Italy in January: Your guide to weather, events & travel

Italy in January is for travellers who don’t mind layering up if it means avoiding tour group gridlock. The holiday rush is over, and the lights may have been taken down, but the country doesn’t hit pause this month. Instead, it settles into something slower, better, and in many ways, more local. Locals outnumber tourists in Venice, and you might get a gondola ride all to yourself. Florence’s museums are also far less hectic, and the ski towns in the Dolomites are at their seasonal best.

It’s also the start of Italy’s winter shopping season, so keep an eye out for the sale or Saldi signs that go up in boutiques and department stores across the country. You don’t want to miss out on the major discounts, which are available in even the swankiest shops.

Outdoors, snow clings to the rooftops in the north, and oranges show up in crates at outdoor markets from Palermo to Naples. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you put together an off-season itinerary — one that might include alpine views and opera nights without the usual peak-season pace.

It is, especially if you’re interested in experiencing a slower and more atmospheric version of Italy. January means fewer tourists, smaller lines, and the chance to see places like Rome or Florence without the crowds that fill up from spring through fall. It also means you can slow down without worrying about being jostled by other tourists on the sidewalks, in museums, and even in restaurants.

The weather varies by region. Expect snow and ski conditions in the Alps and Dolomites, chilly but dry days in central cities like Rome or Florence (with highs around the low 50s), and cool, breezy weather further south. You may witness the occasional shower, but on the upside, it’s often short-lived. Still, you won’t be battling heat or humidity the way you would in peak summer, and you’ll want warm layers.

The tradeoff? Some attractions may have shorter hours, and seaside destinations like Cinque Terre feel partially shut down. But in return, if you’re in Italy in January, you get excellent upgrades without the price surges. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you plan around winter train schedules, schedule museum visits strategically, and combine skiing activities with the best city tours.