Weather in Rome in December

By Anthia Vlassopoulou
Co-founder and CEO of Greece Insiders, writing about Greek travel since 2012

Rome weather in December is cool and dampish, with highs of 12-14°C (54 – 58°F) and lows of 4-6°C (39 – 43°F). Rain appears for around 10-14 days, and it gets dark early, with sunsets at around 5 PM.

This guide explores in more detail what the weather in Rome in December actually feels like on a weekly basis. We talk about temperatures, what to wear, and how the weather in Rome will affect what you can do and see in the city on any given day.

Rome December Weather at a Glance

Here’s the month at a glance before we break it down week by week.

December is Rome’s second-wettest month after November, and it has the least daylight.

The good news: temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and snow is rare.

Temperatures in Rome in December

Daytime highs in Rome are 12-14°C (54-58°F) on average, but due to high humidity, it can actually feel a bit lower. This is especially true as the sun dips behind buildings in the narrow streets of the historic city center. At night, average lows are 4-6°C (39-43°F). The coldest part of the day is the early morning hours, part of a swing that’s worth checking the Rome weather month by month if your travel dates are still flexible

In December, the temperature drops the most during the season. The difference with November during the day is about 3°C and even bigger when you compare nights. January is similar, but with fewer rainy days than in December.

Rain, Sun, and Daylight Hours

In December, Rome is characterized by rain rather than by snow or extreme cold. For 10 to 14 days of the month, there will be showers, falling in short but sometimes heavy bursts. Between the rain, there will be clear intervals. After a wet morning, it will be dry in the afternoon.

Rome receives on average 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day in December. Given the short days of this month, the total amount of daylight is limited. In December, the sun rises at 7:30 AM and sets at 4:45 PM. In the last two weeks of the month, the sunset is even earlier, but will start to get later after the winter solstice.

Rome Weather Week by Week in December

The Rome temperatures for December tend to average out the many highs and lows. However, early December will have carried some of the mild temperatures from November, and the final week of the month will be the coldest of the year. Below, we have divided and analyzed the month in three parts.

Early December (1-14): Mild and Quiet

It’s mild with average highs of 15°C in the early part of the month, sometimes with a hint of autumn left in the air. Early December is also quiet, with the fewest visitors of the month, which makes it a comfortable window for Italy family vacations without the Christmas-week crowds. While it’s true that it’s also rainy, the frequency of rainy days is lower than the following weeks.

Christmas Week (15-25): Colder and Busier

By the time Christmas arrives, the weather has grown colder, with average temperatures dipping to around 12°C. Although there is always the chance of rain, there is no doubt that Christmas will bring busier streets and the full run of markets and events across Rome’s piazzas. Visitors will need to layer up for the long days spent walking around markets and outdoor events, taking in the impressive light displays on Rome’s streets.

New Year’s Week (26-31): The Coldest Stretch

The coldest weather in Rome is in the last week of the year. Temperatures often drop to around 3-4°C. The air is usually damp, but with proper clothing, it is still possible to walk around comfortably. The high amount of rain and the short days with early sunset make this period less attractive to some, but it is still a wonderful time to visit Rome. If a winter trip to Italy is on your mind, explore our Italy vacation packages or request one tailored to the season and pace you want.

How December Weather Affects Your Sightseeing

Most of the open-air sites operate all year, but rain and short days can affect some in December. Knowing which sites are open in December and which might need a backup plan is ideal. Better than rushing round sites, searching for cover from the rain, with no shelter to speak of. Sequencing sites is more important in December than in any other month.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum in the Rain

If rain is light, both sites remain open throughout December, when crowds are at their thinnest, and you can roam the ancient ruins unencumbered before moving on to the rest of Rome’s essential sights. Uphill walks on Palatine Hill are far more comfortable in cool winter air than in the midst of summer’s extreme heat. Finally, the overcast winter light delivers crisp, sharp photos and contrast richly against the background of summer haze so typical of Rome’s tourist season.

A traveler’s take: Bethany S., visiting Rome for the first time: “I was looking for a balance of planned excursions and free time, and Greece Insiders delivered”. She especially found her experience in the Roman Forum: “amazing to be so immersed in history”. Even on a trip she described as busier than she’d expected. December’s quieter crowds make that immersion even easier to come by.

Vatican Museums as a Weather Backup Plan

Vatican Museums are primarily indoor and mostly weatherproof. While long lines in December can be a problem, a wet morning here is generally better than forcing a series of outdoor activities on a rainy day, and the indoor, mostly flat layout makes it an easier stop for Italy tours for seniors. A flexible day, rather than a strict itinerary, allows for the best of both worlds as the day wears on. A flexible day, rather than a strict itinerary, allows for the best of both worlds as the day wears on.

Walking Tours on Wet Cobblestones

Rome’s cobblestone streets can become very slippery when wet and can cause many slips. The guided walking tours continue in all weather; therefore, it is recommended that participants wear sturdy, grippy footwear for these tours. Short indoor stops, for example, a coffee break, can be made to wait out the worst of the rain.

What to Pack for Rome in December

Rome’s December weather calls for layers more than heavy bulk, since indoor spaces run warm while outdoor air stays damp and chilly. Here’s what to pack.

• A medium-weight, waterproof or water-resistant coat
• Sweaters or long-sleeve layers that pair easily with a jacket
• A scarf, hat, and light gloves for early mornings and evenings
• Thermal or wool socks for warmth without extra bulk
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes with good grip for wet cobblestones
• A water-resistant pair, or waterproofing spray for existing shoes
• A spare pair of socks in your day bag for sudden downpours
• A compact umbrella that fits easily in a day bag
• A lightweight, packable rain jacket as a backup to the umbrella
• A reusable tote or bag cover to protect belongings from sudden rain

Is December a Good Time to Visit Rome

Rome in December is a good idea, as long as you’re prepared for damp chill rather than freezing cold. The crowds have thinned out, and you can explore the main sights without waiting in long queues. The city is also full of Christmas atmosphere, which makes it a quietly romantic season for honeymoons in Italy. The only drawback is the short days and the rain, so you’ll need to be flexible when it comes to spending time outside. The only drawback is the short days and the rain, so you’ll need to be flexible when it comes to spending time outside.

Rome Christmas Markets and December Weather

December is a damp and chilly month, and the weather is more of a factor to consider than most guides would have you believe. Visiting the Christmas markets means walking around the stalls together, an easy, low-pressure way to spend an evening for groups of friends travelling in Italy. Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are more important here than they would be for visiting other Rome sites during the day.

Conclusion

Weather in Rome in December is cool, damp, and short on daylight. But, if you pack the right clothes and are flexible enough, the thin crowds, festive markets, and soft light can make for a wonderful trip. Instead of running from one outdoor sight to the next, have indoor activities lined up for the rainy days and enjoy the slower pace of life in Rome.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork and have a local team handle the details, from weather-smart itineraries to skip-the-line bookings, Greece Insiders can build a Rome trip tailored to exactly how you want to experience the city this winter.