Weather in Milan in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Milan and ranks 127th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Italy it is 16th of 16 (Italy in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Milan is 0.5°C cooler by day and 3.2°C cooler at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Milan peaks at 6.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 10.4°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average -1.0°C; one night in ten drops to -4.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 16.3°C (2007-01-19) and the coldest night -7.8°C (1997-01-02).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 61 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2014 with 220 mm, the driest 1993 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 82%.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 8.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:00 and sets about 17:05 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 56%.

Is January a good time to visit Milan?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days. The best months for Milan on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug.

Expect winter cold, especially after dark

January is Milan's coldest month, and the daytime average only tells part of the story. The coldest 10% of nights fall to -4°C or below, making a warm coat, gloves and layers sensible rather than optional extras for anyone who feels the cold. Plan longer walks for the middle of the day and keep evening plans flexible if you dislike being outside in freezing conditions. Milder spells do happen: the warmest 10% of days reach 10.4°C or more. That could make an afternoon more comfortable, but it is not a reason to leave winter clothing at home. Warm, comfortable footwear is a practical priority.

Make the most of the daylight

With about 8.9 hours of daylight and 3.9 hours of sunshine a day, January gives you a limited window for outdoor plans. Start those earlier rather than leaving a long walk until late afternoon, and treat sunshine as a welcome opening rather than something to rely on throughout the day. The rain figures suggest allowing for wet weather without planning an entirely indoor trip. Carry a compact umbrella or waterproof outer layer, and leave room to switch activities when rain arrives. This month works best for travellers who enjoy a flexible pace; it is less suited to spending most of the day outdoors without regular warm-up stops.