A Guide to Visiting Rome in December | Attractions, Weather, Museums & More

Rome is the capital city of Italy and the center of the Metropolitan City of Rome. It is known as one of the most well-planned and developed cities of the ancient world and boasts a history spanning 28 centuries. Some of its yesteryear architectural marvels like the Roman Colosseum, Palazzo Barberini, and the Roman Pantheon still mesmerize the world. St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums in Vatican City are some of the other important and most-visited historical landmarks in Rome. Now, let us help you plan your trip to Rome in December.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Rome?

December is a great time to visit Rome, as it is the low season with fewer tourist crowds and greater discounts on flight tickets and hotel bookings. Moreover, it is one of the few European cities where you get to experience the festive season frost-free.

Rome in December  - Why Visit

Why You Should Visit Rome in December?

  • Rome is one of the few European cities where you can enjoy a snow-free winter in December.
  • December is part of the low season in Rome, meaning lesser waiting times and fewer crowds at tourist hotspots.
  • Cheaper flight tickets and hotel tariffs is also an advantage of visiting Rome in December.
  • Rome is one of the best cities in Europe to witness Christmas and St. Stephen’s Day celebrations.
  • Christmas shopping and festive sales begin in Rome in December.
Rome in December - What to Look Out For

What to Look Out For in Rome in December?

  • Carry an umbrella as Rome gets a few showers in December.
  • Cover yourself well as December is chilly and windy in Rome.
  • December records the shortest days of the year in Rome, lasting for only around nine hours long. So plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Some museums and attractions have fixed times for visitor tours. Make sure you book your convenient timeslot well in advance to ensure all goes as per plan.
  • The waters around Rome may be too cold for a swim. So if you are looking for an Italian beach holiday, then December probably isn’t the best time.

Overview of Weather in Rome in December

Rome in December - weather

More About Weather in Rome in December

Is Rome cold in December?

December is the first month of winter in Rome with the average temperatures ranging from 4.2 ℃ to 12.6 ℃. The temperature even drops as low as 3 ℃ on some days. The strong winds make the evenings feel even more chilly.

Can you swim in Rome in December?

The average sea temperature in Rome in December is 16 ℃, which makes it too cold for most people to swim. However, it may be comfortable for those who wish to do cold swimming in a wetsuit.

Is it sunny in Rome in December?

Rome is partially cloudy in December. The shortest days in Rome are recorded in this month with only 9.2 hours of daylight, and the least amount of sunshine at about 3.6 hours a day.

Is it rainy in Rome in December?

You can expect slight rains for about 8 days in December in Rome, adding up to an average rainfall of 81 mm.

Best Things to do in Rome in December

Rome in December  - Roman Colosseum
Rome in December - St. Peter's Basilica
Rome in December - Vatican Museum
Rome in December - Sistine Chapel
Rome in December - Palazzo Barberini
Rome in December - Catacombs
Rome in December - Castel Sant Angelo
Rome in December  - Walk Around Trastevere Neighborhood

8. Walk Around Trastevere Neighborhood

City Streets | Leisure

Trastevere is an authentic Roman neighborhood across the river Tiber, that has preserved its suburban charm through the years. As you walk down its streets in December, you will experience the rich history and culture of the place and also get to taste some mouth-watering delicacies at the street-side food stalls.

Rome in December - Take a Day Trip to Tuscany

9. Take a Day Trip to Tuscany

Leisure | Day Trip

On this full-day tour from Rome, embark on a sun-drenched expedition to the breathtaking region of Tuscany. Board comfortable air-conditioned coaches that will transport you to and from Tuscany, leaving you with the sole obligation of having a good time. Enjoy this authentic tour with a small group and an expert English-speaking tour guide. As you travel through Tuscany, gain knowledge about its history, architecture, and ancient faith while taking in the view and sounds.

