Rome edges it in January. Rome averages 3–13°C with low crowds; Florence 2–9°C with low crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Rome and Florence
The verdict for January
Quietest and best value
+One of the quietest and best-value periods, making major sights much easier to experience.
–Cool temperatures, shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
Rome's greatest hits without the queues, at the year's lowest prices.
Cold, quiet and the cheapest month to see the Uffizi.
+Lowest crowds + lowest prices
–Cold, with grey, wet days common
January is Florence at its quietest, with cold, often grey days and very few tourists. It is a strong month for the Uffizi, the Accademia and long lunches, without the queues or prices of the warmer months.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month