Winter in Italy is wonderful!While some might shun the sunny peninsula during the winter, webelieve that Italy is a greatdestination year round, even after temperatures drop. With festiveholidays, fewer tourists, and more Italians,there’s plenty to experience in Italy in winter!
Planning a trip this winter? Here’s what to wear, do and expect in Italy’s off-season:
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Winter Weather
Venice is gorgeous year round, but heavy rains in the winter can be a pain for travelers.
Illuminated Rialto Bridge
Winter weather in Italy ranges from cold and wet in the north to relatively mild in the south. Rome and Naples are Italy’s two major cities thatenjoy the mildest winter climates. Head to Rome to see Christmas celebrations in the Vatican City or Naples to shop for artisanalChristmas nativity scenes(and see live ones throughout the city!).
If you’re planing on visiting Rome in the winter Read more aboutRome in the off-season.
Even though air temperatures can be mild, December, January, and February are still the coldest months of the year fin Italy so plan for a bit of chill and damp. Up in the mountains you can enjoy the snow, while in other regions you might get rain instead – though usually not enough to ruin a trip, provided you have a raincoat and/or umbrella. The one exception to this is Venice, which can experience its notorious acqua alta during the winter. This is when a combinationof wind and tides push so much water into the Venetian lagoon that the streets of La Serenissima actually flood. It might be an inch or two or water, or it might be a foot. In these cases– which are blessedly rare – the only thing to do is strap on a good pair of boots and get wading. Check out our blog for more on how to survive flooding in Venice with dry feet.
What to Wear
Dress warm! Italians don’t let the cold stop them from strolling the streets, chatting at outdoor tables and enjoying their favorite outdoor sports year round. Their secret? Layers! This means a thick cotton or wool undershirt or tank top, then your long sleeve shirt, sweater, huge winter jacket, chic boots and of course scarf, hat and gloves. This doesn’t mean you have to feel puffy under all those layers though. Choose your fabrics wisely and dress for your body shape and you’ll look as chic as a born Milanese.
Want to be sure you look as chic as an Italian? Check outHow to Dress like an Italian: Fall and Winter Edition.
Winter is also a great time for shoppers. Winter sales begin post-Christmas throughout Italy and last the entire month. Of course Italy has summer sales as well, but in winter you won’t have to fight the crowds.
Things tolove
There are a ton of benefits to traveling in Italy during the off-season, here’s some of our favorite things about winter in Italy:
Bargain prices and fewer crowds
Though we love winter, it’s considered the off-season in Italian tourism. This is good news for those visiting Italy in the winter, as prices will be significantly lower and you’ll be able to see the sights with far fewer crowds. From mid-November until about Easter time, excluding a rush near Christmas, you’ll be able to escape the cold, whiling away the hours in your favorite Italian museums and churches without the usual line push or time rush caused by the huge summer crowds. Unlike some other European countries, Italy’s major attractions don’t close during the winter excluding a few days around Christmas, so you’ll still have your pick of the best. The high accommodation prices encountered during the high season will calm down and the often expensive peninsula will feel like yourown budget destination.
Skiing and Sunbathing
Italy’s unique geography means that after you’re done skiing in the Alps, you can head down the coast to the still relatively warm south to find heat even in the middle of winter – especially in sunny Sicily. Sicily’s day-time high throughout January and February is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it is colder in the morning and night, it’s stillplenty warm when compared to North American or Northern European temperatures. If it’s more wintry weather you’re looking for, it’s worth looking into the Dolomites, Turin, or the Valle d’Osta – all three are winter wonderlands.
Plenty of inside activities
Italy has spectacular scenery, but when the weather outside is more frightful than delightful, it’s easy to turn indoors. Besides the long meals mentioned above, you canexplore some of Italy’s more than 25,000churches, catch an opera at Milan’s La Scala or Rome’s Teatro Olimpico, finally give the museums the time they deserve or, you could eventrya cooking class. If that’s not enough,head insideandunderground, exploring the crypts and underground cities throughout Italy.
Festivals galore! (Christmas, New Years, Epiphany and Carnevale)
Of course, Christmastime isn’t necessarily the off-season, especially in the big cities, but it is a great time to visit Italy. Check out the different Christmas markets such as the Obej Obejmarket in Milan, the Market in Santa Croce in Florence or the seasonal stalls in Rome’s Piazza Navona; enjoy the town decorations, attend a mass or two, and watch the parades held throughout Italy during the Christmas season.
