Visiting Italy In December: Everything You Need To Know

Thinking about a trip to Italy and wondering if December is a good time to go? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Italy in December—from the weather and prices to how busy it gets and the best things to do.

Italy’s Weather In December

December in Italy is full winter: cold, shorter days, and quite wet in many places, but it has its own magic and festive charm.

• Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Turin, Dolomites): Cold, especially in the mountains. Daytime highs between ~7‑8°C (44‑46°F), lows that can hover near freezing. Rain and possibly snow expected in mountainous areas.
• Central Italy (Rome, Florence, Tuscany): Milder than the north. Daytime highs often between ~12‑13°C (53‑56°F), but mornings and evenings will feel chilly. Rain is frequent.
• Southern Italy & Islands (Naples, Sicily, Sardinia): Most mild part of Italy in December. Expect highs in mid‑50s°F (13‑16°C), cooler nights. Rain still occurs. Coastal areas will be more welcoming.

Be sure to pack warm layers, waterproof outerwear, good boots, gloves, hat, scarf. Weather can change quickly, especially in northern regions.

Tourism Demand & Pricing

December is firmly in the low/shoulder season (except around Christmas & New Year), which changes how many places feel and how much you'll pay.

• Tourism Demand: Very low for much of the month. Cities and major sites are much less crowded than in summer. However, demand spikes in the lead‑up to and during the Christmas holidays, especially in famous cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and in regions with big holiday markets.
• Pricing: Cheaper flights, hotels, tours. Off‑peak rates apply during early and mid‑December. But expect prices to rise around Christmas, and for accommodations or transport to fill up in popular places.
• Atmosphere: Cozy and festive. Christmas lights, markets, holiday foods, seasonal decor give many places a magical feeling. Nights come early. Some small towns quiet, some big cities lively due to festive events.

Best Things To Do In Italy In December

Though it's cold, December offers unique experiences you won’t find in high season:

• Attend Christmas markets & holiday festivals: Almost every major city and many towns have Christmas markets. Verona, Bolzano, Milan, Florence, Naples all get festive. Lights, stalls, seasonal treats.
• Ski or winter mountain time: The Dolomites and other alpine areas begin full ski season. Snow, winter sports, cozy mountain lodges.
• Explore museums, churches, indoor cultural sites: Great time for indoor activities when weather doesn’t cooperate. Less queueing, more relaxed visits.
• Enjoy seasonal food & winter cuisine: Rich, warm dishes, comfort food, wine. Try holiday sweets, local winter specialties, warm soups.
• Southern Italy escapes: If you want milder winter conditions, head south. Coastal areas, islands are less extreme in cold, more sun. Nice for casual walks, coastal towns.

You can:

• 🎄 Visit magical Christmas markets across northern and central Italy
• ⛷️ Hit the slopes in the Dolomites or Italian Alps
• 🏛️ Tour museums and churches without the crowds
• 🍷 Warm up with hearty winter cuisine and red wine
• 🕯️ Enjoy festive lights, holiday events, and cozy evenings
• 🌞 Head south for milder weather and peaceful sightseeing

Italy Sunrise & Sunset In December

Shorter days, earlier nightfall. Useful to know for planning when you’ll have enough daylight:

• Across much of Italy in December:
  Sunrise around 7:20‑7:30 AM in many places early month; around 7:45‑8:00 AM later.
  Sunset is early: approx 4:30‑5:00 PM depending on region.
• Worst daylight conditions in the far north and mountains: even shorter daylight. Southern regions get a bit more margin.

Plan your outdoor activities between late morning and mid‑afternoon so you’re not caught out after sunset.