New Year's Blue and Walks: How Mallorca Began the Year Cosily

New Year's Blue and Walks: How Mallorca Began the Year Cosily

A sunny morning, a afternoon of cheerful clouds – and plenty of room to breathe

Those who got up early on New Year's Day had the advantage: it was as if the island had unwrapped a small gift. The sky over Palma showed a clear, almost striking color, and the sounds of the city – engines, voices, the rattling of street sweepers – suddenly sounded friendlier. On the Passeig Mallorca a few people sat on a bench with thermoses, a dog pulled energetically on its leash, and on the sea the surface glittered like a sheet of silver.

In the south, around Llucmajor, the morning light softened gently over the fields. From the town the Puig de Randa was clearly visible: the summit green, the village church compact and down-to-earth, both like illustrations from a small island atlas. Those driving from the town toward Sa Ràpita found walkers on the beach in thick jackets and occasional people who, despite the season, briefly entered the water – some with a surfboard, as if carrying a piece of warmth with them.

Andratx showed itself a bit cloudier: in the morning thin veil clouds pushed in from the west, which during the afternoon turned over Palma into a friendly alternation of sun and clouds. In windless corners the light already felt as if spring could be about to put a foot in the door. Thermometer readings were around 13 degrees Celsius in the shade; in sunny, sheltered spots passersby felt the air noticeably milder.

In the harbour basin in front of the Baluard Museum the water sparkled, and along the fortress walls walkers strolled, some with headphones, others with cameras searching for the light. On these paths people often feel calmer on the first day of the year: fewer cars, more looks toward the sea and a returning sense that the island offers spaces for slow thinking.

The weather situation for the coming days remains moderate. For January 1st maximum temperatures between 15 and 17 degrees were forecast, meaning in many places clearly above what one would expect in January. For Friday more cloudiness is expected; light showers may occur occasionally. The wind remains weak and will shift from northeast to southerly directions toward the end of the week.

On Saturday mainly high clouds are expected and temperatures will rise further – forecasts mention values of about 15 to 18 degrees. That means two or three more days when you can sit outside without winter gloves if the sun shines. However, a change is predicted for Sunday: a very cold air mass could sweep in, so it's worth having jackets ready and keeping an eye on T‑Shirt or Sweater? This Is How Mallorca's Weather Will Be at Christmas and New Year's Eve.

What this means for Mallorca is also a small everyday matter: such mild days in the low season (see Pre-Christmas Mildness: A Sunny Weekend on Mallorca) fill promenade cafés not with tourist crowds but with locals and long-term residents who occupy the free bench in front of a bakery. Shop owners open their doors, people exchange a few sentences about the weather – and rarely about hurry. For day-trippers this means: coastal walks, quiet parking spaces and chances for good photos without crowds.

If you're thinking of starting the new year with a round along the coast, here's the advice: a hat and scarf won't be out of place, but leave the heavy parkas at home if you head to sheltered coves or promenades. A hot takeaway coffee at 15 degrees in the sunshine almost feels like a summer greeting.

A small everyday detail: on the way back through Palma I heard the click of tram tracks, the murmur of market stalls, a child laughing loudly. Such scenes are simple, priceless confirmations that a sunny day can do more than just raise the temperature – it brings people together, even if they silently enjoy a view side by side.

In short: at the start of the year the island gifted a few mild, clear hours. Use them for a walk, a coffee on a bench or a short dip in the sea if you're among the hardiest. And keep the weekend forecasts in mind: Saturday stays friendly, Sunday will likely bring cold. Mallorca's weather remains varied – and at least that's conversation material at the next café visit.

Tips for the day: Get out early, stroll the Paseo Marítimo or the Baluard wall, wear warm layers, don't forget your camera, and in the afternoon prefer sheltered street cafés.