Weather Comparison
Milan vs Rome
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
January Weather: Milan vs Rome
| Metric | Milan | Rome | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 7°C (45°F) | 12°C (54°F)▲ | Rome |
| Average LowHigher is milder | -1°C (30°F) | 4°C (39°F)▲ | Rome |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 7 days▲ | 9 days | Milan |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 61 mm▲ | 63 mm | Milan |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 6h/day | 7h/day▲ | Rome |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 9 km/h▲ | 13 km/h | Milan |
Which City is Better in January?
Milan and Rome 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.
Milan is on the cooler side at 7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Rome is cooler at 12°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
Milan reaches an average high of 7°C (45°F) and drops to -1°C (30°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
Rome averages 12°C (54°F) for the high and 4°C (39°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
Milan receives approximately 61 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.
Rome sees 63 mm over 9 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: Milan vs Rome
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
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
Pack for both: a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.
Year-Round Comparison: Milan vs Rome
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 | Milan | Rome | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 7°C | 7d | 12°C | 9d |
| Feb | 9°C | 7d | 12°C | 9d |
| Mar | 14°C | 8d | 15°C | 9d |
| Apr | 17°C | 11d | 18°C | 11d |
| May | 22°C | 12d | 22°C | 9d |
| Jun | 26°C | 10d | 27°C | 5d |
| Jul | 29°C | 9d | 30°C | 4d |
| Aug | 28°C | 11d | 31°C | 4d |
| Sep | 23°C | 10d | 25°C | 9d |
| Oct | 17°C | 10d | 21°C | 11d |
| Nov | 11°C | 11d | 16°C | 12d |
| Dec | 7°C | 8d | 12°C | 11d |
Milan Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Rome Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities