca remains completely overcrowded in many places throughout the summer.
Wherever you go, the beaches and bays around the island are extremely busy, and even in the island’s capital Palma, Soller, Pollenca and other places, the crowds are squeezing through the narrow streets.
In winter, the famous clubs and many hotels and restaurants are closed, yet Mallorca still offers open tourist facilities and local spots to enjoy.
Unlike neighboring Ibiza, which becomes very quiet in the off-season, Mallorca maintains a lively atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and cultural sites that stay open year-round.
In the colder period, Mallorca is so beautifully lonely, and I was able to really enjoy the villages and beaches.
I walked for hours on deserted, beautiful sandy beaches and enjoyed the peace and quiet that can only be found in Mallorca during these winter months!
One of my favorites is the beach walk from Port d’Alcudia to Can Picafort which in summer months is packed with sun chairs and people!
If you are renting a car, you don’t have to worry about parking. I always found a parking space without having to search.
Of course, swimming in the Mediterranean in January, when the water temperature is around 16 degrees, is more for the brave once, definitely not for me!
But in mid-November, even I, was still in the water on the Balearic Islands, as the temperature doesn’t normally drop below 18 degrees until the end of November.
3. Saving in the off-season
In general, Mallorca is not the most expensive holiday destination. However, in peak season (June – August) the prices are not without their drawbacks.
In the low season, the Mallorca winter (November – March) flights, rental cars and accommodation are much cheaper.
For my last, one week road trip, I did “only” pay €30.00 for a rental car, for the entire week, including the maximum of insurances possible! My 3 day trip did only cost me €15.00 on rental fees.
Despite the low season, there are several daily flights from many European airports. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, you should compare flight prices! ⇨ I always compare flights through Kiwi.
With a wider choice of accommodations and discounted hotel rates, I like to treat myself to a little more comfort in winter, i.e., a hotel that would definitely not be in my budget during the busy summer months.
Mallorca Winter Highlights
Hiking in Mallorca
I’ve been to Mallorca many times, summer and winter. However, during the warmer months, any kind of outdoor activity, outside the water, is often extremely exhausting, as it’s simply too hot.
Winter, on the other hand, is the perfect time to discover Mallorca’s beautiful nature.
Hiking along Mallorca’s coastline is especially beautiful in winter, as the beaches and coves are deserted. I found, as well, the long-distance hike on the GR221 trail through the in the Tramuntana mountains to be wonderfully solitary.
I highly recommend, for example, the second stage from St. Elm with its fantastic views of the Dragon’s Island or the area around the Cuber reservoir and Tossals Verds.
The cliffs in the southeast of Mallorca are also very impressive and scenic. Those are just some ideas for great hiking on the island.
My favorite trek however, the most challenging hike in Mallorca, through the stunning Torrent de Pareis, not far from the Lluc Monastery, is not accessible in winter. There is too much water in the gorge at this time of year. But the beautiful Sa Calobra beach is open to visit.
⇨ Here you will find my Komoot collection including all my hikes in Mallorca
Almond blossom
If you are not already loving the Mallorca in winter for its mild climate, fewer tourists and low prices, you will do so latest now:
The almond blossom on the island is a breathtaking natural spectacle that usually takes place from the end of January to the end of March. The peak of the blossom is typically reached in mid-February. This year, unfortunately, I was a little too early for the event.
During this time, Mallorca is covered in a carpet of white and pink flowers, a picturesque backdrop for walks, hikes and wonderful souvenir photos.
Especially the southwest of Mallorca, between Andratx, Port Andratx and S’Arraco, offers an abundance of flowers. In the southeast, you can best admire almond blossoms between Santanyi and Felanitx.
Palma de Mallorca
I wanted to visit the capital city of the island of Mallorca in the summer and quickly turned around: it was too hot and, above all, too crowded!
People squeezed through the narrow streets of the city center and stood in a long queue in front of the cathedral waiting to get let in.
Winter, on the other hand, is perfect for exploring and shopping in the beautiful old town. Visit the impressive Cathedral of La Seu, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the Castell de Bellver without having to wait at all.
⇨ Want to be on the safe site? Get here your skip-the-line ticket for the Cathedral
Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, shop in the small boutiques, visit art galleries and enjoy your afternoon coffee or some traditional tapas without the crowds.
Insider tip: After the Epiphany on the 6th of January (a big event in Palma), the winter sales start and the shops are full of offers.
In winter, you can enjoy local specialties such as sobrassada (a Mallorcan sausage), tumbet (a vegetable stew) or ensaimadas (a sweet pastry) in Palma’s best restaurants, often without having to book a table in advance.
The capital, Palma, also offers some interesting museums for rainy days. At the Museu de Mallorca, you can learn about the history of the island. Alternatively, the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró is dedicated to the artist Joan Miró.
Cap Formentor
The lighthouse at Cap Formentor, in the north of Mallorca, is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular viewpoints on the island.
In summer, between mid-June and mid-September, the mile-long road to Cap Formentor is closed for private cars due to heavy traffic, and you can only reach this popular destination by bus.
One summer, I was stuck in a huge traffic jam for over an hour as people did not know about the road closure and had to turn on the narrow road. …..
In winter time, however, you can drive easily all the way to the end of the peninsula and find as well a parking space at the different viewpoints along the winding and sometimes really narrow road. A fantastic day trip from Palma!
FAQ’s
What to wear in Mallorca in winter?
In Mallorca during winter, dress in layers. Expect mild temperatures, so you should have T-Shirts, a Light Jacket or Sweater and long pants on your Mallorca Packing List. Also, consider a raincoat for occasional showers.
Does it snow in Mallorca?
In Mallorca, snow is rare but possible and usually occurs only in the higher elevations of the Tramuntana mountains. The coastal and lowland areas rarely experience any snow.
What is the coldest month in Mallorca?
Mallorca’s coldest month is typically January. The average air temperature ranges from 48°F to 57°F. The average sea temperature is around 57°F to 61°F and there are typically about 5 to 6 days of rain.
Conclusion
I hope my information about visiting Mallorca in winter has shown you that the Mediterranean island is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation during the cold European winter months.
Especially when your time in Mallorca is limited to just a 4 days or less, the winter season, with its smaller crowds, becomes an advantage!
You won’t miss any of the highlights, except maybe a dip in the sea. Instead, the beaches are deserted, free of sunbeds, and absolutely beautiful to look at.
Not possible during the summer due to the heat, there are some great hikes you can explore in the colder months.
Because you save money in the off-season and have fewer other tourists to deal with, your vacation will be much less stressful.
And if the winter weather doesn’t cooperate, there are the museums in Palma or many impressive caves in Mallorca that you can visit.
More about Mallorca
