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Italy in January

January is not really the best month to enjoy Italy: days are wintery and short, but budget travelers might find the savings on airfare and accommodation attractive. Cold weather marks January in Italy, as it does in many other areas of the world. Anyway, it is also a month when not many tourists travel to the country: this means everything tends to be less expensive than in the other seasons. Hotels, airfares and even some local transportation costs are lower in January. 

Around this time of the year, many discounts and coupons that could help you get a good, budget-friendly Italian vacation are also available.

italy in january
The Marmolada in January Ph. depositphotos/straannick

One of the advantages of visiting in January is that the summer crowds have dispersed, leaving only locals to enjoy the country’s natural beauty.

The January visitor may have the luck to truly enjoy a slice of real Italy, in the peace and quiet of the low season. Even if it’s not super convenient, you can still plan city-breaks as well, like a winter trip to Rome, or Milan.

Those who are planning to take a trip to Italy in January would need to plan out an itinerary based on the kind of activities they prefer: visiting museums, churches, or any type of indoor activities are of course the best options. At the same time, if you are a bit of a snow bunny, January is also a good month for skiing and winter sports.

Weather in January

January is an off tourist season in Italy, mainly because of the fact winters can be cold, even damp in some parts of the country. However, the weather isn’t bitingly unbearable, like in many parts of Europe or North America. January 29 30 and 31 are known as the “giorni della merla (days of the crow/blackbird) and are supposed to be the coldest of the year. Anybody really desperate for  swimming somewhere in Italy during the month of January should look into Italian Hot Springs resorts.

italy in january
Italy in January: vineyards in the Chianti area, Tuscany, under the snow
Ph. depositphotos/StevanZZ

Northern Italy is definitely the coldest part in the country because of its proximity to the Alps. In Milan and other cities in northern Italy, average temperature would remain between -4 degrees Celsius to 7 degree celsius (25 to 44 degree Farenheit). Keep in mind, however, that the closer you get to the mountains, the colder it gets. There are many snowfalls during this time of year.

In Central Italy, including Rome, the temperature remains approximately between 7 to 13  degrees Celsius (39 to 55 degree Farenheit) throughout the month. Precipitation is frequent, but snow is rare (In Rome it snows only once every few years).

In Southern Italy and Sicily, winters are quite mild with temperature remaining between 11 to 15 degrees Celsius (51 to 59 degrees Farenheit). Precipitation is frequent, but not as much as in the North. Snow is very rare.

Skiing in January

italy in january
Italy in January: Dolomites- Lake of Misurina, Auronzo

Visitors have plenty of options in terms of places to visit even in the winter months. Those who love adventure sports and skiing should definitely visit the country in January. International recognition belongs to Italy for its world-class ski slopes and its great mountains, which remain covered with snow well into the spring. The famous Dolomites are probably the best place to visit in January if you love winter sports and snow.

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World heritage site, and are characterized by dozens of majestic mountains covered in snow. There are several good ski resorts in the area and visitors can choose from many activities like skiing, mountaineering, hiking etc. Some of the most famous places along the Dolomites are Alleghe, Auronzo, Falcade, Urtijei and Arabba. Apart from skiing, visitors can also visit these charming mountain villages.

Another option to consider is to combine a visit to the Dolomites to other locations in northern Italy. Northern Italy has many beautiful cities like Milan, Genoa, Bologna, Venice and Turin. All over the world, people are familiar with these cities for their amazing artistic and historical attractions.

Festivals in January

Festivals and fairs in Italy never truly stop happening, and January is no exception. In January, there are many good festivals in different parts of the country. Visitors who want to get a sneak peak of traditional Italian life may like to plan their trip around some of them, keeping in mind though that, while some are indeed quite unique and have deep cultural and historical connotations, others are just really a good excuse for the locals to celebrate and party among rivers of drinks and mountains of food.

Here are some of the most characteristic festivals of the month of January.

Epiphany

The most important and widely celebrated of all January festivals is the Epiphany, on the 6th of January. People exchange gifts, and children hang their little stockings out on the night of the 5th, waiting for the Befana to bring them toys and candy. La Befana is a very old woman who rides around the country on a broom and is seen portrayed in the festivities throughout the country. Nativity scenes are performed everywhere on the occasion, too, as the 6th of January is also the celebration of the Three Wise Kings finally reaching Bethlehem.

italy in january
Cavalcata dei Magi: on January 6th in Florence there’s a procession of characters bringing offerings to the Christ Child
Ph. depositphotos/sansa55

The Festival of Saint Antonio Abate

The Festival of Saint Antonio Abate is celebrated in many different regions in Italy: it takes place in the villages of Sardinia and Abruzzo on the 16th and 17th of January, and in Nicolosi, Sicily on 17th January. During the festival, huge bonfires are lit and kept burning all night. The festivities also include local drinks, food, dancing and music. In Nicolosi, the monks reconfirm their vows to God and Saint Anthony himself.

One of the most interesting places to visit in January is Buti, a village close to Pisa. On January 17th the town witnesses the annual Palio di Sant’antonio Abate. During this fun filled festival, locals wear traditional costumes and parade through the town. Later, a famous horse race is organized between neighboring towns and villages. The winner of the race takes home the prestigious palio.

Italy has celebrated the Sant’Orso fair for more than 1000 years. It is a typical wood carver’s fair and several local artisans demonstrate their abilities and sell their creations at typical street stalls. It is customary to provide guests with special foods and drinks. The fair takes place in Aosta towards the end of the month.

italy in january
Aosta, Sant’Orso Cloister in January hosts the Sant’Orso fair
Ph. depositphotos/clodio

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mary
4 years ago

OMG
italy in jan is cold