Italy In December: Weather, Things To Do And Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Italy in December? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Italy during this time of year, including weather, holiday traditions, and popular attractions. Start planning your perfect winter getaway to Italy now!
An excellent way to celebrate the holidays is to take a vacation to Italy in December. When visiting Italy during this time of year, be prepared for low temperatures, sporadic wet days, and maybe even snow in some areas of the country.
However, there are also wonderful Christmas traditions, amazing places to visit, and plenty of chances to warm up with delicious food and drink in cozy interiors!
Continue reading as I share my memories and impressions from traveling throughout December to Italy.
I’ll cover a wide range of topics, including the weather, what to wear, where to stay, must-see landmarks, travel advice, and whether or not it is really worthwhile to spend the holidays in this fascinating nation.
Italy In December: Weather, Things To Do And Travel Tips
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What is the Weather like in Italy in December
December weather in Italy creates a lovely atmosphere as the nation gets into the Christmas mood.
Italy’s ancient cities come to life with nativity scenes and seasonal markets amid sparkling lights and festive décor.
Temperatures in Italy in December
Italy enters the winter season in December with chilly and rainy weather. Over the course of the month, there is a sharp drop in temperature and an increased likelihood of rain.
Nevertheless, climates can differ by geography, with the north having a colder climate than the south.
In December, the average temperature in Italy’s three regions is between -4 and 6°C in the north, 5 to 12°C in the center, and 11 to 17°C in the south.
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What to Wear in Italy in December
December marks the official start of winter, during which the temperature naturally drops.
People in Italy have definitely changed into their winter attire. As a result, you should expect to see a lot of boots, pashminas, and coats and jackets.
In December, there aren’t many noteworthy events in Italy that require specific attire. But it goes without saying that Christmas is a big deal in Italy, and the celebrations will influence what you wear.
We’ve put together our top selections of effortlessly chic Italian clothing that is appropriate for both men and women in December to help you get ready:
For Women:
- Ankle Boots
- Walking Shoes
- Winter Coat
- Jackets
- Gloves
- Nice Dress
- T-Shirts
- Scarf
- Perfume
For Men:
- Boots
- Windbreaker
- Jackets
- Winter Coat
- Shorts
- Cardigan
- Sneakers
- Scarf
- Perfume
Tip: In December in Italy, a coat is a necessity. To be honest, if I were going to Italy in December, I would bring a warmer coat rather than a jacket. Furthermore, the coat will need to be warmer the further north you are heading.
Where to Stay in Italy in December
There are many different types of lodging available in Italy to fit every taste and budget. These are the best hotels in Italy for December; they are sufficiently opulent and fairly priced to cater to the demands of both kinds of tourists.
Budget Hotel in Italy
Hotel Vittoria
Location: Piazzale Libertà 2, 61121 Pesaro, Italy
Situated in the grounds of Piazzale della Libertà, the main square of Pesaro, Hotel Vittoria is a 19th-century mansion with views of the Adriatic Sea.
The home has a counter-current pool with jets and a sun deck with a view of the sea. The large rooms are tastefully furnished with antiques and include free WiFi and satellite TV.
Bathrobes and slippers are provided, along with a spa bath and shower in each private bathroom. A seaside balcony is another feature of many rooms.
Business Double Room For 2 (1 night): $78 Price + $9 taxes and fees
Popular Amenities:
- 1 queen bed
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Spa tub
Luxury Hotel in Italy
Forestis Dolomites
Location: Plancois 292 – Palmschoß 292, 39042 Bressanone, Italy
With ski-to-door access and expansive vistas of the Dolomites, Forestis remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a restaurant on the premises as well as a spa facility.
The suites at Forestis Dolomites have contemporary hardwood furniture, an LCD satellite TV, a cozy lounge, and a furnished terrace.
Enjoy the steam room, bio-herbal sauna, as well as outdoor hot tub at this family-owned hotel to unwind. There’s a garden outside containing handcrafted sun loungers, and at reception, you can arrange a variety of massages and cosmetic treatments.
Presidential Suite For 2 (1 night): $7,485 Price + $5 taxes and fees
Popular Amenities:
- 1 Queen bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Garden view
- Pool view
- Mountain view
- Landmark view
- Pool with a view
- Rooftop pool
Things to Do in Italy in December
The nation comes alive with holiday lights, quaint Christmas markets, and a mystical aura that enthralls both locals and tourists as the holiday season draws near. Here are the best things to do in Italy in December.
Explore the Christmas Markets
Discovering the charming Christmas markets that spring up all around the nation is one of the greatest ways to get into the holiday mood.
These markets, which may be found in the vibrant streets of Rome or the picturesque piazzas of Florence, provide a singular and remarkable experience.
I would advise you to visit Piazza Navona if you find yourself in Rome. Piazza Navona is home to Rome’s well-known Festa della Befana and Christmas market.
