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Here are the best ways to spend January in Rome

Experience the city unlike most tourists – in its coldest month. This January offers a full opera schedule, Jubilee events, quirky local festivals, and official winter sales. While iconic sights like the Colosseum and Vatican are sure to attract more visitors than usual due to the Jubilee year, the winter season still offers a unique opportunity to explore the city. Here’s a comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip to Rome in January.

Your Rome in January guide

  1. Rome in January at a glance
  2. Rome in winter: How January compares
  3. Rome in January: Top things to do
  4. Plan ahead: Must-visit Rome experiences for January
  5. January highlights: Must-do experiences for families, couples, and more
  6. Festivals and events in Rome this January
  7. Rome in January: Your perfect 3-day itinerary
  8. Make the most of Rome this winter
  9. Frequently asked questions about visiting Rome in January

Rome in January at a glance

🌦️ Weather

Cold, with temperatures ranging from 1–12°C (34–54°F) and sporadic rainfall of 2 to 4 inches for the first two weeks.

☀️ Daylight

About 9 hours of daylight, with sunset around 4:30pm.

🥳 Key events

Opening of the Holy Doors, Tiber River Plunge, Befana festival.

📷 Tourist check

January has the fewest tourists among the winter months. However, during Jubilee years, religious attractions can get packed. This year, expect record crowds and higher prices for accommodation, flights, and dining.

🧳Packing essentials

Rome is at its coldest during this month, so pack several layers, a scarf and gloves. Carry waterproof boots and an umbrella in case of rain, and a power bank to stay charged.

🍽️Seasonal treats

Seek the classics, from pizza al taglio and cacio e pepe to oxtail stew, for a sumptuous escape from the cold. Rome’s tiramisu is unmissable, and so are the specialty Lazio wines.

Rome in winter: How January compares

In January, Rome experiences the lowest crowds, cheapest prices, and coldest temperatures. Even with the start of Jubilee celebrations, it is far more accessible compared to other months. Immerse yourself in the Eternal City with a mélange of concerts and operatic performances, religious events, exciting local traditions, and shopping discounts.

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CategoryDecemberJanuaryFebruary

Weather

4–14°C (39–57°F) Cool with occasional rain

1–12°C (34–54°F) Coldest, often damp

4-15°C (39–59°F) Chilly but pleasant

Crowds & atmosphere

Moderate, busy near holidays

Low, moderate during Jubilee

Low, moderate during Jubilee

Key events

Nativity scenes, Christmas markets, Midnight mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception

New Year’s Day Tiber Plunge, The Befana, Opening of the Holy Doors

Valentine’s Day, Jubilee of Artists, Rome Carnival

Budget

Higher prices during the main holidays

Lower prices after the holidays, except Jubilee years

Good deals, especially in the first half during Winter Sale

What to book early?

Opera shows, gallery and museum time slots

Opera shows, Jubilee festivities

Jubilee festivities, opera shows

Transportation

On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, public transport operates on limited schedules. Expect heavy traffic near Christmas markets, and religious sites.

Wet or icy roads may cause minor delays. Smooth public transport, expect crowds near Jubilee events.

Seamless public transport with moderate traffic.

Best for

Families, couples, holiday shoppers

Off-beat explorers looking for unique festivals, holiday shoppers

Outdoor lovers and cultural enthusiasts

Rome in January: Top things to do

Seize New Year’s Day

When: January 1, 2025
Where: Largo Arquata del Tronto in San Basilio, Casal del Marmo 216, Pointe Cavour

Here are some fun and free things to do on the first day of 2025.

Capodarte Free Concerts

Artists Giancane and Rancore stage two concerts free of charge, live on New Year’s Day. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Giancane will serenade the crowd at Largo Arquata del Tronto in San Basilio with indie-folk hits, while Italian rapper Rancore will perform his repertoire in the parking lot at Casal del Marmo 216.

Learn more here.

Tiber River Plunge

Gather on and around Piazza Cavour Bridge at 12pm to watch the residents of Rome take part in an 80-year-old tradition of jumping into the River Tiber. This activity is generally unsafe for weak swimmers and non-locals.

The Befana

When: January 6, 2025
Where: Piazza Navona

To mark the end of Christmas, the Feast of Epiphany and the Befana Festival are celebrated on January 6. It marks the Twelfth Night, when the Three Wise Men visited the infant Jesus. According to the lore, a legendary soot-covered witch called Befana accompanied them but missed meeting the Lord, so brings other children sweets and trinkets instead!

Celebrations typically take place in Piazza Navona, coinciding with the end of its Christmas market. Firefighters help the Befana "fly", families leave wine and food for her, while dolls and effigies adorn windows during Twelfth Night celebrations.

