There are many reasons to visit Italy throughout the year (and you can explore them all with our guide to the best time to visit Italy ). However, Italy in winter means is magical. There are fewer tourists (outside of specific festivals), lower hotel and flight prices and cool, crisp weather.
Visit Italy in December, and you’ll experience beautiful Christmas decorations, festivals, and markets. If you’re traveling to Italy in January, you’ll find the coldest weather, quieter streets, and a more local feel to even the biggest tourist destinations. In February, the days will get longer as winter comes to a close, and some of Italy’s most famous festivals bring the streets to life.
What to expect from winter weather in Italy
The weather during winter in Italy (December, January, February) varies depending on where you are. Inland and up north, the weather is colder and more snowy while there is milder weather in the southern areas, particularly along the coast.
Generally speaking, January is the coldest month of the year in Italy, and December is the rainiest. You can get lower prices and smaller crowds with a better chance of clear skies towards the end of February. The more temperate cities like Rome and Naples see average highs of between 10 °C and 15 °C, while the snowy slopes of your favourite Italian ski resort can get as low as -15 °C.
What to pack for your trip to Italy in winter
Pack plenty of layers when you visit Italy in winter, as you’ll likely be going from the chilly outdoors to warmer indoor attractions. Durable walking shoes are a must, and accessories like gloves, scarves and hats will keep you warm on cooler days. If you’re heading to a snowy region, pack snow and water-resistant boots, thermals and a super-warm coat (preferably a water-resistant one, or bring an extra raincoat).
Must know tips for your trip to Italy in winter
To make the most of your winter trip, embrace the dark evenings and explore Italy’s major attractions after dark. Night-time is particularly beautiful during the Christmas period when lights line the streets and squares.
To avoid disappointment check the opening dates and hours of any attractions or restaurants you want to visit. Some will close during the winter season in smaller towns, and in big cities there will often be reduced opening hours.
Finally, Christmas, New Year and Carnival all draw large crowds, so book your flights and accomodation well in advance.
Where to go this winter in Italy
Whether you’re after a skiing adventure, a city break or a small-town retreat, you can find plenty of excellent winter destinations throughout Italy. Big cities like Rome and Florence showcase their top attractions with fewer crowds. Seaside resorts are quiet and slow-paced. Ski towns are lively and at their peak.
Naples
Average temp: 13 °C
Naples is one of the best Italian cities to visit in winter to see gorgeous Christmas decorations and incredible nativity scenes.
The artists behind the nativity scenes often open their workshops (frequently found along the San Gregorio Armeno alley) and sell beautifully handcrafted souvenirs. For more Christmas cheer visit the Via San Gregorio Armeno Christmas market, and on Christmas Ever the fish market traditionally stays open all night long.
The city is relatively warm in winter compared to other major Italian cities, with average temperatures of around 13 °C. However, it rains frequently, so make sure to bring a raincoat and umbrella. And of course, don’t forget to get some pizza.
Rome
Average temp: 12 °C
Italy’s capital is gorgeous in winter and, like Naples, tends to have milder weather. There may be some rain, but it rarely snows. Spend some time seeing the top sights without the usual crowds and queues.
Remember to dress warm for the outdoor/partially outdoor attractions like the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain. Winter is also a great time to head to the Vatican. The usual crowds have thinned out, and you can easily spend a full day indoors at sites like the Sistine Chapel. If you’re visiting for Christmas, you’ll have a chance to hear the Pope’s Christmas message at the Vatican.
During this time, the rest of Rome lights up with Christmas decorations and Christmas markets; the Piazza Navona hosts the city’s best-known one.
Milan
Average temp: 2 °C
Milan is one of the best cities in Italy to visit during the Christmas season. After the Feast of Saint Ambrose (7th of December), you’ll find it full of decorations and Christmas markets.
You can find the best-known Christmas market with a beautiful public Christmas tree in the Piazza Duomo, Milan’s main square. Other markets include the traditional Oh Bej Oh Bej market, roughly translating to ‘So Nice! So Nice’, open around the Feast of Saint Ambrose and dating back to 1288.
During winter, you can still visit traditional Milan attractions like the Duomo or the Castello Sforzesco. And don’t forget that Milan is considered the fashion capital of the world. Whether you’re just window shopping or you need a new winter coat, be sure to check out shopping streets like Via Torino and Via Monte Napoleone.
The Dolomites
Average temp: as low as -10 °C
The Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy is an excellent destination throughout the year, and in winter, it’s one of the best skiing destinations in the country.
The Dolomiti Superski region comprises 15 interconnected ski resorts that you can access with one ski pass. One of the most popular ski resorts is Val Gardena, a spacious resort where you’ll find plenty of room to ski even during peak season.
Another excellent ski resort is Cortinad’Ampezzo. This resort offers a range of accommodation options and slopes so every skier can find their perfect holiday.
Lake Como
Average temp: 5 °C
Lake Como is another excellent mountain region to visit during the Italian winter. Better known as a summer destination, it takes on a quiet, peaceful ambience during winter.
The weather from December to February sees temperatures cold enough to bring snow to the surrounding mountains (perfect for skiing). But it never drops so low that the lake freezes over, so ferries run all year round, albeit on a reduced schedule.
Ferries are a great way to explore the region, and with ‘hop on, hop off’ tickets, you can easily travel between the smaller towns in the region, like Moltrasio and Cernobbio. The towns around the lake are picturesque and peaceful, but Lake Como also puts you close to several ski resort towns. Try Piani di Bobbio to the east and Monte Sighignola to the west.
Venice
Average temp: 3 °C
Venice and crowds go hand in hand, but you will find the streets a little quieter if you visit Venice in winter, with one exception: during the Carnival.
Carnival will be held between January 27 and February 13, 2024. The festival sees the city come to life in colourful costumes and extravagant masks. Outside Carnival season, you can use a winter trip to Venice to see the top attractions like the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and St Mark’s Square.
The cold weather also provides the perfect excuse to spend some time warming up at one of Venice’s ‘bacari’. In these traditional-style wine bars, you can sip delicious wines and sample small plates of Italian food in cozy comfort.
The Amalfi Coast
Average temp: 13 °C
The Amalfi Coast is better known as an excellent warm-weather destination, but don’t count it out during the cooler months. Some of the most popular shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed, but you can spend a wonderful holiday soaking up the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. It will get busier as the coastline lights up over Christmas and New Year.
If you visit during this period, you’ll get decorations, delicious Christmas treats, and numerous opportunities for Christmas shopping. Whether you head to Amalfi, Positano, or somewhere a little more off the beaten path, you can have a wonderful winter holiday along the Amalfi Coast. If you plan on hopping between different destinations, note that ferries here don’t run during winter.
Tuscany
- Average temp Florence: 6 °C
- Average temp Abetone: 2 °C
The region of Tuscany comprises some of the most beautiful places in Italy, and during winter, you can explore them in quiet comfort. Head to Florence and spend cold winter days in the warmth of the Uffizi Museum to explore its incredible collection of paintings. If you want to head outside of the larger cities, Abetone is a gorgeous mountain town in Tuscany.
It boasts excellent skiing conditions during winter, with over 45 km of pistes. To warm up, head to Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia. These towns have amazing hot springs and luxurious resorts where you can relax amongst beautiful landscapes.
Tuscany is also one of the best wine regions in Italy. Although some wineries close during winter, many remain open, offering delicious wine tastings on cozy estates.
Check out our guide to the most beautiful places in Italy to discover the destinations worth visiting year-round.
