Italy in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 55°F High • 40°F Low

In December, Italy takes on a crisp, clean quality that invigorates the senses, while the low winter sun casts a warm glow across the landscape. The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, with locals donning their finest wool coats and scarves, turning city streets into glamorous runways. The average temperature in Rome hovers between 55°F and 40°F, creating the perfect brisk conditions for exploring the city's festive heart.

What to Expect

Winter in Italy varies dramatically by region, offering everything from sunny coastal drives to festive city strolls and alpine skiing adventures.

• Southern Regions: In places like Sicily, the sun remains a generous companion. Feel its gentle warmth on your skin as you wander through a solitary Greek temple, the air still carrying a faint scent of the sea. The days are often bright and clear, ideal for a leisurely drive along a dramatic, crowd-free coastline, where the turquoise water contrasts sharply with the winter sky.
• Central Regions: When you visit Tuscany and Rome on Zicasso’s Best Rome, Tuscany, and Venice Itineraries, you will find the regions imbued with an enchanting holiday spirit. Feel the ancient cobblestones of Florence underfoot as you stroll beneath strands of glittering lights in the cool air. The countryside is peaceful, its iconic cypress trees standing like sentinels in the quiet, frosty landscape, and the aroma of woodsmoke promises warmth and comfort within nearby villas.
• Northern Regions: In the Dolomites and the Alps, the world is hushed by a pristine blanket of snow. Hear the satisfying crunch of fresh powder under your skis, breathe in the sharp, pine-scented air of a silent forest, and feel the sublime contrast between the cold outside and the warmth of a crackling fire in a mountain chalet.

With a festive quiet settling over the land, December is the perfect time to experience Italy's iconic destinations in their most authentic and dazzling state. The pace slows, allowing for moments of genuine discovery, where the grandeur of history and the spectacle of the season merge to provide you with an unforgettable journey.

Rome • Best Place for Festive Family Traditions

The Eternal City comes alive with holiday cheer, offering a glorious backdrop for family memories.

What to Expect

• Stand in awe before the towering Christmas tree and life-sized nativity scene in St. Peter's Square on our Italian Renaissance Tour, the air filled with a sense of reverence and wonder.
• Taste the pure bliss of a rich, thick hot chocolate in a café overlooking the Pantheon after exploring the ancient temple without the usual crowds.
• Inhale the festive scents of spiced mulled wine and roasting chestnuts as you wander through the joyful chaos of the Christmas market at Piazza Navona

Cortina d’Ampezzo • Best Place for Romantic Alpine Scenery

Escape to a world-class region in the Dolomites on a Visions of Northern Italy trip, where snow-dusted peaks and opulent chalets create a fairy-tale setting.

What to Expect

• Cuddle close on a horse-drawn sleigh, the only sounds the gentle jingle of bells and the glide of runners over snow as you pass through a silent forest.
• Feel the exhilarating chill of the night air as you gaze up at a brilliant, star-filled sky, far from the lights of any major city.
• Stroll hand-in-hand during the traditional evening passeggiata, the glow of holiday lights reflecting on the pristine snow, creating an atmosphere of pure romance.

Sicily • Best Place for Mild Weather and Ancient Wonders

Discover an island where layers of history are bathed in a soft winter light, offering a tranquil Mediterranean escape.

What to Expect

• Feel the gentle winter sun on your face as you explore the remarkably preserved Greek temples of Agrigento, enjoying the solitude and the stunning sea views.
• Wander the charming cobblestone streets of Taormina on a Highlights of Southern Italy and Sicily Tour. Breathe in the mingled scents of citrus and sea salt, with the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Etna in the distance.
• Savor the ripe, fruit-forward flavors of a local Nero d'Avola wine during a private tasting at a historic vineyard, a perfect end to a day of discovery.

Verona • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds and Find Charm

Experience the city of Romeo and Juliet at its most atmospheric, where history and romance glimmer in the winter twilight.

What to Expect

• Hear the echo of your footsteps as you cross a scenic stone bridge over the Adige River, the city's medieval towers veiled in a soft winter mist.
• Warm up in a cozy, wood-paneled osteria on a True Flavors of Northern Italy itinerary, savoring the deep, rich flavors of a traditional Amarone stew that warms you from the inside out.
• Feel the thrill and anticipation in the air as you attend a world-class opera performance, a truly immersive experience in one of Italy’s most beautiful historic theaters.

December in Italy is a month of action and immersion, a time to engage all your senses. The crisp air and festive mood invite you to partake in timeless traditions, savor comforting seasonal flavors, and explore majestic landscapes in their winter guise. It's a season for creating memories that are rich with the authentic spirit of Italy.

Discover Spectacular Holiday Celebrations

Immerse yourself in the unique and heartfelt Christmas traditions that vary beautifully from region to region.

What to Expect

• Wander through Naples’s famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, a street dedicated to handcrafted nativity scenes, marveling at the incredible artistry.
• On Amalfi Coast Tours and Vacation Packages, witness the spectacle of the Feast of the Seven Fishes come to life. This cherished Christmas Eve tradition is celebrated with elaborate seafood banquets.
• Feel the ancient, mystical pull of solstice traditions in Sicily, where massive bonfires light up the coastline on the longest night of the year.

Savor the Seasonal Cuisine

Delight in the hearty, soulful flavors of Italian winter, a time of rich ingredients and comforting recipes.

What to Expect

• Inhale the intoxicating, earthy aroma of prized white Alba truffles being shaved over a dish of fresh, handmade pasta in a rustic Piedmontese trattoria.
• Taste the sweet, smoky flavor of chestnuts roasted over an open fire by a street vendor in Florence, warming your hands and your spirit.
• Indulge in a slice of Panforte on a Historical Immersion Tour of Tuscany. The complex flavors of this dense, spiced fruit and nut cake from Siena are a perfect expression of Christmas in Tuscany.

Experience the Majesty of the Italian Mountains

Explore the dramatic beauty of the Alps and Dolomites, transformed into a pristine kingdom of snow and ice.

What to Expect

• Feel the sheer thrill of gliding down the world-class ski slopes of the Dolomites, surrounded by breathtaking panoramas of jagged, sun-kissed peaks.
• Hike through a silent, snow-dusted forest on snowshoes, discovering a profound sense of peace and solitude in the heart of nature.

Submerge yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters of a steaming outdoor thermal spring on our Best Ski Holiday: Italy and the Dolomites.

Italy in December is captivating. Cool temperatures are offset by the warmth of the festive season, cities are colored with light, and authentic culture is on full display. Whether you wish to explore the Colosseum without the crowds or immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of an alpine ski region, you can create a journey that perfectly matches your preferences and travel dreams.

Explore more ideas and start planning your trip with helpful tips, advice, and information found in our Italy travel guide and Italy tours and trip packages.