I was going to surprise my wife with a week in Rome & Florence...what kind of weather should I expect ??? how about Sunrise & Sunset ?? thanks for your help

Ciao danny,only Mother nature can predict the weather.
Normally in january the weather in Rome is cool, sometimes is damp, but sunny, at the other hand it could be rainy..Believe ME when it rains in Rome It POURS!!!
I dont know where you live anyway bring sweaters, warm jacket or an all weather coat and dont forget the Umbrella..
Buon Viaggio...

Here is a link to average weather conditions from the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/c...tml?city_guide

Click on the first letter of the city, then on the city name.

Hi Danny - I was in Rome and Venice in January. Rome was generally sunny in the 50s and pleasant if you're used to cold (I was from So Fla) but it was fine. We were out at night and I didn't notice being particularly uncomfortable. Venice on the other hand was freezing - I bought a hat and a sweater and was already wearing a long wool cape (unlined). Short days, not much sidewalk dining and some restaurants/bars were closed for renovations. But no tourists to speak of and so we got in everywhere quickly. And is your wife ever lucky -I think you are a great husband!

Hi Danny,
Rome in January is terrific! There actually is still some sidewalk dining, as some of the restaurants use those "heat torches" that look like giant floor lamps, and provide both heat and light.

In two winter trips, I encountered no rain whatsoever. Temps were, of course, cooler at night, but I'm from a part of America that's very cold in winter, and it was MUCH warmer in Rome than it normally is at home. I brought clothes I could layer, and found that gloves and a raincoat with a zip-out lining and a detachable hood were good choices.

Shanna's point is very well taken; there are generally so very few tourists in Rome in January that it's a snap to get a table in a restaurant, a hotel reservation, or into any of the attractions. Sunset, as I recall, was around 5 or 5:30-ish. I took some terrific photos at sunset of the Roman skyline from the top of Castel Sant'Angelo. Sunrise? Oh, I think about 7 or 7:30, certainly by 8.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

many thanks ya'll.....any suggestions on hotel's in Rome that are a good value ?? 3 start hotel's are fine...would like to be near Spanish Steps area

Danny, try the Hotel San Carlo. This is their website, and they usually have specials in winter.

http://www.hotelsancarloroma.com/

Best Wishes,
BC

I travelled to Rome in January about 3 years ago and the weather was fantastic. It was 15 degrees (so much warmer than London where I had travelled from) and we wore t-shirts and ate gelati. Perhaps I was just lucky???

Hi danny-

For sunrise & sunset times, go to
www.timeanddate.com

For Jan 2005 in Rome, sunrise is around 7:30a for the whole month, whereas sunset ranges from 4:49pm (Jan 1st) to 5:23pm (Jan 31st).

www.casahoward.com

I haven't stayed here myself but this place has had some very good press. the location is perfect.

Actually, I've stayed at the Casa Howard location on via Capo le Case, and enjoyed it immensely. (Haven't had any personal experience with the location at via Sistina.) They are small and popular properties that book up quickly, and tend to be a bit pricier than the Hotel San Carlo.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

If you like to stay in Piazza di Spagna, try Hotel Trinita Dei Monti, Via Sistina 91.
Their web is:
www.hoteltrinitadeimonti.com

Ask for a room in the Courtyard, Via Sistina is a Very busy and noisy street, however,
the location is perfect, few yards from the famous Trinita dei Monti and very close to the Pincio and Villa Borghese.