Recommended experiences nearby:

  • Walking Tour of Piazza Navona, Pantheon & Trevi Fountain

Opening of the Holy Doors

When: January 1 and 5, 2025
Where: Santa Maria Maggiore and St. Paul's Outside the Walls

Witness exclusive Jubilee events at two papal Basilicas in Rome. The Holy Door at St. Mary Major opens on January 1, and the Holy Door at St. Paul’s outside the Walls on January 5. The theme for this Year of Jubilee is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

Click here for more information and recommended experiences related to the Vatican Jubilee.

Blessing of the Animals Ceremony

When: January 17, 2025
Where: St. Peter's Square

Celebrate the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot in Rome with a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square. The day includes a Mass at the Basilica and a parade led by a police band, where farmers and pet owners bring animals to receive blessings.

Jubilee of the World of Communications

When: January 24 to 26, 2025
Where: St. Peter's Basilica

With lectures and dialogues in multiple languages, anyone working in the world of communication is especially invited to this Jubilee event. If you’re a journalist, media professional, news editor, video maker, graphic designer, copywriter, public relations/social media manager, audio technician, typographer, IT expert, or in any other field of communication, mark your calendars for three days of thought-provoking discussions.

Recommended experiences nearby:

Winter sales

When: January 5 to February 15, 2025
Where: Centro Storico, Piazza Navona, Rione Monti

During the winter sales period or Saldi Invernali, discounts are offered at nearly every store in Rome. Some of the more famous shopping districts and high-end outlets may run discounts as steep as 50%! Don’t miss out on getting your hands on designer fashion or souvenirs at great value during this time.

Operas and performances

When: All through January
Where: Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Palazzo Poli, Teatro Sistina, Palazzo Santa Chiara & Palazzo Pamphilj

  • Teatro dell'Opera di Roma puts on two ballets, The Bat (from Jan 1–5) and Carmen (from Jan 26–31), and a melodrama Tosca (from Jan 14–19).
  • The Italian adaptation of the classic musical West Side Story, directed by Massimo Romeo Piparo, is on at Teatro Sistina until Jan 12.
  • A delightful and classic concert of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons unravels at Palazzo Poli every Friday.
  • Catch the Great Opera Arias at Palazzo Santa Chiara, every Wednesday and Sunday of the month.
  • There are regular open-air opera shows with dinner and aperitifs at Palazzo Pamphlij this month.

January highlights: Must-do experiences for families, couples, and more

1. Families with kids

Don’t miss: Ice skating at Cinecittà World

The fascinating Cinecittà World has an Ice Kingdom, home to ‘Pattiniamo’, an ice skating rink open year-round. Revel in the winter atmosphere and make lasting memories as young ones exert their boundless energy.

Better in January: Olympic Stadium

Tour this grand football stadium to see the seats and changing rooms without crowds. If your kids are sports enthusiasts, this is an unforgettable experience. Catch a Series A or Europa League match on a Sunday or Thursday in January.

2. Couples

Don’t miss: Cooking classes

A memorable activity to do with your loved one and recreate for future date nights. Check out this pasta and tiramisu-making class with wine.

Better in January: Rooftop bar opera show

Enjoy a unique event at Palazzo Pamphlij where you can experience a millennia of Italian concert and culinary traditions, looking at panoramas of Rome from the rooftop! Lovebirds may appreciate the open-air seating during cuddle weather. It takes place every Wednesday in January from 6pm onward.

3. Art and culture lovers

Don’t miss: Hollywood Symphony Orchestra 

On January 26 at 7pm, the Parco della Musica Auditorium hosts breathtaking orchestra performances of iconic film soundtracks composed by the likes of Hans Zimmer and John Williams.

Better in January: Soirée Baroque

Relish a gastronomical and auditory adventure on Mondays at 6:30pm. Dine at Cotto Restaurant then sway to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Paul’s Within the Walls.

4. Solo travelers or friend groups

Don’t miss: Quartiere Coppedè

The quiet neighborhood around Quartiere Coppedè is filled with stunning buildings, away from the bustle and perfect for a calm photo walk.

Better in January: Food tours

Head out on a lip-smacking food tour through charming neighborhoods like Prati and Trastevere. This is a great way to meet new people and taste the culture behind the cuisine.

5. Avid shoppers

Don’t miss: Centro Commerciale Porta di Roma

You are sure to catch the winter sales at this modern two-storey mall with global retail outlets and restaurants.

Better in January: Galleria Alberto Sordi

A retro shopping arcade, the Galleria Alberto Sordi features Art Nouveau architecture and a variety of local and international brands. Look out for special discounts.

Festivals and events in Rome this January

Event/festivalWhat/whereWhenBest for

Tiber River Plunge

Watch residents take part in an 80-year-old tradition by diving off Ponte Cavour.

12pm on Jan 1, 2025

New Year’s visitors

Winter Sales

Outlets and stores in locales like the historic center, Piazza Navona, and Rione Monti offer heavy discounts.

