Holidays in Italy in January is a very mixed decision. On the one hand, impressions can be pretty spoiled by cold, damp and other attributes of winter, even in a southern country. On the other, more practical side, it is during this period that prices for travelers reach their bottom, seriously making you wonder how cold is still a critical obstacle to organizing your vacation.
Weather in Italy in January
In January, some regions of Italy are covered with a blanket of soft snow, while others are characterized by fogs and rains - in any case, weather conditions largely depend on which part of the Apennines you choose for your vacation.
The Alps along the northern border is undoubtedly the coldest place in Italy in winter, although to some extent this also applies to other mountainous regions of the country. Some snow even in summer.
In coastal regions, snow is rare, but January is considered one of the most rainy months of the year. Considering that Italy is stretched from north to south and lies between the seas, the climate of the coast is felt even in areas remote from the coast. The probability of falling under the rain than under the snow is higher, even if your route is very far from the sea.
Although cold and damp can leave an imprint on relaxation, making some of the possible activities less attractive (such as exploring the Roman Forum or the ruins in Pompeii), others, in the meanwhile, are booming. The Italian mountains are famous for their snow-covered slopes and excellent sports infrastructure, attracting many skiers and snowboarders. In addition, many resort towns in Italy are known for their hot healing springs and spas, which allows you to get an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of a snowy winter.
Temperature in Italy in January to a large extent determined by the region of residence and can fluctuate in a fairly wide range, the scope of which can be defined as follows:
Temperature in Rome in January: +4 + 11С; Temperature in Venice and Milan in January: -4 + 4С; Temperature in Palermo in January: +11 + 15С
Holidays in January
In the calendar of different regions you can find many local holidays all year round, the most important event of this month isEpiphany (Epiphania). The holiday is celebrated on January 6th and for many Italians it is an even more important date than Christmas. In addition, it was on this day in Italy that it was instituted to give gifts.
January Italy may disappoint lovers of sunny and warm weather
In addition to the Epiphany on the Apennines, in January there is also a huge number of local holidays and festivals that are celebrated in various parts of the country, so it always makes sense to ask separately if something interesting is planned in the places that you plan to visit. It is especially worthwhile to pay attention to the celebrations dedicated to the patron saints of the city - each of the more or less significant settlements has such. Such holidays, although of a local nature, are considered very important and celebrated with great pomp.
What to expect from the trip
January weather in Italy - This is an occasion to think about the expediency of the trip, since the word "vacation" for many is associated with the sun and heat. On the other hand, two important factors can be called a plus of such a vacation: sparing prices and the lack of crowds in tourist places.
Italy is hardly a budget country. Therefore, for thrifty travelers who want to enjoy the “Roman holidays”, January can be a very attractive alternative to the summer months. Among the main positions on which it will be possible to save are air tickets, hotels and even domestic tours around the country, the prices of which are significantly sagging in the period under review. Check current and last-minute offers of tour operators to Italy on this page.
While the cost of traveling to Italy is much lower in January, weather conditions are still a constraining factor for many, which, in turn, affects the attendance of popular tourist destinations. You do not have to languish in long lines to get, say, to the Vatican or the Uffizi Gallery. Excursion companies also often offer more loyal prices in this period. You can get acquainted with the excursion program in different cities of Italy and pick up impressions for yourself on this site.
Among the minuses of traveling in January, in addition to the weather, it is worth mentioning the fact that many “attractions” operate in a reduced mode, and part of the tourist infrastructure generally closes the doors for the low season. And finally, remember that if your goal is ski slopes, then everything said above about the low season does not apply to such resorts - here life is full and the prices are reasonable.
