Who says you can’t travel to Italy in the winter? While January may not be their busiest travel season, it could still be a fantastic month to explore and experience all that they have to offer! Traveling in the very 1st month of the year increases your chances of experiencing chilly weather, a few wet days, and, in many areas of Italy, at least a snowfall. Compared to the height of summer, Italy in January presents a calmer, more laid-back vibe.
Moreover, the winter scenery can be breathtaking.
Exploring Italy in January has so many awesome benefits. And you never know when the weather will surprise you and provide you with some gorgeous, sunny days.
It’s certainly a more affordable month to travel to some areas.
In this guide, we share just what to expect if you’re thinking about traveling to Italy in January. Discover the weather, the best places to go, and what to expect while you’re there.
Weather in Italy in January
The weather in Italy in January varies depending on what part of the country you are in. If you love to ski, or like to play in the snow, head on over to Northern Italy, where you will find cold, snowy weather this time of year.
The ski resorts are booming!
But in other parts of Italy, you can find pleasant and sunny weather that won’t leave you bundled up and trekking through the snow. January is the coldest month in Italy, but the weather does vary in different parts of the country.
You can find sunny, enjoyable temperatures throughout the southern areas if you get lucky.
North Italy in January
Cities like Milan, Turin, and Venice in northern Italy can experience temperatures below zero (32 F). The climate is typically chilly and rainy, with sporadic snowfall.
Skiing and snowboarding are common winter activities, and the Dolomites and the Alps are frequent winter sports enthusiasts’ vacation destinations. While it is about 4°C (39 F) on average in Milan in January, it is about 5°C (41 F) in Venice.
Central Italy in January
Although the climate in central Italy is typically milder than in the north, it may still be fairly chilly and rainy. Rome, the capital, has an average January temperature of about 10°C (50 F), and it can be quite rainy with sporadic snowfall in the nearby hills.
The average temperature in January in Florence, one of Italy’s most stunning cities, is just about 7°C (45 F).
South Italy in January
In comparison to the north and center of the country, southern Italy typically has milder weather. Cities like Naples, the Island of Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast see cooler average temperatures of around 15°C (59 F).
There are sporadic rain showers mixed in with the mainly sunny weather. Because of this, it makes a fantastic winter getaway location for tourists from colder climates back home.
Best Places to Visit in Italy in January
Following are the places to visit in Italy during January:
Dolomites
You could enjoy January in the Dolomites if you’re searching for a ski trip in Italy.
The specific snow conditions will change each year and from area to locality. You don’t have to stop here, there are plenty of really great options, so you can look around and choose what meets your needs the best!
If you don’t like the snow, think twice about going now. You won’t be able to go hiking, so the summer is a better moment to go sightseeing here.
Rome in January
January might be labeled as the coldest month in the country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go exploring. This is Rome’s coldest month too, but you will find it’s probably not all too bad if you want to explore the Ancient City.
Up until January 6th, the city is bustling and full of Christmas spirit, after which it enters a peaceful, charming period with few tourists and a more intimate feeling.
This is a fantastic time to visit Rome and see it for the city that it is!
Visits to local museums, shopping, and hearty lunches at Trattorias are all enjoyable in January. The challenge to visiting Rome in January is that the days are much shorter, so you may not get to spend a lot of time outside.
Come prepared for cool weather while you adventure about!
Venice
Although most people adore January in Venice and believe it to be really romantic, not everyone will feel the same way.
You will need heavy coats, boots, scarves, and hats because, in Venice, the weather is unpredictable at this time of year.
As you may expect, Venice gets quite humid in the winter, which will affect how long you can spend outside. Nevertheless, Venice is home to countless excellent museums, stores, and restaurants.
Thanks to all of the fun activities around Venice, you can enjoy the area staying warm and cozy for the most part.
Tuscany and Florence
You will be so busy having fun in Florence and enjoying a less crowded time that you won’t even notice how chilly it is outside. Thanks to cooler temperatures, you can enjoy the city with much fewer crowds.
The weather can be chilly, so just bundle up, and you should be ok!
It’s a great time to see the city’s various museums, and if you arrange your visit well, you may get some serious bargains during sale weeks.
Try some hearty Tuscan fare this January; it pairs wonderfully with a glass of the region’s red wine and is sure to warm you up.
