A Complete Guide to Visiting Florence in January

Are you thinking of a visit to Florence in January?

Honestly speaking, January in Florence is not the warmest of months, but we do see a massive decrease in tourists. So depending on your preference, and how many layers you have packed, January is one of the best times to experience the city. 

January is one of my favorite months to be in Florence.

Why is this? It’s pretty simple, there are virtually no crowds and the city is at its most peaceful. At least, this is the case after the 6th…

Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence this time of year:

• Where to stay in Florence in January
• What’s the weather like? Is it likely to be raining or snowing?
• What to pack for visiting Florence in January? How to dress in wintertime in Florence?
• Is January the best time to visit Florence?
• What food is in season in January in Florence?
• What are some things to do in Florence in January?

Santa Trinità, in the heart of the Centro Storico, is the ideal place to stay in January. This part of Florence is right beside the Via de’ Tornabuoni, widely known as the hub for luxury shopping in the city. 

January marks the start of the winter sales, so if you’re planning to do some major shopping (my favorite kind), this is the perfect spot to be based as all stores are within reach. 

The festive season in Florence continues until the Befana holiday on January 6, so staying in the city center means you can enjoy the last of the Christmas lights and decor right from your hotel window. 

Once the holidays pass, Florence becomes much quieter. You’ll be able to take in Santa Trinità and the surrounding historic streets without the usual busy crowds.

January is the coldest month in Florence, but generally though it will feel cold, the winters here tend to be pretty mild.

In the beginning of the month, if we are lucky, there’s a small possibility of snow in Florence. If it does snow however, it will be more of a light flurry compared to blankets of powder. The temperature does start to slowly climb moving into February, so if there’s any chance of snowflakes, it’s most likely at the beginning of the month. 

Rainfall is more of a definite, at its peak during the month of January, and in order to stay warm and dry you absolutely want to come prepared (see our packing essentials below). 

The weather in Florence, as previously mentioned, is quite chilly. Temperatures average lows around 36–37°F (2–3°C) and daytime highs of about 48–50°F (9–10°C). 

The days continue to be pretty short, still being winter, but are already getting longer after the winter solstice on December 22.   

Packing tips for January in Florence

What to wear in Florence in January

I would say the most important thing to keep in mind for a visit to Florence is always to choose comfort. Those cute loafers may seem like a good idea, but after a few miles of walking, the twelve blisters on your feet will probably tell a different story. 

Good walking shoes and high quality socks will make all the difference, and the sacrifice of those less-trendy sneakers will be worth it. 

One tip I like to use during particularly frigid days is putting a pair of stockings or leggings under my jeans, for an extra layer of warmth.

Once the festivities come to a close on January 6th, Florence becomes much quieter, which makes moving around the city center lot easier. 

I think that whether or not Florence in January is a good time to visit is really personal preference. If you are someone who does not do well in cold weather, then I would suggest a more mild season to plan your visit. But, if you are willing to face the temperature, then this time of year is perfect to enjoy the city at its calmest. 

When to expect crowds in January?

Though things do calm down toward the end of the month, the beginning of January is a very busy time in Florence.

The first week specifically is very crowded with the holiday rush, as people celebrate the beginning of the New Year. 

January 6 is also a national holiday celebrated in Italy: The day of the Kings (i.e. the day the Magi brought gifts). 

A favorite among kids, this holiday features La Befana – a friendly witch who brings candy to good children and coal to those who have been bad… Italy’s own version of Santa’s naughty or nice list. 

The holiday season officially ends on the 6th, but many of Florence’s lights and a few markets stay up into late January, keeping the festive atmosphere for a bit longer. 

Most major tourist and historic sites, and even shops, remain open on January 6, but with schools and offices closed, Florence fills with families enjoying the final holiday weekend. 

And, finally, the winter sales start at the beginning of January, so you will definitely see Italians flocking to their favorite stores those first few days of the month. 

After the rush at the beginning of the month, everything is pretty quiet. The large tourist crowds disappear, which makes visiting the sites a million times easier. If you’re planning to see the Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia Gallery, January is the perfect time to plan your trip. 

This time of year in Florence is known for seasonal winter foods and delicious dishes. Specifically polenta, risotto, ribollita, minestrone, cinghiale ragù, artichokes, and of course… truffles. 

January holidays and special dates in Florence

January in Florence starts off with a bang, but there are many local events and small celebrations that continue through the rest of the month. Here are some you won’t want to miss:

January 1 – New Years Day

January 1 (New Years Day), is a public and religious holiday in Italy, meaning many shops take the day off. Most sights are open, but be sure to double check their websites, as many shorten their hours or close certain areas. 

No matter what day of the week, New Year’s Day is always energetic in the city center, with visitors and locals celebrating the last major holiday before winter settles in. 

January 6 – Epiphany/La Befana

As previously mentioned, January 6 marks the end of the Christmas holidays. The Day of the Kings (Epiphany) is widely celebrated all over Italy. 

In Florence, Epiphany is a particularly popular festival, with lots of local events to take part in.

Every year there is a parade through the city center ending at the Piazza del Duomo. Known as the Cavalcata dei Magi, it is meant to recreate the journey of the wise men to Bethlehem, and is complete with hundreds of performers and animals. 

Winter sales

Across Italy, there are 2 major sales (saldi) that take place during the year – one in summer and one in winter. 

The winter sales start generally on the first weekend in January, and run until the end of February. The good stuff always goes first, as usual, so if you’re hoping for some great finds during saldi season, I would plan to be in Florence during this first weekend. 

January 26 – La Fiorita di San Zanobi

Every year, Florence honors its first bishop, Saint Zenobius (San Zanobi), with a traditional floral ceremony in Piazza San Giovanni.

According to the legend, a dying elm tree in Piazza San Giovanni blossomed after the saint’s remains were carried past it.

To commemorate this miracle, a column was built outside the baptistry. Participants place wreaths of flowers at the column, and a procession takes place by the Florentine Republic, the Bandierai of the Uffizi and the city authorities.

Free Things to do in Florence in January

As always, the first Sunday of each month is free for visitors to access certain sites around Florence. This includes state-run museums – such as Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Galleria Academia – as well as other parks and cultural attractions.

More ideas for things to do in Florence in January

If you have multiple days in Florence, and are looking to switch things up, January is actually a great time to book some day trips. With fewer crowds, travel in and out of the city becomes way less of a hassle. 

I would suggest a visit to smaller Tuscan towns, such as Siena or San Gimignano, to get a true feel for local life. It may be a little colder than in summer months, but the timeless charm always remains. 

A trip to the Thermal Baths also provides a relaxing escape during the harsher months. Located a bit outside of the city, the trip is worth the experience to the natural hot springs.