Italy In January – Your 2024 Complete Guide

It’s the heart of winter in Italy, and it’s cold, wet, and the skies and generally grey.  But, if you can handle the weather, Italy in January is a perfect time if you’re looking for lower prices and fewer crowds.  It’s also the best month (along with February) to head to Italy’s incredible ski resorts. 

While there are some advantages to traveling in Italy in January (more on that below), if you’re able to, visit Italy in December, a more festive month.

Note – While there are far fewer crowds than most other months of the year, know that the Christmas holiday ‘high season’ in Italy runs through January 6^th.  The rest of the month is considered low season.

In this article, you’ll learn…

• if visiting Italy in January is a good choice for you 
• what weather to expect in Italy in January 
• which holidays Italy celebrates in January and which days things are closed 
• my recommended places to visit in January in Italy, including where to go with kids 
• the best activities and events in Italy in January
• which foods to try in Italy in January 
• what Italians do in January 
• what to wear on a trip to Italy in January 
• the best ways to travel around Italy in January 

First time to Italy? 10th? Either way, you’ll want to check out our 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips!

If you’re looking for something specific, check out the Table of Contents below so you can jump ahead to what you’re looking for:

Should You Visit Italy in January? 

Winter probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think of the ideal time to travel to Italy. Everyone talks about the other three seasons – the beautiful Italian spring and its rolling green hills, the summer and the Italian beach culture, and the autumn, with its grape harvests and fall festivals.   

While I recommend visiting Italy in the spring or autumn, I’ve had family, friends, and clients visit Italy in January and if you research and plan out your activities and dress appropriately, it can be a worthwhile time of year to visit. 

Trying to decide when to visit Italy? Check out our monthly guides:
Italy in January
Italy in February
Italy in March
Italy in April
Italy in May
Italy in June
Italy in July
Italy in August
Italy in September
Italy in October
Italy in November
Italy in December

Let’s go into a little more detail: 

6 Reasons You Should Visit Italy in January 

1. The crowds are gone (especially after January 6th)!  You can travel in cities like Rome and Florence and feel like a local!  The tourists that are around are usually from other parts of Italy or Europe. 
2. It’s saldi (sale) time in Italy – the best shopping discounts of the year (along with July saldi).
3. You can feel what it’s like to live like a local in popular destinations.
4. It’s the perfect time to visit some of Europe’s best ski resorts.
5. You can have flexible travel plans.
6. Depending on where you travel, January can be the least expensive time to visit Italy.  It’s low season outside of the ski resorts, so you’ll find great deals on hotels and airfare. 

Note – It’s always best to reserve tickets for any museums or events you don’t want to miss.  Many museums limit entry numbers so you’ll want to book in advance.  I always recommend booking advance tickets to popular sites:

• The Last Supper (Milan)
• The Vatican Museums (Rome)
• The Colosseum (Rome)
• The Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
• The Accademia and Galleries (Florence)

6 Reasons You May Not Want To Visit Italy in January 

1. Have I mentioned, it’s cold, dreary, and sometimes rainy?
2. You’ll find some things are closed.  Beach towns and amusement parks close up for the winter.  Some restaurants and shops in small towns close during the winter months because they don’t see enough visitors to make it worth it to stay open.  Almost everything is closed on January 1st.
3. You won’t be able to swim, hike or participate in other warm-weather activities.   
4. It’s very cold and often rainy. Sicily is warmer but not enough for the beach.  
5. Depending on where you travel, it can be an expensive time to visit.  It’s high season for ski resorts in the Dolomites, for example, so expect to pay a premium for hotels, activities, and restaurants.  It’s also high holiday season in many cities until after the Epiphany on January 6th.
6. There is less sunlight (9 hours per day, versus 15 hours per day in June). 

Weather in Italy in January 

January is the coldest month of the year in Italy, although the temperatures vary quite a bit, depending on where you are.

Northern Italy is very cold and sees snow at higher elevations.  Temperatures hover around the 0 Celsius degree mark (32 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Central Italy also tends to have cold winters and can see snow.  Temperatures are usually around 9 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Southern Italy is the warmest part of the country in January, but it’s not sunbathing weather!  Temperatures tend to hover around 13 degrees Celsius (55 Fahrenheit).  The south tends to see more sunshine than other parts of the country during January, and more rain than other times of the year.