Rome in December - Roman Pantheon
Rome in December - Borghese Gallery
Rome in December - Orto Botanico

12. Walk Around Orto Botanico

Botanical Garden | Leisure Walk

What was once the private garden of Palazzo Corsini is now the 12-hectare Botanical Gardens of Rome. The Orto Botanico is a beautiful place to walk around and explore the 8000 species of plants from around the world, including some of Europe's most vulnerable ones. Make sure you are fully covered in thick clothes when taking a stroll in the Garden in December.

December Timings: Daily: 9 AM - 6:30 PM

Top Experiences in Rome in December

Festivals in Rome in December

Rome in December - Festivals
Rome in December  - Festivals
Rome in December

Events in Rome in December

Rome in December - Events
Rome in December- Events
Rome in December - Simply Red Live Concert

Know Before You Visit Rome in December

Travel Essentials
What to Wear
What to Pack
Transport
Stay
Food
Rome in December - Travel Essentials
Rome in December - What to wear

What to Wear in Rome in December

  • It is recommended to cover yourself in heavy woolen clothing to face the winter.
  • Wear a poncho or a raincoat along with a pair of waterproof boots when stepping out on rainy days.
  • Thick jackets, coats, and layers of knitwear can keep you comfortable amidst the strong winds on chilly nights. 
  • Additionally, you may wear a pair of gloves or a scarf while walking out in the winds.
  • Comfortable walking shoes and thick socks are a must during winters in Rome.
Rome in December - what to pack

What to Pack in Rome in December

  • Do carry an umbrella, a poncho or a raincoat, and a pair of rain boots, as Rome is slightly rainy in December.
  • A pair of comfortable walking shoes are required to go around Rome.
  • Heavy woolen clothes, a pair of gloves, and a few pairs of thick socks to stay comfortable in the cold.
  • Scarves, coats, and thick jackets for the cold and windy days.
  • Rooms in Rome come with C, L, and F type sockets which require round tip 2-pin plugs. So do pack a 3-pin to 2-pin adaptor when you travel, if required.
Rome in December - Getting around

Getting Around Rome in December

By Metro: The metro network in Rome has very limited connectivity. Metros run along two main lines going across the city connecting most of the tourist attractions around the Vatican city. They are operational from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day, and until 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

By Bus: Rome has a sprawling bus network that connects all train stations, metro stations, and even the interior corners of Rome. Buses run daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight with some night buses that run all through the night across the main lines. The main bus terminal in the city center is in front of Stazione Termini, which is the metro intersection station.

By Tram: The tram network in Rome is comparatively smaller than the bus network. Running along seven lines, they can take you to most tourist attractions in the city, but generally take a lot more time than buses and trains.

Rome in December - Stay

Where to Stay in Rome in December

Rome offers tourists a lot of different accommodation options. You can choose from bed and breakfast options, dormitories, hostels, guest houses, rented apartments, hotels, and resorts, based on your budget and convenience. Here are some of our picks for December.

Budget: Hotel Villa San Lorenzo Maria, Ecce Roma Suites, Andenis Luxury House

Mid-Range: DoubleTree By Hilton Rome Monti, Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo , Loly Boutique Hotel Roma 

Luxury: The St. Regis Rome, Hotel Eden - Dorchester Collection, Portrait Roma - Lungarno Collection

Rome in December - food

What to Eat in Rome in December

Italian cuisine features fresh and seasonal ingredients with minimal seasoning, giving it a simple homemade charm. Here are some of the favorite dishes of the season you must try while in Rome in December.

Tagliolini al Tartufo Nero: This popular dish is a simple preparation of homemade Tagliolini pasta with black truffle mushrooms, cooked in olive oil, flavored with garlic, and seasoned with sea salt and black pepper.

Pangiallo Romano: A seasonal delicacy in Rome in December is the special Christmas cake Pangiallo Romano. This traditional festive dish is prepared by baking cake dough that is stuffed with almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, raisins, and pistachios, and then glazing it with saffron once baked.

Suppli: Suppli is a snack of a crumbled risotto ball filled with tomato ragu. This famous Roman street food can be found at almost all food carts and stalls across Trastevere and is a must-try while walking around the city.

