What's the Weather Like in Sorrento in January
January is the coolest month of the year in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy.
Temperature
The average temperature is 8°C, which is one degree colder than both December and February and is the annual minimum. At night, the mercury drops to a very chilly 3°C, while during the day, the temperature rises to an average maximum of 12°C. Both those temperatures are as low as they get in the entire year. They do not vary at all in the course of the month. Historically, January 12 is the coldest day of the year.
Sea Temperature
The temperature of the sea is much higher than the air temperature in January and averages 15°C, the same as in April. This is, however, no temperature to go swimming. Combined with the rain and cold weather, it is pretty unlikely that you will be tempted to go take a dive in the Mediterranean Sea.
Rainfall
In terms of rainfall, January is the fourth wettest month in the year, after November, October and December. The total amount of precipitation is 104mm, which is spread out over 14 days with rainfall. The probability of experiencing some type of rainfall in January ranges around 44% and doesn't vary much in the course of the month.
Moderate rain is by far the most common type of precipitation and is observed of 50% of the days with rainfall. Thunderstorms, light rain and drizzle occur as well, respectively on 19%, 18% and 10% of the rainy days. Snow is very unlikely in Sorrento.
Sunshine Hours
Together with December, January is one of the two darkest months in the year. There are 6 hours of sunshine per day on average, which is not really that bad when taking into account that the days are between 9 and 10 hours long in January.
The length of the days gradually increases in the course of the month, from 9.17 hours of daylight on January 1 to 10.02 daylight hours on January 31. This means that each day in January is 1.5 minutes longer than the previous one.
Clouds
January falls in the cloudier part of the year. Cloud cover averages 46% and doesn't vary whatsoever in the course of the month. In fact, it will stay the same until late April. This doesn't mean that the skies are cloudy at all, though. A typical day in January has clear or mostly clear skies 42% of the time, partly cloudy skies 32% of the time and is overcast only 19% of the time.
Hotels for Sorrento in January
Grand Hotel Cocumella
The five-star Grand Hotel Cocumella is a gorgeous luxury hotel housed in an old Jesuit residence that has accommodated travellers for centuries. The hotel features many different rooms, from junior suites and classic rooms to deluxe rooms and large suites. They all feel like home and are beautifully decorated and well furnished. There are numerous facilities, including an amazing open-air restaurant, a breakfast restaurant among orange trees, a wine cellar, a poolside bar and restaurant, a solarium and pool, a beach, a gym and spa, and a spectacular Mediterranean garden overlooking the Amalfi coast and the sea.
Restaurants and Bars for Sorrento in January
Acqu'e Sale Pizza & Cucina
If you're in the Naples area, there is only one thing you should eat: pizza! The Acqu'e Sale Pizza & Cucina is just the place to do that. Serving spectacularly good pizzas and pastas, this fine restaurant has strongly recommended. Its colourful interior is a surprising alternative to the typical reds and whites that are common in Italian pizzerias. In addition to typical Italian and Neapolitan food, the restaurant also serves coffees and pastries to help you start your day and has a cocktail bar where you can finish a day of exploring.
Things to Do in Sorrento in January
Pacchianelle
After the festivities of New Year's Eve, the next big event that is celebrated in Sorrento is the Pacchianelle. This event celebrates the history of the area, with traditional costumes, music and dancing. There is also a re-enactment of the Nativity in a tradition that has been continuing for over 700 years. It is essentially a parade in which locals dressed in peasant clothing walk through town and honor religious figures and local products such as citrus fruit, fish, olive oil and wineefinitely not to be missed if you're in town in January.
Historic Town Centre
Because this is not the ideal time of year to head to the beach and take part in watersports, you may as well dedicate some time exploring the historic town centre and its shops. The streets from the beachfront to the main streets and famous squares such Piazza Tasso are filled with local stores selling everything from hand-crafted cloths and furniture to artisanal food and fresh produce. Simply strolling around the historic centre of Sorrento is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in January.
