Has anyone traveled to Italy in January? Is it too cold to enjoy? Thanks.(only time we can go)?

Question

Has anyone traveled to Italy in January? Is it too cold to enjoy? Thanks.(only time we can go)?

Answer 1

I live in Italy and do a lot of exploring on the weekends all year. It can be cold here in January, but if you're not in the mountains, there isn't a lot of snow. There are some things you won't be likely to do - like sitting in a piazza over lunch. However, the tourist attractions are mostly open and you can do most of the normal things. Some people even go for gondola rides in Venice - you just wrap up warmly. Actually, there are some nice things that go with the colder weather - like stopping at one of the stands for a vin brulè to warm up and you may find some roast chestnut vendors. Venice has a Regatta of the  Befana for the Epiphany - a boat race with people dressed as witches. Many towns will still be holding exhibitions of nativity scenes early in the month - this is a big deal here and worth seeing. The display in Verona has hundreds of them from around the world in the old Roman Arena. There's a good chocolate fair in Florence every year. The winter sales in Milan are in January.