Pros and Cons of visiting in January

Where? Done Paris, Amsterdam Rome,while working and there is definitely a different vibe and the attractions aren't that busy; did all these pre-Covid.

Pros - Depending on the location fewer tourists. Room prices may be better and may be easier to secure. Airfares may be less.
Cons - Some sites may be closed or have limited hours. Difficulty traveling if weather is really bad - I'm sure you can relate to this. More clothes required than in warmer months.

I think RS may have a list of these pros and cons on this website.

I once visited in late January--Innsbruck, Munich and Venice.

We about froze out tails off--even in Venice.

I'm more of a shoulder season guy. We used to go the last day or two of March--in order to get the winter airfares. Things warm up fast in April.

Depends where in Spain you want to go. To me, other than shorter daylight hours, possibly poor weather in the mountains, and less opportunity for certain outdoors activities, it’s all positive.

Airfare and lodging should be less and there will be fewer crowds at the normally crowded destinations. Anytime outside of the summer months is a good time to visit. It is what you make of it.

As an FYI, today it was 106 degrees in Toledo, Plasencia, and Cáceres, while Madrid was 102. Temperatures will be much nicer in January.

Visiting what exactly? This area of the World, due to its particular orography, doesn't have a "uniform" weather pattern.

Assuming you are asking about Spain, since that's the section you posted under, I think Lynne has given the usual pros and cons. Without knowing where in Spain, or what you want to do while there, anything more specific isn't possible.

Pros

• Cheaper air fare.
• Hotel and Airbnb’s will cost less unless you go to Scandinavia. It supposedly has something to do with business travel during the off season.
• Train travel will not require advance tickets to be purchased, however, the further out you buy your tickets the cheaper it is.
• Concerts will be in full bloom.
• Museums will be less crowded meaning you won’t have to stand in long lines to buy tickets.
• Less tourists meaning you’ll interact more with locals.
• Pubs and restaurants are cozier during cold weather than eating al fresco.
• Easier to carry valuables when wearing layers of clothing.

Cons

• Can’t pack as light as you would during the summer.
• Need to bring your warmest coat, shoes and boots with good traction for ice. Bring long underwear, a hat, feet and hand warmers.
• Short days as I’m sure you’re already familiar with.

I am assuming that asnyou posted in Spain forum, that is where you want to go.
North and Madrid can see snow, but Andalucia would be acceptable.
By February the Med coast is day time T shirt weather (for Canucks). Earlier could be damp and bone chilling...because of the humidity.
I had a penalty who spent winter in Sevilla or Malaga with no qualms and she was from temperate USA.
You will want to ensure there is heating and in more than just the bedroom. If renting a summer home out of season, this is one of the shortfalls.
If you are thinking a month away with one or two home bases, the only con, or reservation would be the heating as far as I am concerned

Since you come from Canada you will not need boots and long underwear or your warmest coat in Spain.
The winter is very mild; there is no kind of wind chill like you feel in Canada.
I have been to Spain in January and on New Year's Day 2018 it was 70 degrees Fahrenheit in Cadiz.
The only con is that days are shorter sun light wise. But you won't have to deal with all the tourists.

I’m currently planning a January Barcelona/Madrid trip.

Some pros:

• Soft airfare prices
• many Barcelona hotels are considerably more affordable (Madrid lodging doesn’t seem as elastic)
• Fewer tourists
• Deep sales in shopping
• Special onion BBQ celebrations (see my thread)
• Barcelona weather seems very tame relative to what I would have in Chicago, typically

Some cons:

• shorter hours to some sites
• Less daylight
• minimal beach stuff (not a con for me, YMMV)
• Holidays in the early part of the month.

There are no cons. Whenever you are able to go is the best time.

Thanx everyone, these are the answers I was hoping for, plus a few things I wasn't aware of. Appreciate all your thoughts and advice.

We visited Spain in February 2023. One slight con we found was that there is a scheme to encourage domestic tourism in the off season and in a couple of places we shared our hotels with large groups of very rowdy Spanish seniors.

I would have liked to see rowdy Spanish seniors. It might have been a fun time.

We were in Andalusia in Feb 2024 (mid month). It was very enjoyable. Obviously less daylight than summer and cooler at night. Bring a medium weight coat, a scarf and gloves and you will be fine. We did not perceive any places were closed for the season, but we were not at the beach either.

Even though I am not the OP, I often travel in winter and I appreciate all the pros and cons you listed.