In January, it can get quite cold in the Tuscan countryside, and snow may fall on higher elevations.
Sicily in January.
In January, Sicily can get quite chilly.
Yet, overall, the winters are mild here, and occasionally, you’ll even have a day or two of very beautiful sunshine that will make it feel more like spring than the dead of winter!
While you won’t be able to enjoy a sun and sea holiday in Sicily during the winter, you’ll be able to tour all of the region’s top sights without the oppressive heat of the summer.
Things to Do in Italy in January
Following are the things worth doing in Italy during January:
Visit the Mountains to Enjoy the Snowfalls
A winter trip to Italy? If you would like to experience the magnificent snow, go to the mountains.
Consider these prime locations in Italy for skiing in January:
- Cervinia
- Valle d’Aosta
- Sestriere
- Val Gardena
Museums Without Crowds: Make A Wise Decision
With the top museums in the world, Italy is renowned for its extensive history and for hosting two-thirds of the global artistic heritage.
If you enjoy peace and quiet and detest the pressing noise that characterizes museum trips during non-winter months, you should visit during the winter.
The Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums, as well as the Uffizi Gallery, must not be missed.
Visit the Theater to Discover the Surreal Magic
If you’re looking for warm things to do in January, we highly recommend going to the theatre and taking in some amazingly talented performances. Think of it as “interior tourism” because it will keep you warm while you take in the centuries’ worth of artistic evolution.
You won’t escape the crowds, though, since the opera, orchestra, symphony, and theatre experience their busiest season throughout the winter when fans reserve tickets in advance.
Thus, reserve your tickets right away in order to enjoy a great show.
You can find magical theaters at these locations:
- Rome
- Venice
- Florence
Larino’s Illuminations: A Stunning Show
The holiday season comes to a close on the twelfth night, but there is still time to view the magnificent Larino illuminations. Discover the vibrant colors and lights that work together to give the historic center an extra touch of holiday charm.
A lot of styles are used to light the old settlement. You have one last chance to witness the magnificent artistic results on January 6th.
Larino is a small town in southern Italy.
Attend Cooking Classes to Learn to Prepare Italian Cuisine
Let’s face it, we know Italian food is comfort food with absolutely scrumptious and delectable flavors in every dish. Why not spend some time out of the cold taking cooking lessons from regional chefs?
Here, you can learn how to make or recreate some exquisite Italian cuisine at home. Take your skills back home and bring a little bit of Italy home with you when you recreate the dishes you learn about!
Also, because it’s an indoor activity, you may avoid the inclement weather outside and still have a traditional Italian vacation.
Next month: Italy in February
Previous month: Italy in December
FAQ
Is January a Good Time to Visit Italy?
Although visiting Italy in January may not be as warm as some travelers may like, it can still be a fantastic month. Better hotel and airfare prices, fewer tourists, lovely winter scenery, and sales can all be included in a personalized trip to Italy.
How Cold is Italy in January?
The following are some typical January temperature ranges for several regions of Italy: -4 - 4°C (25–45°F) in northern Italy,5-13°C (40-55 °F) in central Italy, and 10-16°C (50-60°F) in southern Italy.
Is it Too Cold to Visit Italy in January?
It depends on what your personal preferences are, the area of Italy you intend to visit, and your endurance level for cold weather. The average January temperature in Italy is between 6°C (43°F) and 11°C (52°F). But you might want to think about traveling to Italy in the spring or summer if you enjoy hotter weather and outdoor activities.
Is it Worth Going to Rome in January?
Rome experiences a very mild winter in January. Even though the daytime high is 12°C (54 F) on average, the low at night drops to about 3°C (37 F). The likelihood of snow, hail, and sleet is quite low. Overall, January is a good month to visit Rome and escape the crowds of visitors.
Is Italy Cheap in January?
January may be the cheapest month to visit Italy, depending on where you go. Outside the ski resorts, it's the off-season, so accommodation and travel are very affordable.
Is Florence Nice in January?
In Florence, the average high and low temperatures range from 2 (36 F) to 11 (52 F) degrees. With only around 3 hours of direct sunlight each day, the skies are nearly constantly partly gloomy. Moreover, it has some of the year's greatest average wind speeds.