Want to go to Corsica in January?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Corsica in January (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- What to do in Corsica in January, special activities and events
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES IN Corsica
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our guide to planning your road trip: eBook
Our must-do boat trip: Exploring the cliffs of Bonifacio
Our favorite towns to stay in:
- Bonifacio near the citadel – see the best rated accommodations
- Porto-Vecchio near the beaches – see top-rated accommodations
- L’Île-Rousse in Balagne – see the best-rated accommodations
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visit the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Going to Corsica in January: quick answers
What is the weather like in Corsica in January? Is this a good time to visit?
In January, the climate in Corsica is cool. The north of the island can be subject to strong, cold winds, and the west coast is rainy. Also beware of rain and storms in the mountains. The temperatures during the day allow you to go for a walk. Skiing and surfing enthusiasts will also find their happiness if the weather conditions allow it. Nevertheless, this is not the best time to visit Corsica.
Travelling to Corsica in January – summary of conditions
Temperatures
The temperatures are cool. The thermometer shows an average of 10°C (50°F), and 12°C (54°F) during the day.
Water temperatures
In January, the sea is cool, around 14°C (57°F). Those who are not so cold can go surfing or swimming with a suitable wetsuit.
Crowds and prizes
It is in January that there are the fewest tourists in Corsica. The rates are much lower than in the spring and summer.
Opening conditions
Many establishments are closed in January: seasonal attractions, museums, parks, hotels and restaurants.
Day
The sun rises before 8am and sets around 5:15pm.
More tips in our article: Best time to visit Corsica.
Our favorite activities in January
In January our favorite activities are:
- Walking along empty beaches
- Visit the citadels of Calvi and Bonifacio
- Visit the charming villages without the tourists and listen to the stones speak
- Bathing in hot springs like in the Caldane Baths near Sartene
Find out more in our article on Corsica in winter.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
1. Climate in Corsica in January – weather forecast
The climate of Corsica is Mediterranean. It has dry summers with high temperatures, and rainy but relatively mild winters.
In January, the weather is not ideal. The north and the west coast are subject to cold and sometimes powerful winds. Moreover, the days are short and the sky is often overcast. Rain is frequent on the West Coast, which can make it difficult to organize your visit.
Don’t worry: the rides are still pleasant. Indeed, temperatures rise to about 12°C (54°F) during the day. Are you a surfing fan? The winds raise beautiful waves towards Ajaccio and the north of the island!
In the mountains, temperatures are even lower. It can rain or storm, but also snow a lot. We like to go to the ski resorts when they are open.
2. Temperatures in Corsica in January
Temperatures in Ajaccio:
- 9°C (48°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
- Number of days above 18°C = 0
Temperatures in Porto-Vecchio:
- 12°C (54°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
- Number of days above 18°C = 0
Temperatures in Calvi:
- 9°C (48°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
- Number of days above 18°C = 0
Temperatures in Bastia:
- 10°C (50°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
- Number of days above 18°C = 1
Temperatures in the mountains
The temperature in the mountains depends on your altitude. In Corte, the thermometer shows an average of 9°C (48°F). The higher you go, the colder it gets.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
3. Rain in Corsica in January
In January, Corsica is quite rainy, especially on the west coast.
- Rainfall in Ajaccio: 156 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Porto-Vecchio: 110 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Quantity of rain in Calvi: 140 mm
(over 8 days on average) - Rainfall in Bastia: 76 mm
(over 4 days on average)
There is little snow on the whole island, but much more in the mountains. Depending on the weather, the ski resorts may be open.
- Snowfall in the mountains around Ajaccio: 0 cm
- Snowfall in the mountains around Porto-Vecchio: 0 cm
- Snowfall in the mountains around Calvi: 15 cm
- Snowfall in the mountains around Bastia: 5 cm
4. Sunshine in Corsica in January
In January, the days are short. The sun rises before 8am and sets around 5:15pm, with 8 hours of sunshine.
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5. Water temperature – swimming in Corsica in January
January is not the best period to swim in Corsica, unless you have a suitable wetsuit. Discover below the average temperature of the sea.
- Ajaccio: 14°C (57°F) on average
- Porto-Vecchio: 14°C (57°F) on average
- Calvi: 13°C (55°F) on average
- Bastia: 14°C (57°F) on average
6. Wind in Corsica in January
The wind in Corsica depends on the place and the season, but rarely prevents tourist activities. In January, it blows harder.
The north is windier than the south. Indeed, the tramontana and the mistral, violent and cold winds, can blow for several days. As on the West Coast, they raise waves ideal for surfing. On the other hand, the east of the island is protected from the winds. In the mountains, the wind brings rain and storms.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
7. Crowds and other conditions
January is the least popular month to visit the island. There are very few tourists: the hotel occupancy rate is about 23%. The weather conditions are not ideal, but you will be able to recharge your batteries in the calm. Attention: most hotels, restaurants and cultural places are closed.
8. What to do in Corsica in January
Walking along empty beaches
What happiness to be able to enjoy these magnificent landscapes between mountain and sea without anyone!
The water being cold, you will certainly not go swimming. But take the opportunity to walk on the sand along the water to admire the bays, the hills, the scrubland and the Genoese towers…
See our list of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica.
Visit the citadels of Bonifacio and Calvi
These citadels are fascinating whatever the month of the year.
Learn more about the citadel of Calvi here, and about the one of Bonifacio here.
Visit the museums of Ajaccio and Bastia
Not all museums in Corsica stay open during winter, but in Ajaccio and Bastia you can still visit the main museums like the Palais Fesch and the Palais des Gouverneurs.
To know more about the museums of Corsica.
Explore the villages
As soon as you go up a little bit on the Corsican heights, you discover charming villages with old houses.
In winter, once well covered, explore them. Without the hustle and bustle of tourists, the impression of traveling back in time is even stronger.
Discover the most beautiful villages of Corsica.
Bathing in the hot springs
At the end of the day, after your explorations, relax in one of the hot springs of Corsica. Some are natural, others less so…
Consider, for example, the Baths of Caldane near Sartene, the thermal baths of Pietrapola (in South Corsica), the baths of Guitera (in South Corsica)…
9. January events in Corsica
We did not find any notable events in Corsica in January.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
10. Prices in January
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. The accommodations offered are very diverse, from camping to 5 star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget.
In January, it is the low season. Rates are generally much lower than in the summer. Attention: many hotels close at this time. Depending on your exact destination, the low number of available accommodations can push prices up.
