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How's the weather in Florence in January?
January is the coldest month in Florence, with temperatures dipping from 2°C to a high of 10.9°C. Expect mostly cloudy skies, with just 3 hours of sunshine per day—the lowest of the year. January also brings some of the strongest winds and unpredictable rains, so it is best to carry an umbrella. Here’s a quick overview:
- Average temperature: High of 10.9°C, Low of 2°C
- Average rainfall: 60.5 mm
- Average wind speed: 7.1 mph
- Daylight hours: Approximately 9.4 hours
Best things to do in Florence in January
Green Line Festival
Dates: December 8, 2024 - January 9, 2025
Venue: Downtown Florence
If you visit Florence in the first week of January, you are still in time to see all of Florence light up in colors. You can spot giant light fixtures, illuminated facade displays, and light shows across the city.
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New Year’s Day dip in the Arno
If you are spending New Year's Day in Florence, catch the Florence Rowing Club’s annual dip in the Arno River. Participants dive into the chilly waters, marking the start of the year with this historic tradition.
Epiphany and the Cavalcade of the Magi
Date: January 6, 2025
Venue: All across Florence
On the Feast of the Epiphany, children in Florence hang stockings for La Befana, an old woman believed to bring gifts. Festivities include the ‘Cavalcata dei Magi’ parade from Pitti Palace and flag-throwing at Piazza della Signoria.
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La Fiorita di San Zenobi
Date: January 26, 2025
Venue: Piazza San Giovanni
This tradition commemorates Saint Zenobius, Florence’s first bishop, who is celebrated for his miracles. The event features a procession with authorities and the official flag wavers who parade in medieval costumes.
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Massimo Ranieri concert
Date: January 14, 2025
Venue: Tuscany Hall, Teatro di Firenze, Florence
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Italian singer and actor Massimo Ranieri as he brings his Tutti i Sogni Ancora in Volo tour to Florence! Ranieri will perform some of his iconic songs and new ones.
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Orchestra della Toscana - Concert with Jaume Santonja & Kerson Leong
Venue: Verdi Theater, Florence
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 9:00pm
Join the Orchestra della Toscana for an enchanting evening as conductor Jaume Santonja takes the stage with virtuoso Kerson Leong, who will perform Tchaikovsky's beloved Violin Concerto, Op. 35.
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Serie A matches
Dates: January 4 & January 19, 2025
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
Watch ACF Florentina as they play their first Serie A home matches of the year at their home stadium Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence in January. They will be playing against SSC Napoli and Torino F. C.
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Attractions to visit in Florence in January
1. Uffizi Gallery
Art Gallery | Tourist Hotspot
Originally the office room of the House of Medici, the Uffizi Gallery is now an art museum that displays the Medici family’s art collection. The gallery houses the works of artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michaelangelo.
January timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm (Exit at 6:30pm)
from €16
2. Florence Duomo
UNESCO Site | Tourist Hotspot
The Florence Duomo complex includes six landmarks: the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, Santa Reparata Church, Museum of the Opera del Duomo, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
January timings: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: Monday - Saturday - 10:15am to 4:45pm
Closed: January 1, January 6
3. Accademia Gallery
Art Gallery | Top Attraction
The Gallery functions as an art museum featuring the works of Renaissance artists like Jacopo di Cione, Bernardo Daddi, Michelangelo, and Giotto. The fewer crowds in January let you take your own time to admire these stunning artworks.
January timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15am to 6:50pm (Last entry at 5:45pm)
Closed: January 1
4. Boboli Gardens
Open-Air Museum | UNESCO Site
Spread across 111 acres, the Boboli Gardens is the largest open-air museum in Florence. It features a plethora of sculptures, grottoes, fountains, and varying topographies. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Upper Botanical Garden and the Viale dei Cipressi.
January timings: 8:15am to 4:30pm (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Closed: January 1, January 2, January 30
5. Palazzo Pitti
Museum | Historical Monument
The house of Florentine industrialist Lucca Pitti, Palazzo Pitti, is now the largest museum in Florence. The Palace consists of many smaller galleries, including the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and more.
January timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 1:30pm to 6:50pm
Closed: January 1
6. Palazzo Vecchio
Town Hall | Top Attraction
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of the city of Florence. Constructed on the ruins of the Uberti family’s palace, the building also functions as a museum that depicts the rich culture, history, and architecture of Florence.
January timings: Wednesday to Friday from 9:00am to 7:00pm
Thursdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm
7. Museo del Bargello
Art Museum | Historical Monument
Previously used as a barracks and prison, the Museo del Bargello is now an art museum that displays a collection of ceramics, textiles, ivory, silver, armor, coins, and sculptures from the Renaissance period.
January timings: 8:15am to 5:00pm
Closed: January 1, 2, 8, 16, 22, 30
8. Medici Chapel
Tomb Museum | Top Attraction
The Medici Chapels is the burial place of the Medici family, which now functions as a museum. It was built by Michelangelo and Buontalenti between the 16th and 17th centuries, within the site of the Basilica di San Lorenzo church complex.
January timings: 8:15am to 2:00pm
Closed: January 1, 2, 8, 16, 22, 30
Know before you visit Florence in January
Travel essentials
What to wear
What to pack
Transport
Stay
Food
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Florence which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00)
- Currency: Euro | EUR | €
- Country code: +39
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, and medical services
- Heavy woolen clothing
- Thick jackets, pairs of gloves, and thick socks
- Poncho or raincoat, and waterproof boots
- Sweaters and scarfs
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Round pin converter plugs suitable for C, F, and L-type sockets.
- Umbrella
- By bus: You can travel by bus to and within all major cities in Tuscany on a single ticket issued by Autolinee Toscane. E-tickets can be bought via the Tabnet app, or by sending an SMS typed “Firenze” to 4880105. Physical tickets are available at official ticket offices, vending machines, and authorized retailers.
- By tram: Tram services are available in select localities in Florence between 5:30 AM and midnight. Tram tickets are available for purchase at the same points as bus tickets.
- By cab: In Florence, you cannot flag down a cab as it passes along the street. You can instead hop into one from a designated taxi stand, or call for one on 0554242 / 0554390 / 0554798 / 0554499. You may alternatively book a cab through the Taxi 4242 app.
The main areas to stay in Florence are the residential area, the historic center, and the countryside. Here are some good budget-based options around the city for you to choose from.
What to eat in Florence in January
- Ribollita: This dish is an everyday soup made at home by reboiling leftovers. The ingredients could be anything from cannellini beans, kale, cabbage, and carrots, to beans, celery, potatoes, and onion.
- Crostini di Fegato: Crostini di Fegato is a bite-sized version of bruschetta topped with chicken liver pate, This traditional Tuscan antipasto is usually flavored with juniper berries, garlic, sage, and salted anchovies.
- Tiramisu: A dessert you will find on every menu in Florence, Tiramisu is an international favorite, born in the Italian city.
Explore Florence through the year
Frequently asked questions about visiting Florence in January
Can I experience snow in Florence in January?
While it is rare, there is a possibility for slight snowfall at the beginning of the month.
Can I take a swim in Florence in January?
No, it isn’t advisable to swim in Florence in January, as the waters are really cold, with temperatures between 12.4℃ and 14.9℃.
When and where can I spot the festive lights?
Florence’s festive lights typically illuminate from early December to early January. Visit the historic center, including Via Tornabuoni, Piazza del Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio, for the best displays.
How can I spend New Year’s Day in Florence?
On New Year’s Day, start with a stroll along the Arno River, explore open attractions like Palazzo Pitti, or attend a classical concert at a local church. Enjoy a traditional Italian brunch at a local trattoria.
Is it expensive to travel to Florence in January?
January is usually Florence's low season, making flights and accommodations more affordable. However, with the Jubilee year attracting more visitors, demand might be higher than usual, so it’s wise to book early to secure the best deals and avoid unexpected price hikes.
What are some fun activities I can do in Florence?
Explore iconic landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, climb the Duomo, enjoy local food at Mercato Centrale, and stroll through Boboli Gardens. Don't miss sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
What are a few off-beat things I can do in Florence?
Visit the Stibbert Museum, hike in Fiesole’s hills, explore Oltrarno's artisan workshops, or take a street food tour. Discover hidden gardens like the Bardini Gardens for a unique experience.