Weather Comparison
Rome vs Milan
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Rome vs Milan
| Metric | Rome | Milan | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 12°C (54°F)▲ | 7°C (45°F) | Rome |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 4°C (39°F)▲ | -1°C (30°F) | Rome |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 9 days | 7 days▲ | Milan |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 63 mm | 61 mm▲ | Milan |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day▲ | 6h/day | Rome |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h | 9 km/h▲ | Milan |
Which City is Better in January?
Rome and Milan are closely matched in January. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Rome is on the cooler side at 12°C, requiring warmer clothing. Milan is cooler at 7°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Milan is the stronger choice in January. Rome receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in January
Rome reaches an average high of 12°C (54°F) and drops to 4°C (39°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Milan averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and -1°C (30°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. There is a notable 5°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.
Rainfall Comparison in January
Rome receives approximately 63 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Milan sees 61 mm over 7 rain days. That makes Milan the drier option by 2 rain days and 2 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Rome vs Milan
Packing for Rome in January
Highs of 12°C, lows of 4°C, 9 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Milan in January
Highs of 7°C, lows of -1°C, 7 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓a packable rain jacket
- ✓an umbrella
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Rome vs Milan
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Rome | Milan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 12°C | 9d | 7°C | 7d |
| Feb | 12°C | 9d | 9°C | 7d |
| Mar | 15°C | 9d | 14°C | 8d |
| Apr | 18°C | 11d | 17°C | 11d |
| May | 22°C | 9d | 22°C | 12d |
| Jun | 27°C | 5d | 26°C | 10d |
| Jul | 30°C | 4d | 29°C | 9d |
| Aug | 31°C | 4d | 28°C | 11d |
| Sep | 25°C | 9d | 23°C | 10d |
| Oct | 21°C | 11d | 17°C | 10d |
| Nov | 16°C | 12d | 11°C | 11d |
| Dec | 12°C | 11d | 7°C | 8d |
Rome Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Milan Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities