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Weather Comparison

Rome vs Milan

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Rome: 12°CMilan: 7°C477 km apart

January Weather: Rome vs Milan

MetricRomeMilanBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer12°C (54°F)7°C (45°F)Rome
Average LowHigher is milder4°C (39°F)-1°C (30°F)Rome
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days7 daysMilan
PrecipitationLess is drier63 mm61 mmMilan
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day6h/dayRome
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better13 km/h9 km/hMilan

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.

MonthRomeMilan
HighRainHighRain
Jan12°C9d7°C7d
Feb12°C9d9°C7d
Mar15°C9d14°C8d
Apr18°C11d17°C11d
May22°C9d22°C12d
Jun27°C5d26°C10d
Jul30°C4d29°C9d
Aug31°C4d28°C11d
Sep25°C9d23°C10d
Oct21°C11d17°C10d
Nov16°C12d11°C11d
Dec12°C11d7°C8d
12°

Rome Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

7°

Milan Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome warmer than Milan in January?
Yes. In January, Rome is warmer with an average high of 12°C (54°F) compared to Milan at 7°C (45°F), a difference of 5°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Rome or Milan?
Rome gets more rain in January with 9 rain days and 63 mm of precipitation. Milan is the drier option with 7 rain days.
Is it better to visit Rome or Milan in January?
It depends on your preferences. Rome averages 12°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Milan averages 7°C with 6 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Rome. For fewer rain days, Milan is the better pick.
How far apart are Rome and Milan?
Rome and Milan are approximately 477 km (296 miles) apart. Rome is located in Italy (Europe) while Milan is in Italy (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Rome and Milan?
For Rome, July tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 30°C. For Milan, July is typically ideal with 14 sunshine hours and 29°C highs.

Compare Rome and Milan in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Rome coordinates: 41.90°N, 12.50°E | Milan coordinates: 45.47°N, 9.19°E