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Packing For Rome In January? Let's Make It Easy!
Packing for Rome in January?
After living through more than 20 years of chilly Rome winters, I can tell you just what to pack, how I stay warm, and how not to overpack.
I love Rome in January - yes, it's cold, but it's also quiet. Find out what I wear and what you should pack when you visit this month.Find out what kind of weather to expect, how I dress in Rome in January, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in January - what to bring and how to dress
January is the heart of winter, and although Rome has relatively mild winters, I find it downright cold.
One year in early January, it was so cold many of Rome's fountains froze. Those days were sunny but bitterly cold. I went out to see the fountains but I bundled up with hat, scarf, gloves, the works.
I'll never forget the year it was so cold in Rome in January, many of the fountains froze.On the other hand, if it's sunny and there isn't wind right in the middle of the day, it can get warm enough that I take off my jacket.
One year, I was meandering through the Roman Forum on a sunny January day, and even after taking off my scarf and jacket, I found myself wishing I had a short-sleeved shirt on.
Either way, temperatures always drop a lot when the sun goes down, which is early in January (around 5 PM.)
So the key to walking around Rome in January is to dress in layers, and to have a backpack with you so you can keep your layers there when you want to shed them.
On this page you'll find:
- What weather to expect in Rome in January
- Preparing for rain (or snow!) in Rome
- How I dress in Rome in January - my best advice
- Things to pack in any season
Weather in Rome in January
The weather in Rome in January is pretty consistent throughout the month. It's cold and can be blustery and sometimes rainy.
A wintery, cold, sunny day in January at Rome's Arch of Constantine.The temperatures stay fairly steady all month in January in Rome, averaging around 50-56 Fahrenheit/10-14 Celsius during the day and dropping to around 34-40 Fahrenheit/1-4 Celsius during the night.
The main thing that changes across the month is that the days start getting a little longer by the end, but that won't make much difference in the temperature or in your sightseeing schedule.
January can have some rainy days.We don't get much sleet and snow, and since I moved here in 2001, when it has snowed, it has been mostly in February.
On occasion you might find yourself in a quick hail shower, but it's not that common.
Dressing for the rain in Rome in January
Since January can be a rainy month, you may want to pack some waterproof gear.
While it rarely snows in Rome, if you are prepared for winter rain, then you are prepared for snow.
While you should bring a warm cozy winter hat with you, you may also want to pack a rain hat.
Rain hats are lightweight and don't take up much room, and can easily be carried in a day-bag or backpack ready for when you need it.
Frankly, if I have my wooly winter hat with me and it starts to rain, I just use my wooly winter hat and let it get a little wet. If it starts to pour, I pull up the hood of my jacket.
In all my years living through Roman winters, I've never gotten so wet from winter rain that it ruined my clothes or my day, even if I was not specifically wearing waterproof gear.
But you may want to bring it with you - this comes down to your preference and to how much luggage you want to bring and are able to bring.
On that note, you may also want to pack a quality travel umbrella.
Hotels lend them out and you can easily buy them on the fly from street vendors, but I like having my own because it's better quality.
Packing for Rome in January - How I dress
After more than 20 years of living here and experiencing the weather in Rome in January, I have lots of experience with dressing comfortably for walking around the city throughout the month, just like you’ll be doing when you visit.
These are my recommendations for packing for Rome in January based on what I wear when I walk around Rome this time of year:
In winter in Rome, I never leave the house without a warm, cozy hat.
A hat is one of the easiest ways to warm up fast.
They're small, lightweight, and easy to pack and keep in your bag as you walk around.
I own these e-tip gloves and just love them.
They are perfect for cold weather, and I can keep them on while I use my phone to make calls or take pictures.
I've washed them more than once, and they still look brand new.
A scarf is a must-have throughout the year in Rome.
In warmer weather, a scarf can be fashionable and also useful for covering your shoulders for entering churches and other holy sites.
I either go out with a long, thick scarf or a fairly large pashmina. I like a scarf I can wrap around my neck more than once.
I prefer a blend of cashmere and silk because it's not overly hot and it doesn't make me itch.
In Italy, men wear scarves year-round.
Alessandro has as large a supply of scarves as I have.
It's one thing we both love about dressing for winter, because a scarf just pulls your whole outfit together.
My best tip for what kind of jacket to bring to Rome with you in January is a waterproof hiking jacket with removable lining.
It's 3 jackets in one - or even more if the outer jacket or lining is reversible.
I have several for when I hike, and I wear them around Rome in winter, but you should only bring one with you.
