Rome in January
In January, Rome averages 12°C (54°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (67 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January in Rome is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How January compares to the rest of the year in Rome
January is one of the coolest months in Rome (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (21°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (13°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (13°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Rome
Times shown for Rome local time (Europe/Rome), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Rome — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Rome's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Rome in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Shoulder) and Rome's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Rome
Rome is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Rome
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Rome in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 67 mm | 8 | — |
| February | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 39°F | 72 mm | 8 | — |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 43°F | 65 mm | 8 | — |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 64 mm | 9 | — |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 12°C / 54°F | 49 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F | 30 mm | 4 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 18°C / 64°F | 18 mm | 2 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 18°C / 64°F | 32 mm | 3 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 15°C / 59°F | 70 mm | 6 | — |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 110 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | 116 mm | 10 | — |
| December | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 39°F | 95 mm | 9 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Rome in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Rome in January?
In January, Rome averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Rome in January?
January sees occasional rain in Rome, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Rome?
January is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Rome in January?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full January packing list for Rome for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.