Jan 5–Feb 15, 2025

Shoppers, Holiday visitors

Trame di Luce

Spectacular light show and multisensory displays at Orto Botanico.

Till Jan 6, 2025

Holiday visitors

The Befana

Celebrate this local festival at Piazza Navona, where a witch brings little ones treats. Together with the Feast of Epiphany, it marks the end of Christmas.

Jan 6, 2025

Culture enthusiasts

Hollywood Symphony Orchestra

At the Auditorium Parco della Musica, witness orchestra performances of film soundtracks by composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams.

7pm on Jan 26, 2025

Film & music buffs

Tastes and Sounds of Italy

Enjoy a delicious 4-course Mediterranean meal at Cotto Restaurant before watching three tenors perform legendary arias at the St. Paul's Within the Walls Church.

Every Saturday in Jan

Food & opera enjoyers

Sacred music in the heart of Rome

A hair-raising concert in the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars! Includes a guided tour of the church and museum.

Every Wednesday in Jan

Curious culture enthusiasts

Rome in January: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Day 1: Colosseum, cooking & concerts

MORNING
  • Colosseum: Knock off this crowd-favorite that opens at 8:30am early on. Having pre-booked access to your preferred sections allows you to zoom into the monument and discover every nook. 
  • Domus Aurea: This hidden gem was only opened to the public in recent years, and lies right near the Colosseum. Discover the archaeological remains of Emperor Nero's lavish three-story villa, once adorned with vibrant frescoes.
  • Energize yourself with coffee and breakfast at Er Baretto.

AFTERNOON
  • Either at noon or in the late afternoon, take a 3-hour Spritz & Spaghetti Tipsy Cooking Class! Sip on aperol and learn the art of pasta making, before digging into your creations.
  • The Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is just 250 meters and a 3-minute walk from your class. Book an evening show to round off your day with all your senses satisfied.

EVENING
  • Take a 15-minute stroll post your show to Trevi Fountain, and admire the stunning Baroque architecture at night.
  • Tuck into a cozy late-night Tuscan dinner at Il Chianti Vineria.

Day 2: A dance with nature

MORNING
  • It’s time for some greenery and fresh air. Visit the Villa Borghese Gardens and relax with a picnic in the park grounds. Rent a rowboat on the lake or take a golf cart tour of the gardens.
  • Then, explore either Borghese Gallery or the neighboring Rome Bioparco to your heart’s content.

AFTERNOON
  • Lunch at Le Jardin: Right nearby, experience luxury Italian dining amidst a mesmerizing garden.
  • Explore Piazza del Popolo: A few minutes away from your lunch stop, discover this iconic square centered by the Fountain of the Four Lions. 
  • Then, enjoy a walk along the Tiber River as the sun sets.

EVENING
  • Dinner: At Osteria Mamma Mia, dig into a wholesome variety of delicious traditional meals by the riverside.
  • Still got energy? Drink and dance the night away at Faccio Quello Che Voglio, an intimate nightclub with wonderful interiors and an electric atmosphere.

Day 3: Historical landmarks

MORNING
  • Breakfast: Savor a hearty spread at Habemus Café&Bistrot in preparation for some intense exploration.
  • Vatican City: Explore Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Get the chance to scale Michelangelo’s Dome and survey Rome from a different perspective.

AFTERNOON
  • Near the Vatican lies the historic Prati district. Enjoy a 4-hour food tour around this neighborhood from 3:30pm onward.
  • Or, you can grab a quick lunch at Bistrot Giudice and visit Castel Sant’Angelo instead.

EVENING
  • Walk to Piazza Navona, admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers, and enjoy its bars and shops, making the most of official winter sales that go on from Jan 5 to Feb 15.
  • Just a few minutes away from this square lies the enigmatic Pantheon. You can choose to make a quick stop here either before or after your shopping spree.

Make the most of Rome this winter

HOHO bus transport in rome
  1. 🚇By metro: The easiest and fastest method of traveling to the main landmarks would be taking the metro network. The lines are A, B, B1, and C. At Roma Termini, lines A and B meet; line C is automated and intersects with line A at San Giovanni.
  2. 🚋By tram: There are six active tram lines, but most don’t service central locations. 3 and 8 are the most used by tourists because they reach many significant sites and Trastevere. 
  3. 🚌By bus: A comprehensive public bus network is available in Rome, with 350 different lines running throughout the day and night.
    Insider tip: Reading the schedules and making the decision to buy tickets on the spot can be logistically tricky. Getting a public transport pass that also gives you free entry to two landmarks can be a great way to save money and time.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Rome in January

There are fewer crowds in January than even other winter months. However, since this is the Year of Jubilee, you can expect a throng of pilgrims and holiday visitors.