Many Italian cities (Milan, Florence, Parma to name a few) can feel extra cold during the winter when humidity combines with the chilly temperatures. 

Don’t rely on historical weather data. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave! 

City	High	Low	Precipitation	Notes
Milan	44°F / 7°C	32°F / 0°C	11.1mm	coldest month
Venice	46°F / 8°C	32°F / 0°C	8.2mm	coldest month, along with December
Florence	52°F / 11°C	37°F / 3°C	23.6mm	coldest month
Rome	54°F / 12°C	37°F / 3°C	19.6mm	coldest month
Naples	57°F / 14°C	41°F / 5°C	33.8mm	coldest month, along with February
Palermo	59°F / 15°C	49°F / 10°C	48.5mm

Holidays in Italy in January

After a busy December full of holidays, January seems quiet!

Know that not all Italians celebrate holidays the same way – it depends on the family and where you are in the country.

Below I’ve noted when things may be closed.   Opening days and hours vary by region and city. 

Also, some areas of the country are busier in January and will require more advance bookings for museums and reservations for restaurants.  For example, Rome can be busy until the Epiphany (January 6th) with international visitors in town for the Vatican City’s Christmas celebrations.  This means more restaurants will be open, but you’ll need to reserve.  Small towns will be empty and restaurants are more likely to take walk-ins (if they are open – always check!).

Learn more about
Where to Spend Christmas in Italy
12 Italian Christmas Traditions We Still Celebrate

January 1st – Capodanno

Translation: New Year’s Day.  The literal translation is capo (head) d’anno (of the year)
What It Celebrates:  The first day of the new year of the Gregorian calendar
What’s Going On:  Not much!  Things are quiet throughout the country.
Traditions: 
°Recover from New Year’s Eve festivities
°Relax with family and friends
°Go for a walk
°In Rome, dive from a bridge into the Tiber!
°In Venice, jump into the cold water at the Lido beach
National Holiday: Yes
Open/Closed: Almost all monuments, museums, etc. are closed.  Most grocery stores and shops are closed, but you may find a few small shops open.
Reserve in Advance: You won’t be able to do much on New Year’s Day, so it’s best not to make any plans.
Wherever you are, you’ll want to know How to Say Happy New Year in Italian!

January 6^th – L’Epifania

Translation: The Epiphany
What It Celebrates:  When the Three Wise Men arrived with gifts for the newborn baby Jesus.
What’s Going On:  Relax with family and friends.  It’s the last day of the 12 days of Christmas and the final day of celebrations in Italy.
Traditions:
°La Befana – Children leave out stockings on January 5^th, hoping that the kind, old witch (La Befana) will climb down the house’s chimney and leave treats.  If the children haven’t been good, she’ll leave coal (or licorice).  Read more about La Befana, Italy’s Friendly Witch!
°Gondoliers in Venice race along the Grand Canal dressed up as La Befana
°In Rome, the Viva La Befana parade marches to St. Peter’s square
°Visit a presepe (nativity scene), and presepi viventi living nativity scenes.
°Shop at a Christmas market (they close today if they haven’t already)
°Some Italians exchange gifts today (instead of the 24^th or 25^th of December)
National Holiday: Yes
Open/Closed: Grocery stores and some shops are closed, but restaurants and museums are open.  The Vatican Museums are closed.
Reserve in Advance: Italians have the day off, so you’ll want to reserve lunch and/or dinner at restaurants.  Kid-focused activities can be crowded because it’s the last day of Christmas vacation for Italian schools. 

January 7^th  – La Festa del Tricolore

Translation: Flag Day (literal translation: Festival of the Three Colors – the three colors of the Italian flag)
What It Celebrates:  The ‘birth’ of the Italian flag
Traditions: Ceremonies in Rome and Reggio nell’Emilia
National Holiday: No
Open/Closed: Everything is open
Reserve in Advance: No

Learn the words and meaning of Italy’s National Anthem – L’inno di Mameli!

