Visiting Italy in January might not seem the most obvious time of year to enjoy an Italian holiday but actually, we think that visiting off season can reap huge rewards.
OK… we’re the first to admit that, weather wise, January in Italy will feel distinctly chilly. Even in the far south of Italy in Sicily, you’ll be lucky if daytime temperatures reach double figures. Average temperatures in the north of Italy in January will be even lower and you may even see them duck into negative figures.
Moreover, irrespective of the temperature, visitors to Italy in January have to be prepared to experience unpredictable weather. You may well have some mist, fog or rainy days to contend with (although actually average rainfall is far less in January than in the Autumnal months of September, October and November). That said, you may also enjoy crisp, clear but cold days, with bright blue skies. In short, if you’re heading to Italy in January, just make sure your expectations are set in the right place and pack for all eventualities!
It’s largely because of the unreliability of the weather that we’re big fans of a city break in Italy if you’re headed there in January. Cities will typically have more indoor activities to keep you entertained than rural areas will. For example, even if the weather isn’t kind, there are plenty of things to do when it’s raining in Florence. Likewise, there are lots of things to do in Venice when it is raining too. In the big cities, you’ll also tend to find that the attractions, restaurants and accommodation options tend to stay open all year round. That said, don’t rule out rural areas. There are still plenty of things to do on Lake Maggiore when it’s raining for example!
Setting weather conditions aside, there are lots of other positives about visiting Italy in January. For a start, you’ll get much more for your money. Flights to Italy tend to be far better value in January and Italy villa rentals are also great value for money at this time of year too. Not only that, but you’ll find it much quieter, allowing for a slower, more relaxing pace when sightseeing!
And, of course, for those who love the great outdoors, Italy offers some fantastic skiing too at the beginning of each year.
The Dolomites and the Alps
Italy’s ski season runs from December until April. Italy is lucky to be blessed with hundreds of ski resorts and thousands of kilometres of slopes to enjoy. And we would argue that there is no better time to ski in Italy than in January. Whilst in December, only the highest altitude resorts are accessible, in January the larger, more accessible ski resorts in Italy and those lower elevation resorts are all open too. Choose from the ski resorts of the Dolomites – Cortina, Alta Badia, Kronplatz and Val Gardena – or the resorts of the Italian Alps in January. Moreover, once the festive holidays have finished, you’ll also find the slopes lovely and quiet so you can ski without the crowds. And of course, make the most of the après-ski scene too!
Puglia
In the very south of the country, Puglia offers some of the best opportunities to enjoy some milder weather, but you’ll still need to wrap up warm. We can almost guarantee that in January you can explore Puglia’s streets without even coming across other holidaymakers. And, one of Puglia’s main selling points – its food – remains as delicious as at any other time of year. In fact, you could even argue it’s even more delicious that normal. The fish will be even fresher in the winter and the pasta even more heartwarming than normal! You may even be lucky to witness the end of the olive harvest which takes place from November to January each year. Even if the harvest has finished, you will certainly be able to savour the taste of the newly pressed oil.
Rome
Italy’s largest city and its capital city, Rome, is the perfect place to visit in January. In large part this is because you will find it so quiet. There’s no sign of the enormous crowds you can expect to see in the Summer in Rome. This means you won’t have to jostle to get a decent view at the Trevi fountain. Nor will you have to queue for hours outside the Vatican museums. Although, that said, we still recommend you purchase your Rome skip the line tickets in advance just in case. A trip to Rome in January will also save you money. Rome hotels are far better priced at that time of year and there are a surprising number of attractions in Rome which are free to visit too.
Florence
For the exact same reasons, Florence is also a great city to explore in January. Just as in Rome, visit off season and you can enjoy Florence’s attractions without battling the crowds. Once again, we still recommend you purchase your Florence tickets in advance to make the most of your time in the city. But, if for any reason you forget, you can relax knowing that there will be nowhere near the queues in Florence in January that you can expect to find in the Summer months.
That said, there is one day in January when you expect Florence to be crowded. This is on 6 January, when the Procession of the Magi takes place. This is a spectacular annual celebration marking the journey made by the Magi to pay homage to the baby Jesus. It’s well worth being in the city on that day to witness it. As well as the Procession of the Magi in the city, January is also when the Pitti Immagine takes place. This is an annual international fashion event held at the Fortezza da Basso.
Tuscany
Tuscany is beautiful whatever the season. We’ve already recommended its principal city – Florence – as a great place to visit in Italy in January. But there are smaller towns and villages in Tuscany which also celebrate Epiphany including San Piero and Monte Amiata. Other cities in Tuscany such as San Gimignano, Montepulciano Montalcino, Siena, Pisa and Lucca are also just as great to explore in January too.
It’s not just Tuscany’s cities that are worth visiting in January. Tuscany’s countryside is also incredibly worth a visit too. In under two hours from the heart of Florence, you can be at the ski and snowboarding slopes of Abetone in the Apennine mountains. There are also a number of smaller ski resorts in the north of the region such as Garfagnana and Zum Zeri.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Tuscany is also home to several thermal spas. These can also be enjoyed at this time of year. At Saturnia, the Cascate del Mulino flows down over the rocks creating hot pools of water that sit at a constant temperature of 37.5 degrees. As the warm water hits the cold outside air, steam rises up, creating a truly atmospheric experience. Other thermal baths in Tuscany include the Bagni San Filippo and the Bagno Vignoni in the Val d’Orcia.
Venice
Venice can also be a great Italian city to visit in January. For a start, yet again, it’s the quietest time of the year to visit. You can still book your Venice tickets in advance to ensure you make the most of your time in the city. But for last minute plans, it’s highly unusual to find any queues for even the most popular attractions such as gondola rides, St Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace.
For us it’s not just the lack of other tourists that means visiting Venice in January is a good option. There is something rather magical about the light in Venice in January. The low position of the sun in the sky casts an idyllic aura over Venice’s architecture and canals. And with the sun rising much later in the morning, it also means it’s easy to be up to catch the sun rise, a truly beautiful time of day.
Umbria
Umbria is an equally good place to visit in Italy in January. It doesn’t have the large cities that neighbouring Tuscany can boast but it does have a number of stunning hilltop towns and villages to discover. These are equally worthy of a visit and include Arezzo, Montefalco, Spello, Perugia and Orvieto.
You may find that some Italians take a couple of weeks off in January so expect some businesses and restaurants to be closed whilst their owners take a break. But we think that one of the charms of Umbria whatever time of year is its slower pace of life and January is no exception. You’ll certainly be able to get as much enjoyment exploring Umbria off season as in peak Summer. Plus, if you are visiting Umbria’s towns and villages, then January is a great time to shop. You’ll find sales taking place in many stores with 30% to 50% discounts very common.
Italian Lakes
Last but certainly not least, the Italian Lakes is a great place to visit in January. For skiers, like Tuscany, the region boasts a range of ski slopes within easy reach. On Lake Maggiore, you’ll find 21 runs on the Mottarone along with the pistes of Cardada and the smaller slopes at Passo Forcora. On Lake Como you’ll find ski slopes at Piani di Bobbio as well as at Valtorta, Pian delle Betulle and Alpe Cainallo.
As well as exploring the smaller lakeside towns and villages of the Italian Lakes, you can also easily use the Italian Lakes as a base to visit cities such as Milan, Venice and Verona.
Wherever you fancy holidaying in Italy in January, take a look at the villa rentals in Italy available from Italy villa rental specialists, Bookings For You.