I am thinking of going to Rome in january and was wondering if this is the best time of year to go. Are all tourist attractions open from the 2nd of Jan. and what will the weather be like? Also, is there anything exiting happening in Rome during the month of jan that would be worth seeing?
thanks in advance!

I have been there in late January. It was between 50 and 60 degrees everyday, but kind of damp. Everything was open.

It probably isn't the very best time of year to visit (maybe a less damp time would be better), but it's pretty uncrowded and you'll avoid the lines at sights that you'll find during better weather months. Go! Why not?

I will be there Jan 9-20.

"Best" probably not. But for going into museums and other buildings it will be ok. Cooler, wetter, foggier than at other times, but also less crowded. Parks and gardens look wintery and drab. If that bothers you, wait til late April.

We were there 1/4-1/7 this year, and everything was open. On 1/6, it was the Feast of the Epiphany, which was a huge public holiday. It was really cool to see the parades and street fairs. The Vatican Museums were also open the whole day (incl afternoon) that week, which was a nice surprise.

Best for what? An uncrowded look at all the great artwork? Steaming plates of pasta? Not having to walk around in 100 degree weather? Best for the opera?

Or best for enjoying outdoor piazzas? Best for long evening walks through Roma? Best for the gardens? Best for gelato?

I'd rather go to Roma in January than July. I'd just be sure to pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes, plus warm enough clothes you'll be comfortable taking some nighttime strolls even though the temperature drops.

However, some other people might really feel deprived of the chance to sit outdoors and enjoy the piazzas all day. Or if walking in the cold or rain makes you miserable, Rome doesn't have a very good transportation system, so you might want to pick another time.

If you do go, I seem to recall that the cafes at the Piazza della Rotunda (facing the Pantheon) have heaters outdoors.

I went there last January with spouse and had a fabulous time. Had vacation Karma meaning it rained only one time. But the areas close to the Tiber River can be chilly in winter. BTW the after christmas sales are great.

If you are there the first week of January, there are many of the Christmas decorations up in St. Peters,Pantheon,etc. The creche in St. Peters is fabulous! Personally,I love Rome in January and February as the weather is decent (read jacket or sweater?),bring along an umbrella and enjoy a wine or coffee inside.There aren't the crowds roaming the streets or lines waiting for all of the attractions.The sales usually start the second or third week(after the 6/7th) and that is always fun...........remember its Rome-there is "always something exciting going on". Enjoy!!!!!!!

I like Italy in the winter. I especially liked to visit medieval churches and monastaries on cold and rainy days so that you feel transported back in time.

January is when the stores have their bi-annual sales. The stores might be worth checking out.

You could probably daytrip to Florence with the train. It is rare opportunity to see Michelangelo's David in a tranquil setting. Wintertime is the only time of year that I would consider visiting Pisa's leaning tower, because there are no tacky souvenir stands in winter.

I was there in late Jan this year.

The weather is fine ecspecially in comparison to Scotland.

I am from Australia and had spent the past few weeks in Germany and Poland so the weather was warm in comparison and i spent the daytime in a jumper, one or two days i had a jacket but unbuttoned.

I barely lined up for anything. The Vatican museum i spent about an hour in the line. A good way to avoid the line at the colleseum is to do a guided tour as you go straight in.

Hi

You can check out weather stats on http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...261&refer= . I normally use this site to get some sort of indication of what weather to expect.

My wife and I went to Rome last year and it is a wonderful city. I have made this Google map which shows some of the attractions: http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy_map.htm . On the map I have also pointed out some of the restaurants that we went to. Hope that it can be of some help to you

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thank you all for your helpful info. and suggestions!

Gard-I really liked reading your trip report, and enjoyed the photos!

Gard, count me as another of your fans. I love those trip reports! Next time you and Nikki are in New York we must meet.

Scottish..I will also be in Rome in January, for the second time in 5 years. There is a fascinating blessing of the animals in mid-month that you might find interesting.. And there are also great sales with large sconti!

sorry..the blessing of the animals takes place on 17 January.