January 17^th – La Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate

Translation: St. Anthony’s Day (literal translation: Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot)
What It Celebrates:  The patron saint of domestic animals (& more)
Traditions:
°Light a bonfire
°Celebrate with friends
°Animals (farm animals and pets) are blessed in St. Peter’s Square (Rome)
°Palio (horse race) in Buti (Tuscany)
National Holiday: No
Open/Closed: Everything is open
Reserve in Advance: No

January 27^th – Il Giorno della Memoria

Translation: International Holocaust Remembrance Day (literal translation: Day of the Memory)
What It Honors:  The day that Auschwitz was liberated; remembering the Jewish victims of the Holocaust
Traditions:
°Local ceremonies throughout the nation
°Meetings and discussions in Italian schools
National Holiday: No
Open/Closed: Everything is open
Reserve in Advance: No

School Holidays  

The Italian school holiday break usually ends the day after the Epiphany (January 6^th), or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend.  

This break is important to keep in mind because there will be crowds in holiday destinations in Italy (ski resorts, big cities) during this time. 

Public transportation will also be more crowded and you’ll find heavier traffic on the roads on the day or two after the Ephiphany.

Family hotels and activities will be in high demand, so if you do want (or need) to travel during this time, book well in advance! 

The 6 Best Places in Italy to Visit in January  

Location	What To Do
Dolomites (ski areas)	ski Italy’s best slopes
Rome	visit the city’s famous monuments without the crowds
Florence	have hot chocolate or aperitivo at a café, wander the streets
Venice	live like a local in this quiet time of year, take a boat to one of Venice’s islands
Sicily	visit the island’s archaeological sites without breaking a sweat
Milan	shop ’til you drop during the January saldi (sales), explore the Brera district
Honorable Mention – Torino	catch the tail end of the Luci d’Artista light displays
Honorable Mention – Bolzano (city in the Dolomites)	shop the saldi, see the Ice Man
Honorable Mention – Tuscany countryside	soak in thermal baths
Honorable Mention – Naples	explore the city’s famous street of presepe (Nativity scene) artisans

Dolomites (ski areas) In January

Get the Dolomites Superski pass and have a blast on its 1200 kilometers of ski slopes and 450 lifts.

There are excellent alternative activities for non-skiers:

• visit a spa
• go snow-shoeing
• enjoy people-watching and shopping in Cortina
• take advantage of the region’s excellent dining options
• ride a gondolas up to eat in a mountain huts
• have hot chocolate in a cozy hotel while you read and relax
• check out the Messner Mountain Museum

Rome In January

January in Rome is chilly but if you dress appropriately, it can be a pleasant time to visit.  After the first week of January, the Christmas crowds will be gone, and you’ll be able to visit the city’s famous monuments without having to elbow your way past everyone. 

You won’t be able to sit in outdoor cafes (too cold) – you’ll want to dine and have coffee indoors – unless the cafe or restaurant uses space heaters and plastic ‘walls’ to keep the heat in.

Rome is an excellent destination for shopping and January is one of the best months for sales (the other being July). And don’t forget, you can have gelato any time of the year!

Florence In January

It’s not my favorite month to visit Florence, because the combination of cold temperatures and humidity can be too much for me. 

But, if you can handle the weather (heavy coat, hat, and warm shoes or boots), you’ll have the city’s world-class museums and shops at your fingertips!

If you’re interested in shopping, head away from the busy streets in the center which are slowly being taken over by global brands.  Local shops have great deals during the saldi (sales). 

Historic cafés (like Caffé Gilli in Piazza della Repubblica) set up warm outdoor areas which are perfect for a quick coffee and break or for passing an entire afternoon with a good book. 

If you need to warm up a bit, get your heart pumping on the climb up the hill that leads to Piazzale Michelangelo and its view of the city.

See our posts on the Best Things To Do In Florence + What To Skip and Where to Stay in Florence!

Venice in January

If you don’t mind the cold (and it’s the kind of cold that gets into your bones!), January can be a great time to visit. 

Hotels are less expensive and it’s easy to wander into a restaurant without advance booking.

Stay for a few days and really soak up what life in Venice is all about – go for walks along the canal, take evening rides on the vaporetti, and sample the city’s cicchetti (tapas-like dishes).

Venice has excellent shops – not just glass products and Carnevale masks.  You’ll find beautiful leather goods, housewares, and clothing.  And January saldi (sales) will be running!