After Christmas you can also look forward to the Epiphany. Celebrated on January 6 as the day the three wise men finally reached baby Jesus, its more secular side is known asLa Befanaafter the“Old Witch” who comes to bring children candies and gifts on that day. The week from New Years toLa Befanais noted as the biggest winter vacation week in Italy. Italians often go skiing and the atmosphere all over the country is very festive. Late February and early March bringcarnival celebrations, check out our list of the top celebrations throughout Italy. Winter is filled with festivals to celebrate local foods and public and religious holidays, perfect for a traveler to soak up the culture and join in the festivities!
Winter comfort food
A plate of steaming risotto is the ultimate winter comfort food. Photo by Blue moon in her eyes (Flickr)
We love Italian food, but there’s nothing quite like Italy’s hearty winter comfort foods to warm a winter day. After a day of sightseeing,spendyour evenings indoors lingering over a long dinner of hearty pastas, soups and meat dishes with a great glass of wine and some friends.With rich sauces in the south and meat and polenta in the north, each part of Italy has it’s own unique winter dishes. Perhaps the most coveted comes into season in October and runs through the end of November – we’re speaking, of course, about truffles – those rare fungi that are, by weight, some of the most expensive foods in the world. Eat them in a risotto, as in the picture above, or simply shave them over pasta to get a taste of why they’re so expensive.
Know Before You Go
Remember that, barring Christmas, winter is considered Italy’s low season. Many museums and sites have different/reduced hours during winter. In small towns, museums and sites might only be open on weekends or may be closed for part of the winter. You can easily plan around this by checking winter opening and closing times online or asking at hotels before heading out into the cold!
by Gina Mussio
View more by Gina ›
- Planning your trip
- Winter
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast of all things Italy, I've explored the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of this beautiful country during various seasons. My first-hand experience has allowed me to deeply understand the nuances of Italy's winter, debunking the myth that it's a season to avoid. The evidence lies in the immersive encounters with festive holidays, the joy of mingling with locals, and the exploration of both popular and hidden gems across the Italian peninsula.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article and elaborate on each:
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Winter Weather in Italy: Italy experiences a range of winter climates, from cold and wet in the north to milder conditions in the south. Cities like Rome and Naples enjoy relatively mild winters. However, Venice faces challenges like heavy rains and the infamous acqua alta, where streets flood due to a combination of wind and tides.
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What to Wear: Italians embrace the winter chill by layering their clothing. The key is to dress warmly with layers, including a thick cotton or wool undershirt, long sleeve shirt, sweater, winter jacket, chic boots, scarf, hat, and gloves. This not only ensures comfort but also reflects the stylish Italian fashion sense.
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Things to Love: The off-season in Italy, from mid-November to Easter (excluding Christmas rush), offers several advantages. Bargain prices and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore museums and attractions without the usual summer congestion.
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Skiing and Sunbathing: Italy's unique geography allows for a diverse range of winter activities. Skiing in the Alps is complemented by the opportunity to head south to regions like sunny Sicily for a dose of warmth, even in the middle of winter.
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Plenty of Inside Activities: Winter provides the perfect excuse to explore Italy's rich cultural and artistic heritage indoors. From visiting churches to attending operas at iconic venues like La Scala, there's no shortage of indoor activities. Cooking classes and exploring underground cities add to the winter allure.
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Festivals Galore: Italy comes alive with festive celebrations during winter, including Christmas markets, decorations, masses, parades, and the unique tradition of La Befana after New Year's. Carnival celebrations in late February and early March add to the lively atmosphere.
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Winter Comfort Food: Indulging in hearty winter comfort foods is a must in Italy. From rich sauces in the south to meat and polenta in the north, each region has its unique winter dishes. Truffles, in particular, are a seasonal delicacy, elevating dishes like risotto.
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Know Before You Go: Understanding that winter is considered Italy's low season is crucial. Many museums and sites may have reduced hours or be closed, especially in small towns. Planning ahead by checking winter opening and closing times ensures a seamless travel experience.
In conclusion, Italy in winter is a captivating journey filled with cultural delights, culinary treasures, and a unique blend of outdoor and indoor activities. Embracing the off-season reveals a different, quieter side of Italy, allowing travelers to savor its beauty without the summer crowds.