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January might not be the most popular month to visit Naples and Campania, but there are a lot of reasons why you should consider it!
January is one of the best months for sightseeing – you’re guaranteed almost no crowds everywhere
Everything you need to know about Naples in January
Naples in January has a lot to offer visitors. After the busy Christmas and New Year season the city calms down (as much as Naples ever does!), making it an ideal time of year for sightseeing without the crowds. We always make a point of visiting the MANN and Capodimonte museums in the off-season for this reason!
Despite January being the heart of winter, Naples has consistently mild temperatures this time of year. You won’t be sunning yourself on a beach but the weather is generally good, definitely warm enough to sit outside and enjoy a coffee or spritz during the day.
Early January (until the 6th) is still officially the holiday season meaning you’ll see decorations, lights and nativity scenes (presepe) across Naples and Campania
As well as taking time to explore Naples, you can explore the wider Campania area during a January visit. The Royal Palace at Caserta, Pompeii and Herculaneum are all much quieter this time of year, although getting to the islands of Ischia, Procida and Capri as well as the towns along the Amalfi Coast is more difficult due to the limited winter ferry service.
Here’s all the details you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:
Naples weather in January
January in Naples is one of the coldest months of the year, but it doesn’t ever really get that cold!
The average day temperature stays around 55°F/13°C for most of the month, with night time lows of around 45°F/7°C. While the humidity and cool wind can sometimes make it feel as if the temperature is lower, it very rarely gets anywhere near freezing so the risk of ice and snow is extremely low.
You can expect moody light at night during the winter in Naples which is great for photography
The weather at this time of year is changeable so always carry an umbrella with you
When it comes to rain, it’s not impossible to see some in January but the chances are quite small, even though it’s winter. On average there are around 2.5 inches of rain this month, and when it does rain it tends to be over quickly so it shouldn’t impact your trip much at all.
The January weather in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento further south is similar to Naples, but the coastal locations are a little colder and wetter due to storms that blow off the sea.
What to pack for Naples Italy in January
Packing for a January trip to Naples is straightforward as the weather and temperature is fairly consistent throughout the month.
You’ll want to bring long pants or jeans, or dresses with tights, and long-sleeve tops, jumpers, or pullovers. They don’t need to be super heavy but definitely enough to keep you warm, particularly in the evenings.
A waterproof jacket and umbrella are also essential in case of rainy days, and I never go anywhere in the winter in Italy without a scarf – they make me feel cosy and warm but also are the ultimate Italian style item!
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the winter:
General Naples packing tips
There are certain things you’ll want to include in your packing whatever time of year you visit Naples, and I recommend that you keep these travel essentials with you in your carry on bags to avoid any problems, including:
You should also make sure to have copies of your passport (either paper photocopies or digital copies on your cell phone), the details of your travel including hotels and transfers and any medications that you need to take regularly.
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
What to wear in Naples in January
There are two rules that apply year-round when deciding what to wear in Naples, but really, they apply anywhere in Italy!
Rule 1 – Be comfortable
This is our absolute top thing to remember when it comes to your travel wardrobe. If you’re not comfortable during your trip, chances are you’ll regret it.
Wearing the wrong shoes or clothes that are too heavy/too light can have a huge impact so really think about your comfort.
Chances are you’ll be doing a lot of walking around Naples, in museums and the city, as well as possibly the archeological sites at Pompeii and Herculaneum, so wearing comfortable and supportive shoes is vital. Trust me, as someone who once walked all around Pompeii in flip flops, you do not want to deal with the aches and pains this causes!
I would suggest that you only bring shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like tourists – that’s exactly what you are so why pretend otherwise?
Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Naples & Campania?
Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:
Rule 2 – Dress in layers
The other rule to always bear in mind is to dress in layers, which is particularly relevant in January in Naples as the weather can change a lot through the day.
Early morning and night time it will be cooler but when the winter sun comes out it will feel warmer. It also could rain unexpectedly so it’s a good idea to wear layers that you can remove and put on easily as needed. Think cardigans/pullovers combined with lighter long-sleeve tops, and a waterproof jacket that can be worn on top.
I always bring a small backpack with me as I walk around Naples, which is ideal for stowing my layers if I need to take them off or add one.
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Is January a good time to visit Naples Italy?
January is an excellent time to visit Naples if you want to do a lot of sightseeing, including taking day trips to the surrounding area. The low number of visitors means no lines for Naples’ sights, lots of choices of restaurants and overall a more relaxed feel. Far fewer cruise ships dock in Naples during the winter which also keeps the crowds down in the city center.
Because of this, costs for accommodation and transport tend to be cheaper so this is a great time of year to visit if you’re on a budget – as long as you’re okay with the weather being on the cooler side compared to the hot summer months. Even with the mild temperatures, it is still winter in January so if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, this would not be the right month for you.
If the weather is bad, head to an indoor site such as the Capodimonte museum
If your main focus is the wider Campania region, particularly Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, January may not be right for you.