Many visitors to Venice in the winter stress about acqua alta (high water).
The MOSE barriers are activated and are raised when an extremely high tide is predicted.  MOSE hasn’t prevented all cases of acqua alta, because the barriers are only raised when an extreme high tide is forecast – and if the forecast is wrong, they may not be raised in time. 
Some of the worst flooding occurs in Piazza San Marco and the incredible Basilica. The city has recently started using glass barriers to stop the flooding in the Basilica.
If you’re ‘caught’ in the flooding, do as the locals do and use the platforms set up in the square and on the streets. Just remember to stay to the right and keep moving (so you don’t impede traffic).

Sicily In January

If you can give up the idea of a Sicilian beach vacation, January can be one of the best times to visit. 

I’ve spent many January days in Sicily in winter coats, but find that the weather is usually mild in Sicily in January.

You can visit monuments and villages without crowds.  Palermo, Siracusa, and Taormina are my top picks for a Sicilian trip in January. Read more about Visiting Taormina in Winter. We’ve also visited beach towns like Cefalù, Sampieri, and Marzamemi in January – and gone swimming!

Good To Know: It’s not a good time to visit the Aeolian Islands, off the north coast of Sicily.  Most shops, restaurants, and hotels are closed for the winter, and the ferries are prone to delays and cancelations due to inclement weather.

Milan In January

If you’re looking for excellent shopping, spend time in January in Milan during the saldi (sales). Milan has a range of stores, from luxury Italian labels to trendy local designers (especially in the Brera District).

You can also visit museums with fewer crowds and check out Milan’s cultural scene. Head to La Scala theater for opera, ballet, theater, and the symphony.

Want to make the most of your time in Milan? Read
Milan with Kids
Brera – Guide to the Artists’ Quarter
Day Trips from Milan
Milan Car Rental
Using the Metro in Milan
Milano Centrale Train Station
How to Get Around Milan
Where to Eat in Milan
Milan’s Science Museum with Kids
How to Spend One Day in Milan
How to Spend Two Days in Milan

Honorable Mentions – Torino, Bolzano, Tuscany Countryside, & Naples In January

Torino In January – Torino has a wonderful sidewalk café culture, and it continues (but in a smaller way) during the winter.  There’s also plenty of indoor seating at cafes – perfect for reading a book while sipping on bicerin (a Torinese hot drink of milk, espresso and chocolate)! 
Or, trade your hot drink for wines produced in the region, like Barbera and Barolo.  
Torino is home to the original Eataly, and it’s housed in a former factory with plenty of room for its marketplace and restaurant. 

Bolzano (City In The Dolomites) In January – Yes, Bolzano is in the Dolomites, which is my top spot to visit in January in Italy. It’s a city destination, though, not a ski destination.
Bolzano is located near the Austrian border (it was actually part of Austria before WWI). In Bolzano, you’ll hear German more than Italian and see more sausages than pasta on restaurant menus.   
Bolzano has something for everyone – excellent shopping in the city center, cozy restaurants, its Archaeology Museum with Ötzi the Iceman, vineyards on its hillsides, Italian and Austrian food, castles, and ski slopes are a short drive (or bus ride) away.
There are plenty of accommodations in the center or nearby, and the city is easily reached by public transport.   
Check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Bolzano!

Tuscany Countryside In January – The Tuscan campagna (countryside) is a relaxing place to be in January. A day could include a walk through vineyards and forests followed by an afternoon in thermal baths.  You can visit some of the area’s wineries with advance notice. 
Make sure your accommodation has a good heating system!  Ask if the heat will only be turned on in the evening – if so, book elsewhere.  For travel inspiration, read our post on Things to Do in Tuscany!

Naples In January – Naples is always full of life, and January is no different.
A must-do in Naples in January is a leisurely stroll down Via San Gregorio Armeno to check out the presepe (nativity scenes) by local artists.   
Of course, you can’t visit Naples and not eat pizza!
January is also a perfect time for a day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum – without the heat and the crowds!

