Italy, Europe

The Amalfi Coast in January

Much of Positano is closed, ferries barely run, and many restaurants are shut until spring.

Think twiceMild but damp, highs near 57F (14C), frequent rain

Positano, the Amalfi Coast — The Amalfi CoastPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

January is a month to think twice about visiting the Amalfi Coast. Much of Positano is closed, ferries barely run, and many restaurants are shut until spring.

Weather: Mild but damp, highs near 57F (14C), frequent rain
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in the Amalfi Coast

January is the Amalfi Coast asleep. Highs near 57F (14C) are mild on paper, but it is damp, rain is frequent, and much of Positano is shuttered. Ferries barely run, beach clubs are packed away, and many restaurants and hotels stay closed until spring. Amalfi town and nearby Sorrento keep more places open.

Honestly, this is a month to avoid for a classic coast holiday. It only suits a very quiet, low-cost walking or writing trip based in Amalfi town. For the Amalfi Coast most people picture, with open terraces, boat rides, and swimming, plan for May, June, or September.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about the Amalfi Coast this month.

Amalfi town, lived in

With visitors gone, Amalfi feels like a small working town. The cathedral steps and piazza are yours.

Quiet stair walks

On dry days, the stepped paths between Amalfi and Atrani are peaceful. Cool air makes the climbs easy.

Lowest prices of the year

The hotels that do stay open charge a fraction of summer rates.

What to pack for January

A waterproof jacket
Grippy walking shoes for wet stone steps
A warm sweater
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Stay in Amalfi town or Sorrento rather than Positano, and confirm your hotel and a few restaurants are open before you book.

Book The Amalfi Coast for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Amalfi Coast
Opens a hotel search for The Amalfi Coast in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The Amalfi Coast
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The Amalfi Coast
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Amalfi Coast for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

Full guide

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

Start in Bomerano above Agerola and walk down toward Nocelle and Positano. Go early; there is little shade and it gets hot by late morning.

Tickets and tours →

Villa Rufolo, Ravello

The terrace garden view that inspired Wagner, and the stage for the summer Ravello Festival concerts.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Walk the long garden path to the Terrace of Infinity at the end; mornings are quieter before tour groups arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea)

The striped facade at the top of the steps dominates the town square. The Cloister of Paradise sits beside it.

Tickets and tours →

Positano by ferry

Arriving by boat is faster and prettier than the road in summer. Ferries run roughly spring through autumn, not in deep winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Pompeii

A full day trip. Go at opening and bring water; the site has very little shade.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Stay in one of the smaller towns (Praiano, Atrani, or Minori) and day-trip into Positano and Amalfi before 10am or after 5pm, when the tour buses and day boats are gone.
Use the ferries instead of the SITA buses between Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano in summer. Buses fill fast and the road traffic can double journey times.
Hike the Path of the Gods at first light. By late morning the trail is busy and exposed to full sun.
Shift to the first two weeks of June or the second half of September for the best balance of warm sea and manageable crowds.

Know before you go

From roughly November to March, a large share of hotels and restaurants in Positano and the smaller towns close. Amalfi town and nearby Sorrento stay more open through winter.
Ferry service between Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri generally runs from about Easter to late October or early November, then shrinks sharply or stops. Always check the current timetable.
Beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas generally operate from May to early October only.
Around Easter and Italian public holidays, especially Ferragosto on August 15, expect sold-out hotels and packed buses.

The Amalfi Coast in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

January is a month to think twice about visiting the Amalfi Coast. Much of Positano is closed, ferries barely run, and many restaurants are shut until spring.

What is the weather like in the Amalfi Coast in January?

Mild but damp, highs near 57F (14C), frequent rain.

Is the Amalfi Coast crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in the Amalfi Coast; most sights can be done without long waits.