What's the Weather Like in Florence in January
Alongside December, January is usually the coldest month for Florence, Italy, when the city experiences cold temperatures, cloudy skies, rainfall and snowfall.
Temperature
During this month, the average temperature for the city begins at 6.5°C, created by highs of 10°C during the daytime and lows of 3°C after dark. This average increases slightly up to 7°C by the end of the month, created by highs of 11°C during the daytime and lows of 3°C after dark. This makes the final week of January the warmest time of the month.
Even though it only happens on an average of 10% of days, temperatures can sometimes rise above 15°C and fall below -3°C in Florence in January. The warmest temperature ever registered in the city at this time of year is 22°C, whilst the coldest temperature ever recorded here in this month is -8°C.
Over the course of the month, the length of the day is slowly increasing, with a difference of 52 minutes between the beginning and the end. The shortest day is January 1st with 8:58 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day is January 31st with 9:50 hours of daylight.
Sunshine
At this time of year, Florence enjoys an average of five daily hours of sunshine, along with median cloud coverage which ranges between 65% (partly cloudy) at the start of the month and 59% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 27% of the time, partly cloudy 17% and mostly cloudy/overcast 30%. The city is also affected by fog on an average of six days throughout the month.
Rain
The average monthly precipitation for Florence in January is 63mm/2 inches which is spread out between 11 rainy days and one snowy day. The likelihood of rainfall making an appearance during this month averages at 38% and decreases as the month develops. The most likely day for rainfall is January 1st when it falls on 39% of days, whilst the least likely day for rainfall is January 31st, when it falls on 36% of days.
Snow
The probability of snowfall making an appearance in Florence in January averages at 2% and increases as the month develops. The most likely day for snowfall is January 26th when it falls on 2.7% of days, whilst the least likely day for snowfall is January 1st when it falls on 1.9% of days. This makes the final week of January the best time to visit Florence if you want to catch the snow.
The most likely forms of precipitation you can expect to see in Florence in January are moderate rain (which occurs on 50% of days with precipitation), light rain (23%) and drizzle (14%).
With temperatures as cold as these, you'll need to pack plenty of winter clothing such as jeans, coats, jumpers and hats to make sure you stay warm during your January holiday in Florence. With rainfall occurring on more than 1/3 of days in the month, it's also a good idea to take an umbrella or some waterproofs with you. If you hate cold temperatures and want to visit Florence when the weather is warmest, forget about going in January and plan your holiday for July or August instead, which are usually the warmest months for the city.
Humidity
The average daily relative humidity for Florence in January is 71%. This figure typically ranges between 53% (mildly humid) and 93% (very humid) over the month, rarely reaching as high as 100% (very humid) of falling below 31% (comfortable). The air is driest around January 31st when the relative humidity falls below 68% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around January 10th when it rises above 92% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Over the course of January, normal wind speeds vary between 0 m/s (calm) and 3 m/s (gentle breeze), rarely rising above 8 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) happens around January 31st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 3 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 1 m/s (light air) occurs around January 8th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 3 m/s.
Hotels for Florence in January
Hotel Duomo Firenze
Hotel Duomo Firenze is a three-star hotel with clear views of the Duomo Cathedral. Located in the heart of the city centre, just steps away from the Pitti Palaces, the Old Bridge, the Uffizi Gallery and the Santa Maria Novella railway station, this hotel provides accommodation in the form of classic, superior and superior rooms #31, all of which are furnished modernly and come with free child's places for children under 8 years old.
All rooms feature free WiFi access, air conditioning, LCD satellite TV, soundproofed windows and private bathroom with shower. The superior rooms #31 also come with a balcony and view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. There is one bar-restaurant onsite which serves drinks throughout the day and a continental buffet breakfast with cold cuts, cheese, bacon, eggs, pastries and cereal, with plenty more cafes, bars and restaurants in the immediate area.
Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti
If you want to stay in historic accommodation, consider Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti a hotel set inside a 15th century building. Located in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata close to several churches, museums and art galleries this hotel provides guests with a choice of 38 classic rooms, superior rooms and suites plus five separate independent rooms located within a one minute walk of the hotel.
Each guestroom comes with antique furnishings, internet access, satellite TV and views of the square, whilst the independent rooms also include daily breakfast served in the room. Onsite services and facilities include free WiFi access throughout, bar and private parking nearby. Several supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants are also located within 50m of the hotel.
Porta Faenza
Stay within walking distance of the Santa Maria Novella railways station, the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Fortezza da Basso, and loads of spas, art galleries and museums by booking a room at Porta Faenza. The three-star hotel provides accommodation in the form of 25 Tuscan-styled economy, classic and superior rooms, each of which comes with air conditioning, LCD satellite TV, minibar and WiFi access.
Throughout the hotel you'll find old tools, terracotta pottery and stonework on display, all of which are authentic features of the original house. Although onsite facilities are limited to one bar and breakfast served in your room, there is a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants just a short walk away.