Destinations To Skip On A January Trip To Italy

• Small countryside villages – mostly closed up (Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, etc)
• Sardegna and coastal islands – small towns mostly closed up; ferries can be canceled due to poor conditions; too cold for the beach
• Amalfi Coast – mostly closed up, no chance for beach time, rainy weather creates slippery trails and mudslides
• Cinque Terre – mostly closed up, no chance for beach time, rainy weather creates slippery trails and mudslides
• Small beach towns – mostly closed up, too cold for the beach
• Lake Como and other Italian Lakes – boat rides are very cold, towns are mostly closed up, hiking trails can be slippery from rain

Activities And Events In Italy In January

You won’t be able to sunbathe, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy on your trip to Italy in January:

Go skiing. There are places to ski from the north to south of the country – you can even ski on Mt. Etna in Sicily.  Or, try other winter sports like snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. The most well-known winter sports areas are Alta Badia, Arabba, Bardonecchia, Bormio, Cervinia, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Courmayeur, Livigno, Madonna di Campiglio, Monterosa, Passo Tonale, Plan de Corones, Sestriere, and Val Gardena.

Soak in thermal baths – Bormio, Merano, Bagno Vignoni, and Saturnia are a few to check out.

Go shopping – saldi run from January to early or mid-February. The prices get better as time goes on, but the selection gets smaller and smaller.  If you see something you love, buy it then.

Marvel at amazing art in Italy’s world-class museums.  You’ll find fewer crowds in January.  It’s a great time to see the Last Supper (Milan), the Vatican Museums (Rome), the Colosseum and Roman Forum (Rome), the Uffizi (Florence), the Accademia (Florence), or Pompeii.

Attend a performance at La Scala in Milan.

Sample Italian wines at a wine bar or visit a winery. While most wineries aren’t open for drop-ins, some open for winter visits.  Cheers!

Go on a food tour in Parma or Modena or visit a factory to see the production of parmigiano or balsamic vinegar.

Visit the Museum of the Carnival of Viareggio to learn about the upcoming February Carnival and possibly get a glance at some of the floats being made.

Attend a concert or sporting event.

Otherwise, settle in at a wine bar and sample the regional wines!

What To Eat In Italy in January 

Not-To-Miss Produce In Italy In January 

• persimmons – cachi
• apples – mele
• oranges – arance
• blood oranges – arance rosse
• clementines – clementine
• artichokes – carciofi
• Tardivo chicory – radicchio tardivo
• pomegranates – melograni

Food Not To Miss In Italy In January 

Dish/Item	Area	Description
ribollita	Tuscany	thick soup made with leftover bread and vegetables
pizzoccheri	Lombardy	buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes and cheese
cassoeula	Lombardy	stew made with cabbage and pork
polenta	Northern Italy	boiled cornmeal, also good fried or grilled; delicious with mushrooms and taleggio cheese
bicerin	Torino	drink made of milk, espresso and chocolate
castagne	Italy-wide	chestnuts, especially roasted
gelato	Italy-wide	gelato – yes, it’s even good in the winter!

The Best Places To Visit in Italy In January With Kids 

You may want to read our posts on
Italy With Teens
Italy With a Baby or Toddler
Best Places to Visit in Italy with Kids
Things to Do in Italy with Kids

To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend a visit in January with the kids. But, with school breaks, it may be your only option.  If so, choose one of the below destinations for your family’s visit to Italy in January.  And, no matter where you end up, teach your kids all about La Befana.

The Dolomites With Kids In January

The Dolomites is the best place to visit in January with kids, even if they don’t ski or snowboard.  You can still sled, play in the snow, and visit the kid-friendly snow parks.  The Dolomites have an incredible selection of family-friendly hotels, and some of them are dedicated to children (like Cavallino Bianco in Ortisei). 

All ages will enjoy taking the cable car up to Alpe di Siusi for tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding (60km of slopes), snowshoeing, or ice skating.  

When you need a break from the snow, visit one of the picturesque towns. We frequently Bolzano for its cozy restaurants and its Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman.

Check out our posts
Dolomites with Kids
Bolzano with Kids
Alpe di Siusi with Kids
Ortisei with Kids

Rome With Kids In January

If you’re not interested in winter sports, Rome is your best option for visiting Italy in January with kids.  Ride the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus, take a family tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, eat pizza and gelato, throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain, attend Gladiator School, explore Rome’s children’s museum, explore Villa Borghese, and be entertained in Piazza Navona.

