Things to do in Arles in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Arles. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 38—51°F (3—10°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Arles during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Van Gogh trail in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Arles, take a leisurely stroll along the Rhone River, and more!

Arles has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Arles. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Arles in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Arles in January

Top experiences in January
Explore the Van Gogh trail in Arles
January is a great time to follow in the footsteps of the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh, who lived and worked in Arles for a period of time. You can visit the various locations that inspired some of Van Gogh's most iconic paintings, including the Yellow House, the Langlois Bridge, and the Hospital Garden. Many of these sites offer guided tours and exhibitions that provide insight into Van Gogh's life and work in Arles.
Visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Arles
In January, the Roman Amphitheatre of Arles is a fascinating historical site to explore. This well-preserved amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the amphitheatre, and even attend special events and performances that are held within its ancient walls.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhone River
In January, the Rhone River offers a peaceful and scenic backdrop for a leisurely stroll. You can take in the beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside, and may even have the chance to spot local wildlife such as herons and kingfishers. The riverbanks are also lined with charming cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a warm drink and take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Explore the Camargue Nature Reserve
In January, the Camargue Nature Reserve is a peaceful and serene place to explore. This vast wetland area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including flamingos, wild horses, and black bulls. You can take a guided tour or simply wander through the reserve on your own, taking in the stunning natural beauty and observing the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Take a cooking class at a local Provencal restaurant
January is a great time to learn about traditional Provencal cuisine, and many local restaurants offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare classic dishes such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and tarte Tatin. These classes are a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in the local food culture, and you'll have the opportunity to sample your creations at the end of the class.
Take a wine tasting tour of the Provence region
January is a great time to explore the renowned wine region of Provence, and many local wineries offer tours and tastings where you can sample a variety of wines, including the region's famous rosés. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region, and may even have the chance to meet the winemakers themselves.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
In January, the picturesque town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a charming destination for a day trip from Arles. This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, historic church, and vibrant arts and crafts scene. You can wander through the town's narrow streets, visit the local market, and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Holidays in Arles in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Arles in January

Temperatures on an average day in Arles in January

The average temperature in Arles in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 51°F (10°C) to a low of 38°F (3°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Arles, July, has days with highs of 87°F (30°C) and lows of 67°F (19°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 52°F (11°C) and lows of 38°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Arles in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
51°F
highs
38°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
21%
Chance of rain
0.089 in
Amount
18.3 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
9.3 hrs
Daylight length
8:10 AM
Sunrise
5:29 PM
Sunset
52%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 51°F (10°C) and a low of 38°F (3°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Arles in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Arles has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Arles that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Arles for January.
Arles Amphitheatre
1. Arles Amphitheatre
4.4
(15451)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient, 2-tiered Roman gladiatorial amphitheatre now hosting bullfighting & community events.
Museum of ancient Arles and Provence
2. Museum of ancient Arles and Provence
4.6
(3374)
Archaeological museum
Museums
Modern museum with Roman sarcophagi, sculptures & mosaics from the Augustinian era to 6th century.
Roman Theatre of Arles
3. Roman Theatre of Arles
4.4
(2110)
Performing arts theater
Sights & Landmarks
Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century to seat 20,000, used for bullfighting, concerts & plays.
Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church
4. Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church
4.5
(1064)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Huge Catholic church built in the Romanesque style with sculptures on the facade & a variety of art.
Camargue Regional Nature Park
5. Camargue Regional Nature Park
4.6
(12984)
Park
Nature & Parks
Established in 1970, this protected natural park area features wetlands & a marine area.
L'espace Van Gogh
6. L'espace Van Gogh
4.4
(2313)
Cultural center
Museums
Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church
7. Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church
4.5
(1064)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Huge Catholic church built in the Romanesque style with sculptures on the facade & a variety of art.
Cryptoportiques d'Arles
8. Cryptoportiques d'Arles
4.2
(225)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Abbaye de Montmajour
9. Abbaye de Montmajour
4.6
(1555)
Abbey
Sights & Landmarks
The grand buildings & ruins of a fortified abbey, with a 12th-century crypt & panoramic views.
Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles
10. Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles
4.0
(2051)
Art museum
Museums
Sleek art museum offering guided tours & changing exhibitions including works by Vincent van Gogh.
Alphonse Daudet's Mill
11. Alphonse Daudet's Mill
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
1814 windmill alluded to in Alphonse Daudet's most well-known novel, with a museum on the author.
Place de la République
12. Place de la République
4.7
(15)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Le Café Van Gogh
13. Le Café Van Gogh
2.9
(2432)
Coffee shop
Sights & Landmarks
Provençal eatery with a charming terrace said to have inspired an 1888 painting by Vincent van Gogh.
Les Alyscamps
14. Les Alyscamps
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Musée Réattu
15. Musée Réattu
4.2
(544)
Art museum
Museums
Museum in a 15th-century building with paintings by Arles-born Jacques Réattu & drawings by Picasso.
Pl. du Forum
16. Pl. du Forum
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Public square dating back to ancient times & painted by Van Gogh in his "Cafe Terrace at Night."

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Arles?

Get inspired for your trip to Arles with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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