spain in january???? insane??

Well, I can't comment specifically about Spain, but I did the majority of my continental Europe explorations back in the day in the months of January or February. Ryan air had some amazing deals, and I was a student, so it just kind of worked out that way.

Well, I had a great time, in Belgium, France, Germany etc. The weather was a little cold (though I was living in the uk at the time, and it definitely wasn't worse than that), but the really good part was that is was definitely off peak tourist season. From cheaper accommodation prices (even being the only guests in some places), to smiling sailing through our itineraries, it turned out to be pretty great. For example, we were told to leave aside an entire day to do versailles in Paris, and we accordingly got an early start. Then we were completely finished by 11am! If it's what you can swing, then do it.

Insane? ... no of course not because you could rather be going to Russia or northern Canada in January, now that would be closer to insane.

Yes I remember it was pretty cold in January in Valencia, abour 20 degrees. We didn't go for a swim....

and have read that lots of transport etc will close during this period.
...curious where you read this.
No. Sometimes even more frequent...

It depends on where you go in Spain. The interior highland plateau (aka Madrid) can be around freezing in january. The coast on the other hand will be significantly warmer. You'll find daytime temperatures around or above 20 degrees C. In Andalucia, going down to about 15 degrees C in Barcelona.

Not really temperatures to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt, but certainly also not fur coat weather either.

As for transport: you'll find there are lots of charter flights to and from northern Europe that only operate in summer catering to package holidays. For you, their absence in winter will more likely be a blessing than a curse. Other transport, like trains, busses, regular flights will not be reduced.

sure its cold. buy a winter coat at a cheraty place. When you leave Spain, give it to a homeless guy.

I think January is a great time to visit Spain. Thinner crowds and better lodging deals.

Southern Spain especially. It's nice and warm during the day.

In December, many Germans fly to Spain for beach holidays. Most of them go to the aiports of Las Palmas, Tenerife South, Tenerife North, Arrecife and Fuerteventura, some others to La Palma.
But Germans are crazy people anyway: they even want to save the Euro!

Hello

It´s no problem visit Spain at this time of the year. If you go to the South, Andalucia for instance, or close to the Meditarrean Coast, the temperatures will be fine in general. Not hot, but not really cold. (10-15ºC average).

In the internal parts could be colder in many points.

Another destination could be the islands, Canary for instance, and you´ll be pretty much OK in Tenerife, Gran Canaria or in any other. Perhaps, with luck, even enjoy the beach.

Have fun