What's The Weather Like In Corsica In January?
Corsica is a French island located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of Italy. The island is well known for its beautiful mountains and lush scenery, which draws visitors all year round. The island is much quieter and often cheaper at this time of the year, which is a bonus for many travelers.
Is Corsica Hot In January?
In January the average temperatures are their lowest, at around 8°C, with daytime highs that reach 13°C. Nights are cold with an average low of 3°C, so warm layers and coats are definitely needed if you're traveling during this month.
Is The Sea Warm In Corsica In January?
The average sea temperature is only 14°C which will feel very chilly, however many other activities are available on the island to compensate for the lack of swimming.
Rain In Corsica In January
Compared to the summer months, rainfall levels are quite high in January and holidaymakers should expect some wet weather, though bright and dry days are still common. There's around 74mm of precipitation throughout the month and 14 rainy days on average.
How Much Sunshine Does Corsica Get In January?
Days are quite short in January, but holidaymakers can still enjoy some sunshine. There are about four hours of sunshine per day, so tourists should take advantage of every minute of it.
Hotels for Corsica in January
Tourists are well catered for in Corsica. You'll have no problems finding a great place to stay in January and prices are generally lower at this time of year.
Sofitel Golfe d'Ajaccio Thalassa Sea and Spa
One of the best rated hotels on the island is the Sofitel Golfe d'Ajaccio Thalassa Sea and Spa. Located by the sea in Ajaccio, this five-star hotel offers beautiful views of Ajaccio Bay and the Sanguinaires Islands. Rooms here are bright, stylish and beautifully decorated to offer guests a relaxing stay, while they can also enjoy the on-site spa and gourmet restaurant. Outside, there's a heated outdoor pool that's open all year round.
Mercure Ajaccio Hotel
Also in Ajaccio is the Mercure Ajaccio Hotel which is great value for money and perfectly suited to everyone, from couples to families. Located next to Port de Plaisance, the hotel is in the heart of the town, within walking distance of the old town center and the house of Napoléon Bonaparte. Breakfast is available every morning.
Hotel Costa Salina
If you're looking for a place to stay in Porto-Vecchio, look no further than the Hotel Costa Salina. The hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Porto-Vecchio Marina and other attractions such as the St Jean-Baptiste Church. Guests here will love the panoramic sea views as well as the spacious rooms which are equipped with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Restaurants and Bars for Corsica in January
The food in Corsica is typically French and there are many restaurants where holiday makers can sample a taste of this classic cuisine.
Les Bouchons
One restaurant that gets rave reviews is Les Bouchons in the town of Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo. The menu features a range of locally-sourced Mediterranean dishes that are simple, well-cooked and reasonably priced. That's not the only thing that keeps you coming back though the panoramic views from the restaurant are also a must-see.
Le Petit Zinc
Le Petit Zinc in a contemporary French restaurant in the town of Bastia serving a range of delicious dishes, but it's the burgers that get visitor's mouths watering the most. Served with chips and homemade relish, they make a great dinner option for the whole family.
U Catagnu
Finally, those staying in or near to the town of San-Nicolao on the east of the island will find a great meal at U Catagnu. One of the hidden gems on Corsica, this grill and wine bar features a cool, contemporary interior and an open grill at the centre. It is particularly noted for its excellent service.
Things to Do in Corsica in January
Val d'Ese
While Corsica's beautiful beaches may be off bounds in the cool month of January, there's still lots to keep visitors entertained. It may surprise many that skiing is possible in Corsica and is a great activity for this time of year. The most popular ski resort on the island is Val d'Ese which is located in the mountains above Ajaccio making it easy to access you can be skiing in the morning and exploring the city in the afternoon! The resort is quite small but visitors can rent skis, snowboards and sledges and there's a ski school and a shop on site.
Musee Fesch
A great activity for cold January days is to visit the famous Musée Fesch, a museum of fine arts located in Ajaccio. It was established by Napoléon Bonaparte's uncle cardinal Joseph Fesch and can be found in the town's Borgu d'Ajaccio quarter. The museum holds an important collection of art from masters such as Botticelli, Canaletto and Titian, making it a must-see attraction for those who love art and culture.