10 things people forget when visiting Rome
10 things to keep in mind before visiting the VaticanAn example packing list for Rome in January
Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.
Clothing
- Underwear
- Bras (if worn)
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Long-sleeved tops
- Trousers
- Light sweater or cardigan
- Warm jacket
- Hooded waterproof jacket
- Water-resistant walking shoes
- Scarf
- Shoulder-covering top and knee-covering bottoms (for religious sites)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Skincare products
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shaving supplies (if used)
- Menstrual products (if needed)
- Contact lens solution (if used)
Essentials
- Passport or accepted travel ID
- Travel tickets and booking confirmations
- Wallet and payment cards
- Phone
- Charging cable and charger
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Medication (if needed)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
- Refillable water bottle
- Day bag
- Power bank
- Compact umbrella
Monthly weather and packing notes
January has cool mornings, possible rain and milder sunny afternoons. Use a warm jacket over removable layers; bring grippy shoes for wet paving and long sightseeing days.
- Daytime
- 10–14°C
- Evenings
- 1–5°C
- Rain
- Showers and wetter days possible
- Daylight
- Short days; daylight gradually returns
- Packing style
- Warm layers + a weather-resistant jacket
Broad planning ranges, rounded to about 2 degrees Celsius either side of the historical mean daily maximum and minimum for January. WMO / national weather service lists Roma Fiumicino airport normals for 1971-2000: maximum 11.9°C and minimum 3.1°C. These averages are not forecast limits; individual days and city neighbourhoods vary. Check the forecast for your dates. This older baseline may differ from current conditions.
Outfit ideas for your outings
A January archaeological-site visit
- Long-sleeved tops and a removable sweater
- Comfortable long trousers
- Broken-in water-resistant walking shoes
- Warm socks for a chilly early start
A wetter sightseeing day
- Long-sleeved tops and a removable sweater
- Comfortable long trousers
- Broken-in water-resistant walking shoes
- Compact rain jacket or umbrella
A religious-site visit
- Top covering shoulders
- Trousers or skirt covering knees
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Compact day bag
What to leave behind
- Summer-only outfits: bring enough warmth for early starts, evening walks and exposed routes.
- A beach-only outfit for a Vatican visit: choose breathable clothing that covers both shoulders and knees.
Reviewed 2026-10-07
WMO / national weather service: Rome monthly climate normals · Vatican Museums: visitor clothing and bag guidance