What can make a big difference is the removable shell. It might be made of fleece or something more lightweight.
Just pick one that has a lining you will be happy wearing on its own.
Here is a men's version of the same kind of jacket.
I believe in making a small investment in a good travel umbrella. It's handy when you visit Rome in January, but you can also use it for other trips.
You can always buy one here, even off a street vendor if you get caught in the rain, but having one in your bag will save you in a sudden downpour.
Also, the ones you get from the street vendors are flimsy and don't last long.
I love mine, which has features like wind-resistant ribs, and a cool open AND close button (the close button is no small thing).
As for bottoms, I wear jeans or heavy cotton pants, but mostly jeans.
I have winter dresses and boots but at the end of the day, I just don't wear them that often unless I am going out someplace special.
For everyday walking around in Rome in winter, jeans and super comfy shoes are part of my go-to outfit.
If you want to bring a skirt or dress, that's fine but I don't really recommend it because then you have to bring different shoes like boots, which I definitely don't recommend.
My standard top for walking around in winter is a cotton or wool turtleneck. I like mine a little oversized.
You don't need to pack more than 2 of these, as you can just keep switching them out.
A half-zip or full-zip fleece is another option for keeping warm and comfortable while sightseeing in Rome in January.
If you bring the hiking jacket with removable fleece, then you already have this but I know some people just like having a fleece on its own.
This is also great for the plane ride.
Bring two pairs of shoes with you - one basic comfortable walking shoe like a tennis shoe, and another sturdier pair, perhaps some waterproof hiking boots with wool or fleece around the ankle.
Wear the bulkier shoes on the plane and pack the lighter ones. Then you have two pairs of shoes to switch out.
I recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are.
I don't recommend bringing full-length boots. This will just take up a lot of room in your luggage and you really don't need them for sightseeing.
Almost as important as bringing the right shoes for comfort is packing quality socks. They can be warm winter socks or even just regular cotton socks, but it makes a big difference if they are specifically made for walking.
With the amount of walking I do, and that you'll probably be doing when you visit Rome, having the right socks goes a long way with keeping my feet and my legs from wearing out.
Whether you're packing for Rome in January for the beginning, middle, or end of the month, your packing will not vary.
The basics include stuff for layering, such as cotton t-shirts or long-sleeved tops, jeans/cotton pants, a cardigan or pullover, and a rain-jacket with removable lining.
You could bring a short-sleeved top like a t-shirt but you'll definitely want to wear a pullover or cardigan AND a jacket as you walk around Rome during the day.
This is also why you should wear a backpack - it keeps your hands free but also provides an easy way to carry your stuff if you start shedding it.
And don't forget that scarf.
PRO TIP
Plan for 4-6 outfit combinations with 3-5 pieces.
Voilà! Your carry-on stays under 10 kg.
A few other things I carry with me when I walk around Rome in winter include sunglasses, chapstick or lip balm (my favorite is Laneige), and a small tube of hand lotion.
My hands always seem to dry out a lot in winter.
For more packing inspiration, watch my video about what to pack for winter in Rome:
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General Rome packing tips for any time of year
What else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in January?
These are a few of my recommendations for what to pack for Rome, any time of year:
I don't leave the house, let alone travel, without my handy portable charger. Since I use my phone for so many things, such as taking photos, watching videos, getting directions, checking mail, etc., the battery can deplete pretty quickly.
This charger quickly brings the battery up to full, so I don't have to worry about running out while I'm on the go.
Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
Photocopies of your passport (or a scan on your phone or tablet).
Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, laptops, electric shavers) default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here.
This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations if you travel to different parts of the world.
One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality compression packing cubes.
They are super-sturdy, waterproof, and expandable.
They help me organize everything and keep stuff from moving around in my suitcase.
The packing cubes come in different sizes so it's also great for lumping together workout clothes or toiletries.
Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
No matter the season, I almost always walk around Rome with a small comfortable backpack.
I like keeping my hands free, and I like having a place to keep all my stuff, especially clothing layers, including a scarf.
But most importantly, I need to keep the weight balanced on my back. For some, a messenger bag or crossbody bag could work too.
Travel insurance isn't something to pack but it is something not to forget.
I can't tell you the times our B&B guests had lost luggage that never arrived, flights cancelled or delayed, or documents/wallets pickpocketed. Double check what your credit card covers - chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen.
I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.
See my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations.
Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in January here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in winter, and here for current exhibits and events in January in Rome.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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