Are you planning a trip to Italy in January?
If yes, you need to pack your bags carefully because not only do you have to protect yourself from extreme cold, but also look fashionably late.
Let’s find out what would be the right way to dress for both day and nighttime activities in January.
Weather In Italy In January:
January is the coldest month in Italy, hands down.
The lowest daytime temperature you may experience in North Italy is 3°C. On average, however, the temperature of the North side stays around 7°C.
The evening temperature in North Italy ranges from -4°C to -5°C.
In Southern Italy, the average daytime temperature is around 12°C but sometimes it can go as low as 9°C.
The average nighttime temperature experienced by Southern Italy is around 5°C.
Swimming in the sea is off-limits in January as the water temperature is 9°C.
Since the country lies in the Mediterranean region, it’s a fact that it receives a lot of rainfall in January.
In Rome, 100 millimeters of rain is a common occurrence. Venice, on the other hand, is a bit drier with an average January rainfall of 60 millimeters. Sicily, which lies in the southern region, receives 65 millimeters of rainfall.
Along with rainfall, Italy experiences fog and snow in the mountainous regions.
Turin and Bologna are always covered in snow during January while Florence, Rome, and Milan see occasional snowfall.
Being the coldest month of the year, January receives daylight for only 9 hours and twelve minutes on average.
The sky remains covered with clouds throughout the month. The speed of wind is 7.7 miles per hour.
In Northern Italy, fog is a common occurrence during January.
What To Wear For Daytime Activities In Italy?
When packing for Italian winter, there is one rule that you must keep in mind: Layers. Whether you go see sightings or to museums and churches, dressing up in layers is ideal.
For women, there are lots of options for daytime activities. You can wear a warm, long sleeve shirt, sweater, or turtleneck.
As the Italians prefer darker colors for winter, it is best to opt for black, burgundy, and olive green tops.
Layer it up with a waterproof jacket with removable lining, a blazer, or a trench coat. The jacket with removable lining is the best out of all as you can adjust it according to the weather.
For the bottoms, you can choose from a good pair of jeans or heavy cotton pants. Italians love to wear jeans so you will blend right in with a pair that fits right.
If you don’t feel comfortable in jeans, long skirts are also an option but don’t wear them with
No matter where you are going, do not forget to wear a colorful necklace or a small pendant as that is an essential part of an Italian women’s outfit.
You will also see women wearing stunning pashmina scarves around their necks. So keep one of those in your bag as well. They not only keep you warm but also give you a chic Italian look.
Rain and snowfall are pretty common in Italy in January, so it is best to stay prepared for those as well.
A waterproof poncho and rain hat are a must-have for rainy southern areas. In the snow-covered northern region, you must wear a woolen beanie and mittens to protect yourself from the cold.
If we talk about footwear, anything uncomfortable is a no-go. In Italy, you will be walking a lot so it is best to wear shoes that keep you warm and comfortable.
Opt for shoes that have thick rubber soles and avoid heels at all costs. Sneakers, ankle boots, and tall boots are quite popular amongst Italian women.
What To Wear For Nighttime Activities In Italy?
The nights in the first month of the year are colder than the days. Thick, warm clothes are the way to go for nighttime activities.
If you plan on having dinner at some luxurious restaurant, wear a nicely fitting sweater dress. Pair it up with a statement necklace and cinch up your waist with a designer belt.
To finish the look, grab a cross-body bag and wear ankle boots that match your outfit.
For more casual activities, you can wear a long sweater, jumper, or fleece hoodie with dark-colored jeans or thermal leggings.
Men can wear sweaters and heavy cotton pants with a blazer or trench coat. Scarves are a must-have for men in Italy. So if you do not want to look like a foreigner, warp a good scarf around your neck.
Other Things You Need To Pack For Your Trip To Italy?
- Lip Balm: The cold weather dries up your lips and makes them flaky.
- So, if you don’t want to look miserable on your trip to Italy in January, a lip balm is a must-have.
- Moisturizer: Just like lips, your skin also needs extra protection in cold weather.
- Pack your favorite heavy moisturizer and apply a generous amount every day for glowing skin.
- Travel Size Umbrella: Whether you go to North or South Italy, you will experience rainy days. So it is best to go prepared.
- Skiing Gear: Northern Italy is covered with snow in January and has a lot of ski resorts.
- If you are a skiing enthusiast, pack your skiing gear as renting them is a little costly.
- Sun Glasses: Be it winter or summer, sunglasses are an important part of Italian fashion.
- If you want the locals to approve of your attire, do not forget to pack your sunglasses.
- Waterproof Phone Case: To protect your phone from inevitable rainfall, keep a waterproof phone case in your bag.
- Socks, Mittens, Thermal Underwear:
If you have low cold tolerance, make sure you pack a few pairs of warm socks, mittens, and thermal underwear.
FINAL ADVICE?
Italians respect their religious sites a lot and frown upon people who wear revealing clothes at such places.
So if you plan on visiting a church, make sure your clothes cover everything from your shoulders to your legs.
