Europe · December
Best time to visit Italy in December 🇮🇹
December in Italy is shoulder season — mixed conditions. a shoulder-season pick — quieter and cheaper, but expect mixed weather or a few closures.
Italy year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Italy are April, May, September, October. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.
What Italy is like in December
Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct give warm weather without the crushing crowds and heat of Jul–Aug. The Alps and Dolomites are amazing both summer and winter.
Insider tip
Many small towns and restaurants close in Aug when Italians take their holidays.
December by region in Italy
Rome, Florence, Venice
shoulderPleasant Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Avoid Aug heat.
Amalfi & Cinque Terre
off-seasonOpen May–Oct; peak Jun–Sep.
Dolomites & Alps
bestHike Jun–Sep, ski Dec–Mar.
Sicily & Sardinia
goodBeach May–Oct; mild winters.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.