Toys, Christmas décor, candies, literature, Lazio-regional cuisine, leather products, and other gift items are also sold at the stalls. Along with the return of the children’s puppet theater comes the carousel.
Celebrate the Immaculate Conception Day
Celebrated annually on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception is an official holiday in Italy. According to Catholic doctrine, the day honors the moment Mary, the mother of Jesus, received a divine blessing that allowed her to live a life “free of sin.”
The event presided over by the Catholic pope in Rome, who is kneeling in prayer and placing a floral wreath on the Madonna statue at Piazza Mignanelli, serves as one of the highlights.
Street performers such as street clowns and jugglers provide public entertainment in certain locations.
This time of year is when a lot of stores open so that people can start shopping for Christmas. There are several ways to get about, although it is advisable for visitors to confirm schedules and routes with the local transportation authority.
Spend Christmas Eve and Day with your Loved Ones
Being with loved ones on Christmas Eve and Day is one of Italy’s most treasured traditions. Every household has its own Christmas Eve custom in Italy. Some spend time with family and friends, sharing a large meal and gift-opening.
A must-do for anybody looking to connect with the real spirit of Christmas is to attend Midnight Mass at one of Italy’s ancient churches.
Experience the warmth of family, indulge in delicious food, and become fully immersed in the intricate customs that make Christmas in Italy really memorable.
Travel to Venice
When it’s December, Venice is a very wonderful place to visit. Enjoying the Calle, riding in a gondola, or seeing the Doge’s Palace without hordes of other visitors is the best thing to do, even though you may have to contend with frigid weather and sporadic high waves.
Although there is a cold in the air in Venice in December, there are many things to do inside! Venice’s medieval palaces and museums provide for the ideal wintertime getaway.
Take a Dip in Thermal Spring Water
The ideal season to relax in the warm spring waters of a natural thermal spa is winter. Many Italian regions have natural springs, and December is a fantastic time to plan a relaxing vacation there.
When visiting Sardinia, make reservations for a few nights in Fordongianus town, where a contemporary hotel makes use of the same water used in the historic Roman thermal baths.
See the Presepe in Rome
Winter travel to Rome provides a very different experience than summer travel, which is packed with tourists.
Rome’s distinctive Christmas lights and festivities are visible during the winter, when you may enjoy the city and its attractions without the crowds of tourists!
Moreover, Rome has snowfall frequently in the winter, and witnessing Rome blanketed in a white blanket of snow is breathtaking!
Rome has a unique charm and enthusiasm about it throughout the holiday season. Explore the Christmas markets throughout the day, and then take in the breathtaking displays of lights and trees as night falls.
Go Skiing
More than its reputation for winter sports, Turin is known for its industrial past and royal palaces. This is a fantastic chance for you to spend wintertime in the city and the mountains simultaneously.
Since Turin is at the base of the Italian Alps, either public transit or a car will get you to the ski slopes in less than two hours and ten minutes.
Travel Tips in Italy in December
There are benefits and considerations to make while visiting Italy in December. These tips for things to do will help you get the most out of your trip to Italy in December!
What to Pack for Italy in December?
Packaging according to the weather while visiting Italy in December is crucial. Layering clothes is vital throughout the winter because of the lower temperatures and the chance of rain.
Make sure you have a thick jacket or coat that will keep you warm in Italy’s colder areas. To keep dry in the event of rain, choose a waterproof or water-resistant choice. Remember to pack a few cardigans or sweaters that you can layer beneath for extra warmth.
The following things are necessary for your fantastic December trip to Italy:
- Travel documents
- Coat
- Scarves, Gloves, and Hats
- Extra Clothes
- Charging Cables
- Medicines
- Camera
- Skincare products
Italy’s Nightlife is Spectacular in December
Take advantage of the long hours and visit Italy’s top sites after dark to get the most out of your winter vacation. Christmastime makes for especially lovely nighttime scenes, with lights illuminating the squares and streets.
While many tourists only think of Italy during the summer, savvy visitors realize that December is a great time to see the bright and bustling nightlife that lines the streets of cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence.
Make Sure to Always Check the Opening Hours
Verify the opening times and dates of any attractions or restaurants you wish to visit in order to prevent disappointment. In smaller towns, some will close for the winter, and major cities will frequently have shortened hours.
Even though the seasonal markets are in full swing and the cities and towns are gorgeously decorated with Christmas lights, the hours that businesses and tourist sites are open might differ significantly from other times of the year.
Is it Worth it to Visit Italy in December?
Yes! Italy’s classic beauty blends with the charm of the season to provide a peaceful, introspective aspect of the nation. The benefits of traveling to Italy in December become apparent as winter’s grip deepens.
Reduced crowds offer a closer-knit relationship with well-known landmarks, enabling tourists to take in the artistic and historical splendor in a tranquil manner.