Hotel Alba Palace
The three-star Hotel Alba Palace is situated behind the Santa Maria Novella, inside the ancient buildings which formed part of the Santissima Concezione monastery. A lot of the original aspects of the building, such as the bricks, stones, wrought irons, period furniture, are still here today. Guests can choose between single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, plus a deluxe suite. All guestrooms come with air conditioning, satellite TV, WiFi access, minibar and PS2, whilst the deluxe suite also boasts a Jacuzzi.
Onsite services and facilities include breakfast buffet served in the courtyard, discounted parking, bar-lounge and free WiFi access throughout. Thanks to its central location, the Hotel Alba Palace is perfect for exploring the city's historical attractions, shops and eateries on foot.
Restaurants and Bars for Florence in January
Amici di Ponte Vecchio Da Stefano
When it comes to quality cheap eats, it doesn't get much better than the food served at Amici di Ponte Vecchio Da Stefano. This casual café serves a huge selection of gourmet sandwiches and pizza slices, all of which are made from homemade bread and pizza dough. To keep prices as low as possible, there is no seating available here, so you'll have to take your food to go.
Although the sandwiches and pizzas are already made up, they're prepared freshly each day and if you don't mind waiting a couple of minutes, the staff will happily warm your pizza or sandwich up for you.
Spumamtino
Wine lovers looking to sample the best bottles of Florence should pop into Spumamtino. This small wine bar serves ten wines produced at the bar's vineyard plus a selection of wines produced in other vineyards across Florence all of which are available buy the bottle or glass.
To accompany the wine, there is a small selection of snacks, including sushi, sandwiches, pastries and Italian nibbles. If you're not knowledgeable about wine, take advantage of the knowledge of the servers who are well taught in the art of wine and matching wines to food.
L'Osteria di Giovanni
For a true taste of Tuscany, make a reservation at L'Osteria di Giovanni. This restaurant specialises in traditional Tuscan cuisine, with classic dishes such as caprese salad, tomato soup, stuffed tortellini, milk-fed veal chop and veal ossobuco all appearing on the menu.
In addition to these specialities, the menu also features special meat and fish dishes of the day which are created according to what is freshly available at the market that morning. Underneath the restaurant you'll find the wine cellar which features more than 5,000 wine bottles collected from all over Tuscany.
Things to Do in Florence in January
Galleria Dell' Accademia
Art lovers won't want to miss the chance to visit the Galleria Dell'Accademia. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8.15am to 6.50pm, this art gallery is best known for its sculptures created by Michelangelo in particular the Prisoners, St Matthew and the Statue of David. The rest of the art museum contains important works of art mostly collected in the 19th century from the Academy of Fine Arts and the Academy of Design.
Pieces here are primarily religious paintings by famous artists who worked in and around Florence between the mid-13th and late 16th centuries. Some of the gallery's highlights include its gold-ground paintings, late-gothic polyptychs, plaster sculptures from Lorenzo Bartolini and Luigi Pampaloni, Russian icons and old musical instruments.
Bargello National Museum
Another art attraction worth visiting during your holiday in Florence is the Bargello National Museum. Open daily from 8.15am to 1.50pm, this museum is home to a huge collection of sculptures and artwork, all of which is housed in a structure built in the mid-13th century for the Capitano del Popolo.
The art on display here takes the form of renaissance sculptures including masterpieces by Luca della Robbia, Donatello, Michelangelo and Verrochio plus waxes, bronzes, majolica, medals, enamels, ivories, seals, tapestries, amber, textiles and furniture from the Medici collections and private donors.
Sinagoga di Firenze e Museo Ebraico
Sinagoga di Firenze e Museo Ebraico (also known as the Great Synagogue of Florence) is open from 10am until 5.30pm in January and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Italian synagogues in the city. Built between 1874 and 1882, this structure was built in an Islamic and Italian fusion style. Its physiognomy and large cupola are coated in green copper, whilst the interior features rich frescoes, stained-glass windows and mosaics.
The highlight of the synagogue is the museum which hosts a collection of ceremonial Jewish art pieces, silver objects, fabrics obtained from old synagogues across Florence, archive documentation, family ritual pieces and items related to religious festivals. One room in the museum is also dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust.
The Accademia di Belle Arti Di Firenze
The Accademia di Belle Arti Di Firenze was the first European academy of drawing, founded in 1563. Originally comprised of two parts, one dedicated to working artists and one dedicated artwork supervision, this academy was frequently visited by Michelangelo, Buonarotti Lazzaro and Giambologna. Various art-themed events take place here throughout the year, including lectures, film showings, meetings and presentations, so check the website's programme to see what's on during your holiday.
Within the academy you'll also find the library which boasts a huge selection of magazines, books, encyclopaedias, exhibition catalogues and dictionaries about art, architecture and history.