Hacks & Tips to Visit Rome in December

  • You may also find discounts when purchasing combination tickets for attractions close to each other.
  • December is part of the low season in Rome. So look out for the best discounts on air tickets and hotels while making your bookings.
  • To control the crowds, some tourist attractions have fixed time slots for visitor tours. Please mark your schedule while buying your tickets and be there on time, so as to not lose your spot.
  • Note that admission is free to all museums in Rome on the first Sunday of the month.
  • You may find an overwhelming crowd at public squares and churches around Christmas time.
  • It is advised to keep yourself fully covered and warm while stepping out, as December in Rome can be very cold and windy.
  • Although Rome receives only a few days of rain in December, it is better to carry an umbrella or a poncho or a raincoat while stepping out.
  • Hotel rooms in Rome come with 2-pin sockets which use C-type and F-type plugs. Remember to carry an adaptor if your electronic items and chargers have a different pin type.
  • If you are planning to attend a concert or event while in Rome in December, please book your tickets well in advance as they tend to sell out soon.
  • The 26th of December is also celebrated as Boxing Day in Rome when people donate to charities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Rome in December

Is December a good time to visit Rome?

December is a great time to visit Rome, as it is the low season with fewer tourist crowds and greater discounts on flight tickets and hotel bookings. Moreover, it is one of the few European cities where you get to experience the festive season frost-free.

What are the best things to do in Rome in December?

Some of the best things to do in Rome in December include visiting the Roman Colosseum, the Roman Pantheon, and the Roman Catacombs, admiring the art at St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and Palazzo Barberini, and attending the Urbi et Orbi public address on Christmas Day.

Is Rome cold in December?

December is the first month of winter in Rome with the average temperatures ranging from 4.2 ℃ to 12.6 ℃. The temperature even drops as low as 3 ℃ on some days. The strong winds make the evenings feel even more chilly.

How hot is Rome in December?

It is cold in Rome in December as it is the first month of winter. The average maximum temperature in Rome in December goes up to 12.6 ℃.

Can you swim in Rome in December?

The average sea temperature in Rome in December is 16 ℃, which makes it too cold for most people to swim. However, it may be comfortable for those who wish to do cold swimming in a wetsuit.

Is it sunny in Rome in December?

Rome is partially cloudy in December. The shortest days in Rome are recorded in this month with only 9.2 hours of daylight, and the least amount of sunshine at about 3.6 hours a day.

What clothes to wear in Rome in December?

Heavy woolen clothing is recommended to be worn in Rome in December. Gloves, scarves, thick jackets, and thick socks are needed to keep you warm and comfortable. It is advised to carry water-repelling clothes like raincoats or ponchos for the few rainy days as well.

Is it rainy in Rome in December?

You can expect slight rains for about 8 days in December in Rome, adding up to an average rainfall of 81 mm.

Is Rome expensive to visit?

Rome is one of the few cities in Europe you can visit on any budget. December especially is part of the low season in Rome, which means you can get great bargains on airfare and hotel tariffs if you book in advance. Public transport is also comparatively much cheaper than in other European countries.

How safe is Rome?

Rome is one of the safest European cities to travel to. In case of any emergency, you may call 112 and the Integrated Emergency System will direct you to the required department. Alternatively, you could dial 118 for an Ambulance, 15 for the Fire brigade, or 113 to reach the Police.

What can I see in Rome in December?

Rome, although chilly in December, offers tourists a lot of opportunities to truly witness the city’s opulent history. With fewer crowds in December, you can comfortably visit the Roman Colosseum, Palazzo Barberini, and the Roman Pantheon. You can also visit St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums in Vatican City, when in Rome in December.

What are the major events in Rome in December?

Live music concerts by Brain Adams and Simply Red, and the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are some of the major events happening in Rome in December.

What is the average temperature in Rome in December?

The average temperature in Rome in December ranges from 4.2 ℃ to 12.6 ℃.

What are the main festivals in Rome in December?

The Feast of Immaculate Conception on the 8th of December marks the beginning of Christmas festivities in Rome. Christmas Day, St. Stephens Day, and New Year’s Eve are also celebrated in Rome in December.