Rome in January

[Pinkstars2501]

Anyone been to Rome in January? If so, how busy is it? A friend went in July and said that while it was lovely, it was baking hot and rammed busy.

I'm expecting it to be cold and that in itself doesn't really put me off. We went to Amsterdam in January and had a lovely time even in subzero temperatures. I'm assuming that all the usual touristy stuff will be open but not busy, so we'll enjoy them and take more in.

We're currently looking at Rome or Disneyland Paris.

Well, Rome is my favourite city in the world, and I wouldn't be seen dead in Disneyland Paris, so it's an odd choice.....
I've been to Rome at Christmas, and it can be a bit chilly and wet, but everything is open.
Going in January might be a little bit quieter, but I think you'd still need to book well in advance (3 or 4 weeks, minimum) for the major sights like The Colosseum, Vatican Museums etc.
But definitely go - there is never a bad time to visit the Eternal City.

Thanks for replying. I know they're wildly different places, just have both on my list of places to see.

Glad of the heads up about still needing to book!

I've been in Feb half-term and it was great. I like doing European city breaks in the winter, because they're quiet and you can actually see things and enjoy them without the crowds and the debilitating heat. Yes, it will probably be chilly, but it's likely to be warmer than here!

Unnecessary comment above about Disneyland Paris, who cares what your preferences were, the OP is making a choice about them

OP we went in Feb this year not in half term, wasnt cold, Jan might be different. Amazing place, it would get my vote over DP

Queues everywhere for everything. And no fecking public toilets hardly. And the ones in restaurants are barely functioning. Has to be one of the worst places for toilets and consequently I got a UTI as was trying to avoid having a full bladder at any one time.

I love both Rome and Disneyland Paris. That would be a hard choice for me to make.

However, I probably wouldn’t want to go to either in January time. But that’s just my personal preference because I like a little sun and heat.

It will be quieter, but even when I’ve visited Rome in July/August time, I’ve never needed to book anything in advance. I’ve always been able to sort tickets etc at the hotel.

Well, Rome is my favourite city in the world, and I wouldn't be seen dead in Disneyland Paris, so it's an odd choice...

Not an odd choice at all - both are great places to visit. I love Rome, it's my very favourite place in the whole world, and I get weirdly emotional when I'm there. But I also love Disneyland (although I don't get emotional there!)

Rome in January can have decent weather, but can also be fairly cold and wet. But it's an amazing city at any time - usually quite busy at any time (best to prebook the main places if you can), but it's not the mad packed busy of the summer season.

I went mid week one January and it was blue sky and sunshine but cold enough to justify the amazing hot chocolate. Did all the touristy things and it was quite quiet. Definitely recommend January for a visit.

@cheezncrackers yes this is what we were thinking, less crowded!

@soupfiend the toilet situation is actually a really helpful heads up, thanks. I have endometriosis so if I was to have a flare up then I would be miserable without decent toilet facilities...

@Vivi0 I do love the heat and would definitely go in the summer. My DH isn't brilliant with it being to hot if it's also very crowded. I don't mind the cold as long as I'm prepared for it.

Thankyou all so much for your input. I'm leaning heavily towards Rome. I think we'll price it all up and see where we are after that.

@Pinkstars2501 Just saw your thread. Just a heads up, 2025 is Jubilee Year in Rome so a lot of things might be restricted or very busy with pilgrims. I don't know what effect it will have, but just thought I'd mention it.