Many businesses in these coastal areas close between November and February, both because their staff need a break and because it is just not worth their while staying open for the few travelers that visit. There is also a limited ferry service during the winter due to the sea being potentially unsafe. These places are best visited later in the year.
Nearly all sites even including the Naples Duomo are quiet in January compared to the rest of the year
Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?
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How crowded is Naples in January?
Naples is not crowded at all in January, except for the first week of the year. In Italy the Christmas season does not end until January 6 so there are a lot of families enjoying those days off after New Year’s Eve.
After then the number of visitors drops off significantly and Naples is in one of its quietest periods so you won’t have to worry about dealing with a crowd anywhere.
Other destinations beyond Naples in Campania are even quieter.
In my opinion this is one of the best times of year to visit Pompeii; the sun is not too hot plus you can see everything you want to at your own pace and without lots of other tourists around.
Note that some areas might be closed (sites like Pompeii carry out works during the quieter months) so you should plan ahead accordingly.
What food to eat in January in Naples
Like everywhere in Italy, Neapolitans tend to eat seasonally, so in January you can expect to see lots of potatoes, cabbage, carrots and spinach on the menu.
One of the classic Neapolitan dishes, pasta patate e provola (small pasta pieces, potato cooked until soft and provolone cheese) is at its best this time of year and extremely warming if it’s cold and rainy!
What Paste e Patate lacks in looks it makes up for in comfort and flavor!
You may also see minestra maritata on the menu, a soup made with a variety of bitter green vegetables and a little pork. Traditionally prepared for Christmas and Easter, this soup is also served during winter at some true Neapolitan restaurants.
Pizza is always a good idea regardless of the time of year
My favorite thing about food in January however is the first appearance of all the citrus fruits.
Vibrant oranges, lemons, mandarins, clementines suddenly being on market stalls makes me feel happy, and the fresh, sweet fruit signifies that it won’t be long before spring will be here!
Make sure to stop for at least one spremuta during your trip (although I bet you won’t be able to stop at just one!) and enjoy the fresh squeezed juice any time of day.
What to do during January 2025 in Naples Italy
January holidays and special dates in Naples
There are only a few notable dates during January in Naples:
JANUARY 1 – NEW YEARS DAY
After the festivities of New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day is a day of complete rest. Both a religious and public holiday, the whole city will be on vacation. Very few shops and other businesses will be open, but many restaurants open for lunch.
Popular eateries will fill up fast with Neapolitan families enjoying a long lunch so definitely book ahead if you have a particular place you want to go to!
Discover what’s on in Naples and Campania
There’s no shortage of special events, exhibitions and unique experiences happening right now in Naples and Campania! Check out the full listing here:
JANUARY 6 – EPIPHANY/BEFANA
This marks the day that the Magi brought their gifts to the baby Jesus and is the end of the Christmas season. Known as the Day of the Kings and the Epiphany in different places around the world, in Italy this day is also known as Befana.
Befana refers to a witch who flies around on her broomstick bringing toys and gifts to children, and it’s today that many Italian kids expect their presents in their stockings rather than on Christmas Day.
While this is another public holiday, more businesses tend to stay open and many sights are available to visit as well.
Holiday lights typically stay up until Epiphany throughout Italy
WINTER SALES!
Italy has two set periods where stores are allowed to run big sales, one in the summer and the other in January-February.
Generally the winter sale starts on the first Saturday in January but keep an eye out for ‘saldi‘ signs in store windows to be sure. The sale runs through to February but the good stuff tends to go early so January is definitely a better time to explore the different shopping options on offer!
Keep an eye out for ‘SALDI’ signs in shops across Naples and Campania at this time of year
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
Free Things to do during January in Naples
On the first Sunday of each month, a number of museums, art galleries and archeological sites are open for free to all visitors.
In the city of Naples you can get free entry to many places, including these locations:
- MANN – National Archeological Museum of Naples
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Capodimonte Museum
- Castel Sant’Elmo
- The Museum and Charterhouse of San Martino
In Campania, you can visit some locations for free as well, including:
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- The archeological park and museum at Paestum
- The ancient Roman villas at Oplontis and Stabiae
- The sites within the Phlegrean Fields area
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Booking in advance for the Free Sunday is not generally possible so aim to arrive early and expect large lines at the most popular sights – particularly Pompeii.
If you have another day when you could visit Pompeii, I would recommend avoiding the Free Sunday event and visiting one of the other free sites, saving your Pompeii sightseeing for a different day when it will be easier to get in.
More ideas for things to do in Naples during January
Maybe you’ve visited Naples before, or you have more than a few days in the city and want to explore in more detail. Luckily, besides the obvious must-see Naples and Campania attractions, there are tons of great things to see and do here!
Take a look at our page all about going beyond Naples to get some ideas, or set your aim further afield in Italy. With the excellent rail network you could be in Rome in just over an hour, or travel up to Florence and back in a day!
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To sum up…
Naples in January is a wonderful time of year to visit if you are happy for the weather to be on the colder side. The trade-off is that you don’t have to book far in advance and can see top sights with very few people around – worth it in our opinion!
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