Abruzzo in January: Travel Tips, Weather, Food & Wine (Updated for January 2025)
Abruzzo in January – At a Glance
Abruzzo in January – What to Expect
January is the month of the fire festivals in Abruzzo, where you can truly get immersed in the local culture and have remarkable experiences.
Is Abruzzo crowded in January?
Although Abruzzo in January is generally tranquil, the mountain areas where ski stations are located are popular among locals and Italian tourists. If you plan to go skiing, we suggest going during weekdays, when it is generally very quiet.
Weather in Abruzzo, Italy, in January
With Abruzzo’s varied geography, we have two distinct climates: the ‘maritime’ coastal climate and the ‘continental’ climate of the interior mountain areas between 500 and 700 meters (1641 and 2300ft).
Along the coastline in the maritime area, you can expect temperatures between 3°C-11°C (54°F-68°F) with more humidity and rainfall, while the continental climate average temperatures range from 10°C-6°C (46°F -54°F). This area is more likely to get snowfall, which makes conditions great for skiing/cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Expect a favorable climate for winter outdoor activities between December and the beginning of April.
What to pack for Abruzzo in January?
Bring your Gortex and puffy coats! A warm, impermeable jacket or windbreaker over layers is good for sunny yet cooler afternoons along the coast. And just in case, don’t forget your umbrella or perhaps a compact rain poncho you can stuff in a handbag or pocket while wandering around villages and cities. If you plan on skiing, there are plenty of ski stations where you can rent all the gear. Hiking isn’t ideal during this month.
What to Wear in Abruzzo in January?
For the beaches and coastline of Abruzzo
You’ll still need to dress warm even along the coast, as the temperatures can be quite crisp. However, there are days along the coast (e.g., on the coast of Giulianova, Montesilvano, or Pescara) where the sun is bright, the skies are clear, and we can leisurely enjoy the warmth of the sun with our coats unzipped.
For the Abruzzo countryside & hills
It’s best to wear long sleeves, gloves, and a scarf or neck warmer. A sweater and jacket, or dressing in layers, and definitely some well-soled sneakers or trekking shoes for more comfortable walks.
Dressing for the mountains of Abruzzo
Good trekking shoes are always a must. Bring along a backpack and enough layers to keep you dry and warm.
Prices in Abruzzo in January
As summer tourism has come and gone, accommodation prices are very reasonable now.
Foods in Season in Abruzzo in January
Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts
Oranges, apples, pears, clementines, grapefruit, kiwis, lemons, leeks, chicory, cabbages, savoy cabbages, swiss chard, cardoons, artichokes, fennels, radish, cauliflowers, red turnips, and turnip tips are some of the seasonal fruit and vegetables in Abruzzo and Italy.
Truffles in Abruzzo in January
January is the season you can find and eat the ‘Nero Pregiato’, the ‘bianchetto’ and ‘Moscato’ truffles. Prices can range from 200€ to 1000€. If you wish to learn more about truffles in Abruzzo, you should read the ultimate guide to truffles in Italy.
And if you would like to go out hunting truffles for yourself, book a place on our Truffle Hunting Tour in Abruzzo.
Are you a truffle lover? Why don’t you try the best truffle products from Italy?
The Best Year-round Dishes from Abruzzo
December, as well as January, is the time for homemade sausages and dry meats. On offer all-year round these delicious and hearty Abruzzo ‘must-trys’.
Nothing fills your belly like ‘Porchetta’, the region’s famous slow-roasted suckling pig. You can find it throughout Abruzzo, especially during the farmers’ market days. Enjoy it inside a crunchy panino (ask for the ‘crosta’ crust) and don’t fofget to wash it down with a bottle of sparkling lemon soda ‘gassosa’ from Campli.
- ‘Arrosticini’, Abruzzo’s tender, char-grilled mutton and/or lamb skewers, is a must-try—you certainly can’t just eat one!
- ‘Chitarra con Pallottine’ is handmade thin squared spaghetti, Abruzzo’s national dish. It’s made fresh with a guitar-like instrument! We make it at home!
Things to do in Abruzzo in January
Although in Italy various stages and levels of lockdown is implemented and travel may be limited during these current periods, you can still plan ahead!
Gift yourself an overall unique experience…Visit our large traditional home kitchen to make Spaghetti ‘alla Chitarra’, make cheese in Abruzzo at a local farm, visit the best wineries from Abruzzo, or even meet the locals at the weekly farmers market.
Snowshoeing in Abruzzo
Discover the hidden winter trails of Abruzzo, snowshoeing with locals and a Licensed Mountain Guide in one of the Abruzzo National Parks.
If you’re looking for a custom-designed personal experience, even online, in the Abruzzo region, we can help—don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer Personalised Tours of Abruzzo and Beyond!
For more on the best festivals in Abruzzo in December, keep reading below!
Abruzzo Fire Festivals in January
January is the month of St. Anthony (17th of January), and he is considered the most loved saint by us Abruzzesi. Around the region, you can experience diverse celebrations this month, and we’ve selected the top ones. Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the most intriguing Fire Festivals of Abruzzo — a unique cultural experience unlike any you have enjoyed before!
The Farchie – Fara Filiorum Petri
The Carnival & Dance of Puppets – Villavallelonga
Carnival in Abruzzo in Winter? Yes! You will be surprised to see a weird carnival on a cold day on the 17th of January. Anthropologists from all over the world come to this unknown village to study this weird and long-lasting tradition. The Fire of St’Anthony in Tossicia.
Lu Sand’Andonje – Cermignano
‘Sand’ Andonje’ is the dialect for St. Anthony, in this town the locals celebrate with ballets, traditional songs, local food & wine.
Discover more about these festivals in the dedicated blog post.
Abruzzo scheduled activities January 2024
Food & local Festivals in Abruzzo in January & Current Events
Here are a few other events scheduled annually for the month of January:
Sunday, 5 January 2025 Domenica al Museo – Free Entrance to State Museums Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale – La Civitella, located at Via Giuseppe Salvatore Pianell 1, Chieti, Italy. Every first Sunday of the month, Italian state museums and archaeological sites, including those in Abruzzo, offer free entrance as part of the Domenica al Museo initiative. This nationwide event is a fantastic opportunity to explore the history and treasures of the region at no cost, aside from your transportation.
Thursday, 16 January 2025 Farchie Festival in Fara Filiorum Petri The festival will take place from 15:00 to 23:30 CET at the Chiesa di S. Antonio Abate, located at Via San Antonio, Fara Filiorum Petri, Chieti, Italy. Victory re-enactments in Abruzzo come in various forms, and the fiery spectacle of Fara Filiorum Petri is one of the most unique and memorable highlights.
More events and festivals are coming! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.
Why should you visit Abruzzo in January, or at all?
January is a great month to attend the many events of the holiday season. There is so much to discover aside from what Abruzzo already has to offer: traditional fire festivals, music, performances, artisan crafts, the Trans-Siberian Italy railway, and if you are travelling with children, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained!
Contact us today for a Private, Authentic Small Group Tour in Abruzzo.