Italy Weather in December

The weather in Italy in December casts a magical spell over Italy as the country embraces the festive spirit of Christmas. Amidst twinkling lights and festive decorations, Italy's historic towns come alive with vacation markets and nativity scenes. Whether wandering through the Christmas markets of Florence or attending the religious festivities in Assisi, December offers a magical journey through Italy's winter wonderland, celebrating its traditions, and cherishing the joyous spirit of the season. Snow arrives in the north as well, offering plenty of skiing and snowboarding amongst the Alps.

What is the weather like in Italy in December?

As December unfolds, Italy embraces the cold charms of winter as ski resorts open in the Alps and the Dolomites with heavy snowfall higher up the mountains. Even the likes of Sicily and Naples can start to feel the (relative) chill as temperatures head toward single digits.

The days are short but December is a magical time to visit Italy, as the festive spirit comes alive with Christmas markets, nativity scenes, and twinkling lights adorning most major towns. If you don't mind the cold weather and an occasional shower, December can be a great time.

Rough Guides tip: make sure to read all about the best time to visit Italy.

Is Italy warm in December?

Italy can be moderately warm in December, especially in the southern regions. Generally, the average temperature in the southern coastal areas is around 37°F to 50°F (12°C to 16°C). However, in the northern regions, it's cooler at around 37°F to 45°F (3°C to 10°C). Expect a variety of weather conditions, including some rainy days.

December marks a shift towards cooler weather during the onset of winter, bringing a sharp change in temperatures with it. The weather in Italy in December brings colder temperatures and more rain.

In northern regions like Milan and Venice, temperatures can range from 37°F to 50°F (3°C to 10°C) during the day. Central areas, including Florence and Rome, experience slightly milder weather, with temperatures ranging from 43°F to 55°F (6°C to 13°C). Southern areas, like Sicily and Naples, maintain relatively milder temperatures, hovering between 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C).

As the days grow shorter, December in Italy offers about 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day. While the warmth of summer is long gone, it's still possible to explore Italy's cultural treasures and rolling countryside with ease.

Rough Guides tip: a trip to Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do you want to get the best out of your trip? Check our Italy itineraries.

Is December a good time to visit Italy?

December can be a good time to visit Italy, especially for winter sports as the Alps and Dolomites usually get a good dollop of snow. Rome comes alive with dazzling Christmas markets and elaborate nativity scenes in Turin, Florence and Verona are matched by light displays that illuminate ancient architecture in Venice, Lecce, Milan and others.

Although the weather tends to be cooler, especially in the northern regions, and occasional rain showers can occur countrywide, there are plenty of upsides. The weather in Italy in December provides good opportunities to sample Alto Adige’s wine during the Törggelen season.

This roughly coincides with the arrival of the Neuien – the first bottles of new, young wine – from about the end of September to the beginning of December. It traditionally marks the passage of the year, celebrating a golden time of clear autumnal weather before winter sets in.

Do note that by December, some tourist attractions may have reduced hours or be closed completely for the winter.

This exciting tailor-made journey through the treasures of Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome can be personalised to suit the winter and our local experts will do their best to make your winter vacation in Italy an unforgettable experience.

Average rainfall in Italy in December

December brings varying levels of average rainfall across Italy. As the late fall transitions into winter the northern regions, such as Milan and Venice, see slightly higher average rainfall levels, ranging from 2.36 to 3.94 inches (60 mm to 100 mm).

Central areas, including Florence and Rome, experience moderate rainfall, with averages ranging from 1.57 to 3.15 inches (40 mm to 80 mm). In the south, destinations like Sicily and Naples, receive relatively lower average rainfall, typically between 1.57 to 2.36 inches (40 mm to 60 mm).

While December is not the wettest month in Italy, occasional rain showers are common, especially in the northern and central regions. Note that sleet and snow occur regularly as well, especially in mountainous regions.

Decided to book a December break? For further inspiration, discover more of the best places to visit in December.

Festivals and events in Italy in December

Whether religious, traditional or cultural, there are literally thousands of festivals in Italy and sometimes the best are those that you come across unexpectedly in smaller towns. Some of the highlights for December are listed below:

• Festa di Sant’Agata (Feb 3–5). Riotous religious procession in Catania, Sicily that honors Saint Agatha, the patron saint of the city.
• Carnevale (weekend before Lent). Carnival festivities in Venice, plus many towns throughout Italy. when for four consecutive Sundays it stages an amazing parade of floats, or carri – colossal, lavishly designed papier-mâché models of politicians and celebrities.

Traveling to Rome? Don't miss the opportunity to choose the best places to stay in the city.

Plan your trip with our Italy itineraries

Our Italy itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Italy itinerary 5 days: A quick trip to Italy’s must-see spots, usually focused on one or two iconic cities. Perfect if you want a taste of Italy’s famous art, history, and cuisine.
• Italy itinerary 7 days: A week in Italy allows you to experience both city life and a bit of countryside charm. You’ll have time to explore major sights and get a feel for Italy’s local culture.
• Italy itinerary 10 days: Ten days offers a good balance between Italy’s cities and scenic regions. You can enjoy both bustling urban highlights and quieter rural areas at a comfortable pace.
• Italy itinerary 14 days: With two weeks, you can take a deeper dive into Italy’s diverse regions. This itinerary covers a variety of landscapes, from historic towns to rolling vineyards and coastal views.
• Amalfi coast itinerary: A dedicated trip to Italy’s breathtaking Amalfi Coast, known for its cliffside villages and stunning sea views. Perfect for leisurely days exploring charming towns and relaxing by the water.
• Tuscany itinerary: Explore the heart of Tuscany, famous for its medieval towns, vineyards, and Renaissance art. Ideal for wine tasting, scenic drives, and soaking up Italy’s countryside beauty.
• North Italy itinerary: A journey through northern Italy’s rich culture, lakes, and mountains. Expect elegant cities, picturesque lake towns, and a taste of Italy’s alpine regions.
• South Italy itinerary: Discover the unique character of southern Italy, from ancient ruins to sun-drenched beaches. This itinerary captures the laid-back vibe and rich traditions of Italy’s south.

Visit Italy in other months

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November