The first things that come to mind when the beautiful word “Italy” is spoken are white sandy beaches and sunny villas. But, there is so much more to be discovered in this country that many people don’t think about.
Visiting Italy in winter can actually unfold many of the country’s hidden marvels. With fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and special events, planning a winter vacation in Italy may be the smartest thing you can do.
Hey, we sell tours too!
While the information we provide here is free, we also sell tours at very reasonable prices! If you don’t feel like doing any heavy lifting, we got you covered. Let us help you choose the best rome tours when coming to the eternal city to immerse yourself in the “Dolce Vita” lifestyle.
Why Visit Italy in Winter?
Traveling to Italy in the winter allows you to enjoy the museums without standing in line for 3 hours. That also means more time for eating and relaxing with some wine!
Flights, restaurants, shops, and hotels will offer cheaper prices in low season. Last, but certainly not least, you’ll enjoy traditional Italian winter food you won’t find year round.
Most of Italy is still seasonal with their food, so there are treats, which you simply cannot find in other parts of the year. You can also find some examples of lesser-known Italian traditions around Christmas time on our blog.
Go Skiing
Italy is home to more than 400 ski areas with three major mountain ranges – the Alps, Apennines, and the Dolomites. There are slopes for the experts, beginners, and the ones that want to focus on the hot chocolate by the fire.
Some of the best places to check out are Courmayeur, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Roccaraso, and Mount Etna.
Visit a Museum or Historical Sight
Visiting Italian cities in winter means peacefully strolling through the halls of the most beautiful art museums in the world, or quietly reflecting in the Colosseum without fighting for a photo spot. The only thing to be aware of in the winter is the slightly earlier closing times.
When you visit Rome, going to the Vatican is a must. However, keep in mind that the period between Christmas and the 6th of January is the most crowded.
If you want an expert to show you around as well as skipping the lines, check out the best Vatican Tours! If you’re visiting around Christmas, consider attending the Christmas Eve mass for an unforgettable experience! Find out how:
Indulge in Some Shopping
Italy is a great shopping destination all year round. However, Christmas markets in Italy are the perfect opportunity to taste some traditional specialties and find handcrafted gifts.
After the holidays, all of Italy goes on sale from January-February. This is the perfect time to find quality Italian leather bags and shoes you’ve been dreaming about for cheap.
Every store, every item, every city. If you love vintage clothes, Rome has some treasure vintage stores, so go and have a rummage!
Embark on a Foodie Expedition
Did you know wine harvest is in September?! Visiting a charming winery in winter is the perfect time to let the producers boast about their new products.
You’ll be spoiled with the attention of the experts and will have plenty of time for tasting and buying. In the summer months, foodie tours and experiences can be crowded and even sold out.
Why not take advantage of the culinary heaven of Italy and taste some delicacies guided by experts? Check out these local Italy food tours!
Travel to off-the-beaten-path Destinations in Italy
Visiting Italy in Winter can be the perfect occasion to discover some off-the-beaten-path destinations! The weather is sometimes rainy and often unpredictable.
Yet, the winter sports, food, Christmas atmosphere, and cheaper and less crowded monuments make a compelling argument. You can find the five coolest places to spend winter in Italy on our blog!
Traditional Italian Winter Foods by Region
Whether it’s a hearty stew or a mouth-watering dessert, there are plenty of winter dishes in Italy. Some of the most popular in Rome are pasta with chickpeas, oven roasted pumpkin, and heavier pasta dishes like carbonara, tagliatelle ai funghi, and anything with truffles!
Northern Italy
Rather than using pasta as a staple, risotto and polenta are widely used in the northern regions. Polenta Taragna is a rich mash made with cheese, milk, and butter, and it’s definitely worth trying. The North is the colder area in Italy, so expect heavy dishes that warm you up.
Bread dumplings in a thick broth, wiener schnitzel, and fegato (liver and onions) are common on menus during the colder months.
Central Italy
You may still see some risotto in central Italy, but pastas are a bit more common. Be ready for the famous pasta alla Bolognese. Brodetto, a fish stew, and Vincisgrassi, a pork dish with mushrooms and truffles, are sure to keep you warm in the chilly Tuscan nights.
Where to Get the Best Hot Chocolate in Rome
Italian hot chocolate, or cioccolata calda, deserves a mention on its own. It’s like drinking a liquid chocolate bar that is both thick and smooth.
The authentic drink comes in two flavors – dark and white chocolate. None of that cinnamon, mint stuff around here. Some baristas get creative with their own mix but it is a classic most people don’t steer too far away from.
Few of the best places in Rome to get this classic are Ciampini, Caffé Sant’Eustachio, and Bar San Calisto.
Southern Italy
The heat gets kicked up a notch not only with the sun but also in the kitchen. Spicy tomato sauces are crucial to a southern Italian dish.
Raisins and pistachios are very common in Sicily, as well. Capretto ripieno al forno, roast kid stuffed with herbs, is a staple for the secondi menu options.
With the seafood popularity in the South, swordfish, sardines, and finocchio con le sarde (fennel with sardines) are local treats to try.
Winter Weather in Italy
For such a small country, Italy does have a wide range of climates. Depending on where you’re coming from, it could be a cold change of scenery, or a tropical winter escape. Except for the northern mountain regions, though, winter in Italy is fairly mild.
The temperatures are averages from December-March in Fahrenheit for Northern Italy are high 51-57 and low 34-35. For Central Italy: high 51-59 and low 37-42. For Southern Italy high 51-60 and low 39-44.
What to Pack for Italy in Winter
The checklist can vary greatly depending on if you’re going skiing, hiking, how long you’re traveling for. This is the go-to general list for anyone coming to Italy in winter to ensure the easiest transition.
- Umbrella. Snow is not common unless you’re way up north, but rain is a friend of Italian winter.
- Debit card. There are countless places where credit cards aren’t accepted so make sure you have a quick and easy way to get cash.
- An adaptor.
- Slippers/warm socks. Carpeted floors are not common in Italy! Stay warm in your hotel or short-stay apartment by bringing warm socks and slippers.
- Comfy shoes. Italy is best when enjoyed by foot! Uncomfortable shoes make for one uncomfortable traveler.
- Thermal long sleeve shirts. This will help to keep you warm with fewer clothes. It also means less luggage, which means a happier traveler!
- Layers, layers, layers. We have the average temperatures, but the sunshine can make it seem warmer. Bring things that you can easily take off if need be.
- Sunglasses. A must.
- Scarf. Comfy for the airplane, necessary for walking around.
- Hat and gloves.
Fashion tip: Italians, particularly in Rome, stick to neutral hues and basic patterns. If you want to blend in, think blacks, beiges, browns or navy blue. Bring one or two outfits to get you started and then just shop the local stores!
What NOT to Pack:
- Bulky, heavy-duty jacket (unless you’re going to the mountains). It doesn’t get that cold and it takes up unnecessary space.
- More than one pair of jeans. They take forever to dry and take up a lot of space in your luggage.
- High heels. Cobblestone streets don’t go well with high-heeled shoes. If you’re a fan of them, do yourself a favor and buy them here and strut at home!
I Want More Italy!
- If you want us to arrange the entertainment in Rome (and beyond!), contact our Trip Planning Team to coordinate an unforgettable Italian experience.
- Check out our YouTube video and step-by-step guide about how to do Rome in a Day. If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our Rome tours.
- Not sure where to stay in Rome? Read this guide!
- Follow our adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.
Thanks for the info. When planning of a trip to Italy i’ve always thought about beaches and sunshine. But Italy actually changes a lot during the winter. I’ll consider arranging a trip in both seasons 🙂