Rome in January 2025

Ten years ago visiting Rome in January, we learned the hard way what miuccia is saying about Epiphany (January 6th). We thought January 3rd would be a nice quieter time to visit the Vatican museums and we entered when the doors opened. Turned out that almost all of the museum staff were still on vacation until after Epiphany and every single room we wanted to visit was closed. Instead, a packed crowd of tourists was rushed through the halls and up and down stairs to the Sistine Chapel -- it was actually frightening and just got worse and worse.

We were in Rome again for the first four days of January this year, taking our grandchildren to some of the places we'd visited on previous trips, so we can compare the crowds. Castel Sant'Angelo was enormously and unpleasantly more crowded and even Ostia Antica was busier than we'd seen it before. We didn't even attempt the Colosseum after seeing all the people around it. Buses were always full.

The weather was fine both years. Some on the forum disagree, but we always make reservations at restaurants because we've been disappointed too many times before. Once, we were the very last customers allowed in and we watched a dozen people getting turned away. We do not eat at fancy restaurants, usually lunch, and we go to Italy between September and January, sometimes in early spring.

Anyway, yes, wait until after Epiphany, if you can. And, looking on the bright side, even if crowded at least Rome won't be boiling hot in January. I hope your many times in Rome means you will be visiting mostly the less popular spots!

Miuccia and Nancy, thank you so very much for your responses.

Hi Rick - like you were visiting Rome for the upteenth (23rd) time - but never in January. As long as Trattoria Lille behind the Coronari is open for lunch and La Botticella for a beer, we'll survive. We decided to try January in the hope of avoiding the massive crowds of recent year - really too much to handle. I imagine our usual Caravaggio trail should be quieter, and our ramble through Navona - Campo Di Fiori, the Jewish Quarter and on to the Forum should be easier as well. We'll keep an eye on your blog for recommendations - you've got mine.

...I imagine our usual Caravaggio trail should be quieter, and our
ramble through Navona - Campo Di Fiori, the Jewish Quarter and on to
the Forum should be easier as well...

Danny Kearney---and your Caravaggio trail consists of what...? Inquiring minds want to know. And I imagine you saw the Netflix film noir series Ripley, shot in Atrani and featuring Caravaggio's life & works as a theme.

BTW, we'll be in Rome 2 weeks before Easter, basing around Campo & Navona, heaven help me. Been there a couple times before, so I've got the lay of the land & kinda know what I'm in for. So anything to get me on a trail to something fun is definitely worthwhile!

I was in Rome between mid-Feb and mid-Mar 2023. At 4 PM or so the security line for St. Peter's was so long I just left. Earlier in the day the Vatican Museums were mobbed, though I'm certain not quite as badly mobbed as they are April-October. I think I went to the Vatican near the end of my trip, so it was definitely in March rather than February. But that was 2023, which was not a Holy Year. I would expect the January 2025 situation to be somewhat worse, frankly.

I eat in geographically convenient restaurants when I am hungry, and I managed to do that in 2023 without making reservations. However, it is smart to reserve in Italy when you can. It's possible you might run into more closures in January than I observed in February; I don't recall many places with signs indicating they were not open. I did see quite a lot of that in northeastern Italy during July of this year.

I've been to Rome several times in February, never in January. If your visit is at the beginning of January, there will likely still be lots of holiday travelers. I think the Vatican is always crowded; other sights, not so much, some not at all. Some restaurants with outdoor seating put up tents and have heaters.

Danny Kearney---and your Caravaggio trail consists of what...? Inquiring minds want to know. And I imagine you saw the Netflix film noir series Ripley, shot in Atrani and featuring Caravaggio's life & works as a theme.

Hi Jay - I always stay between the Navona and the river, off the Caronari. My Caravaggio trail - takes me towards the Pantheon calling into the French Church Chiesa di San Luigi Dei Francesca (Calling of St Matthew +) ( Then up to the Popolo Conversation of St Paul +) - both these are free to enter and I simply cannot pass them - then go to the lovely Pamphilj Palace - the quietest place in a busy Rome and wonderful place for tea. (John the Baptist).

I never did see the film - will have to look for it.

Enjoy your visit!

@Jay, check out this list and make your own “trail.” https://www.italia.it/en/lazio/rome/things-to-do/caravaggio-paintings-in-rome

One wild card not mentioned is the Jubilee Year that starts Christmas Eve and runs through Epiphany in January 2026.

I would expect greater crowds for both St. Peters and the Vatican Museum. I expect many local devotees will visit St. Peters in the time between Christmas and Epiphany.

That said, I have been to Rome several times in February, there are still plenty of people, but I thought the crowds were very manageable. If popular restaurant areas are crowded, continue on off the beaten path and you will find very good, smaller places, maybe more memorable than the places on the Piazzas.

Thanks Danny & my Roman advisor Laurel on the Caravaggio intel--copied the link on my spreadsheet!

Since we're staying near Campo de' Fiori in April, I should be able to get over to the Chiesa Luigi di Francesi by the Pantheon easily. Might have to wait until I'm in Roma for more than 4 days to see the rest! 4-6 weeks one winter soon is my goal!

BTW Joe, anytime in winter is the time to see Rome if you don't like crowds & heat. Yes, as stated above there are certain days/weekends in specific areas in winter that will be crowded, maybe more than a few these next few months due to Jubilee 2025. But don't let that deter you--so many choices of stuff to do. Basing in Rome for 4-6 weeks one winter soon is my goal!