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

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 10, 2025

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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.

Is January a good time to visit Italy?

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.

High temperature
46°F / 8°C
Low temperature
34°F / 1°C
Rainfall
2.4 in / 60 mm
Sun & daylight
3.5 hours / 9 hours
Seasonal tips

- Cold and crisp

- Great for museum visits

- Low season for tourism

- Snow in mountain regions

- Pack warm layers and boots

Where to go in Italy in January

Venice
January shows you a different side of Venice — one with misty mornings, slow canal rides, and locals going about their day. The morning fog hangs low over the canals, and there’s no better way to feel like a local strolling through the quiet alleys just past sunrise. The only real crowd is during Epiphany weekend — but even then, it’s mostly just Italians watching rowing teams dressed as witches.
The Dolomites
This is peak skiing season in the Dolomites, and the signs are everywhere. Snowfall is consistent, the slopes are at their best, and ski resorts are often fully booked. Whether you ski or not, the views alone are worth it. You can ride a cable car up to Seceda and take in the panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and valleys from a height of 7,000 feet.
Rome
This historic city is crowded most of the year, but January is one of the few times when it feels less busy. In the right spots, like the Aventine, you can also watch the orange trees in full bloom. It’s finally cool enough to explore the forums, the Sistine Chapel isn’t packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and the lines at trattorias are short enough that you can find a seat before you’re terribly hungry.
Milan
The second week of January kicks off the winter sale season across Italy, and no other city takes it more seriously than Milan. Expect massive discounts in boutiques and upscale stores that you may otherwise walk past because of steep prices. The city’s energy is brisk, fashion-forward, and fast-moving, which is perfect if you want to experience Italy in January in its most sophisticated and metropolitan avatar.

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Things to do in Italy in January

Event
Location
Timing
Epiphany & La Befana Celebrations
Children receive sweets from La Befana, Italy’s gift-giving witch
Rome, Florence, Venice
January 6
Florence Winter Sales
Florence’s boutiques offer post-holiday discounts
Florence
All January
White Truffle Festival
Alba celebrates prized truffles with tastings and markets
Alba, Piedmont
Early January
Ice Skating in Rome
Seasonal rinks invite skaters in Rome’s piazzas
Rome
All January
Venice Boat Parade of the Epiphany
Venetian boats parade for Epiphany festivities
Venice
January 6
Milan Winter Jazz Days
Milan hosts winter jazz performances across venues
Milan
Mid-January
Dolomites Ski Carnival Warmups
Cortina’s ski carnival features early-season events
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Late January

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