Read more about
Things to Do in Rome with Kids
Villa Borghese with Kids

Venice With Kids In January

Venice makes a nice one or two-night stop on a trip to Italy in January as a family. It’s really cold, but kids will love traveling the canals on the little vaporetti (water buses), seeing a glass-blowing demo on Murano island, dining on tapas-style cicchetti, and getting lost on the small side streets.

Read our guides to
Venice with Kids
Burano with Kids
Taking Your Kids on a Gondola in Venice

Florence With Kids In January

Like Venice, Florence is best for a quick visit with kids during the cold month of January. Stay warm inside the museums – get a guide to make them kid-friendly (and read about visiting the Accademia with kids!).  Visit La Specola, Florence’s quirky Natural History museum (opening March 2024), climb a tower, and see what’s on at Palazzo Strozzi – the exhibits are often kid-friendly.

You may want to read
Florence with Kids
Florence with a Baby or Toddler
Florence with Teens
The Tuscan Mom – Travel in Tuscany

Milan With Kids In January

While the cold and rainy weather will keep your kids away from the playgrounds, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to keep them (and you!) happy. Some favorites include exploring the science museum, visiting the planetarium, and touring the soccer stadium.  Warm up your body with a climb to the top of the Duomo.

Read more about Visiting Milan with Kids

Pompeii With Kids In January

Take the chance to see Pompeii (or nearby Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius) without the huge crowds and blazing temperatures.

Learn more about a visit to
Pompeii with Kids
Mount Vesuvius with Kids

What To Wear In Italy In January 

January in Italy won’t be enjoyable if you don’t dress appropriately! 

It’s important to: 

1. Dress like an onion – wear layers. 
2. Wear breathable clothing. 
3. Wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
4. Wear warm shoes with tread – cobblestones can be slick! 
5. Dress appropriately for the activity.  If you’re skiing, bring your ski gear.  You can buy anything you need here, but you should bring broken-in shoes or boots if you can.  No one wants a blister while on vacation! 

Good To Know – You’ll see Italians in scarves everywhere you look (and not just in the winter). They’re trying to prevent a colpa d’aria (a ‘hit of air’), which could make them sick.

Be sure to check out
Italy Packing List
Best Shoes for Italy

Suggested Modes Of Transport For Italy in January 

Car

Traveling by car gives you the most freedom, but can be pricey by the time you add up the rental cost, gas, tolls, and parking.  Luckily, rental car demand in January is low, so you’ll be able to find the vehicle you want at a competitive price.

Make sure you have chains in your car or special winter tires suitable for driving on snow or ice.  They are required by law on many Italian roads from November 15^th through April 15^th.  On parts of the A1 Autostrada, you’ll need them from November 1^st.   

If you’re driving in Northern Italy, be prepared for snow on roads and possible closures.

Traffic delays are possible at the end of the school holiday break (our kids go back to school just after the Befana which is on January 6^th).   

Plane 

If you don’t want to risk driving in icy or snowy conditions or you’re traveling long distances, investigate flying.  Route schedules are more limited in January and winter months, but travel between larger cities is possible and simple.

Train 

It may not always be the fastest way and it may not get you from door to door, but taking a train is a beautiful way to travel around Italy in the winter.   

If you decide to travel by train during the first week of January, be sure to book your train tickets in advance.

Italy In January Vocabulary

Italian	Pronunciation	English translation
Buon Anno!		Happy New Year!
La Befana		old witch (from legend)
cioccolata calda		hot chocolate
freddo		cold
neve		snow
sciare		to ski
presepe		nativity scene
vacanza		vacation
saldi		sales (shopping)
quanto costa?		how much does it cost?

What Do Italians Do In January? 

After a December full of festivities, family, food, and fun, Italians head back to work on January 2nd and children go back to school after the Epiphany (January 6th).

Head to the Mountains 

Italians love winter sports!  Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are all popular throughout Italy.   

There are ski resorts all over the country, and Italians flock to them on weekends in January.  The Dolomites and Val d’Aosta host the most well-known, but you can also participate in winter sports in most northern and central Italian regions. 

Enjoy the Winter Atmosphere In The Big Cities 

Even though Christmas is over, Italy doesn’t officially wrap up the festivities until the 6th of January (the Epiphany).

The cooler temperatures, decorated storefronts, sparkling lights, and street food vendors make for a wonderful atmosphere.  

Italy in January FAQ