Europe · December
Best time to visit Italy in December 🇮🇹
December in Italy is off-season — extreme weather or closures. generally a tough month — extreme heat, monsoon, deep cold or widespread closures. Plan carefully or pick another country.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Italy? Quick answer
Not ideal — consider another month or country.
| Verdict for December | Off-season — extreme weather or closures |
| Average temperature | 13°C high / 4°C low |
| Rainy days | ~8 days |
| Crowds | med |
| Prices | med |
| Events this month | Christmas markets (Bolzano, Trento), Ski opens Dolomites |
| Peak months overall | May, June, July, September, October |
| Insider tip | Many small towns and restaurants close in Aug when Italians take their holidays. |
Italy year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Italy are May, June, July, September, October. December isn't one of them — consider shifting your dates or seeing alternatives below.
What Italy is like in December
Cold but festive — Christmas markets in the north, ski season opening. 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.
FAQs: Italy in December
Is December a good time to visit Italy?
Not really — most travellers should shift dates or pick another country. December in Italy is off-season — extreme weather or closures. Expect average highs around 13°C and lows near 4°C, with roughly 8 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Italy in December?
Average daily high around 13°C, low around 4°C, with about 8 rainy days. Cold but festive — Christmas markets in the north, ski season opening.
What events or festivals happen in Italy in December?
Key events in December include Christmas markets (Bolzano, Trento), Ski opens Dolomites.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Italy in December?
Prices in December are typically mid-range, with moderate crowds.
Should I book Italy in advance for December?
You can usually book closer to your travel dates in December — supply is plenty and prices stay reasonable.