What December feels like in Rome
For Rome, December is early winter on the calendar. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Rome in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.6 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to Rome's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 8.2 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:30 am and sets around 4:40 pm local time, giving 9 h 9 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 42 min. About 73% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Rome. Afternoons run 3.8°C (6.8°F) cooler than in November, with 41 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 12°C (53.6°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Rome in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Quick questions
How warm is Rome in December?
It feels cool: typical highs are 13°C (55.4°F), with lows near 5.3°C (41.5°F).
Does it rain a lot in Rome in December?
Quite a lot — 96 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in Rome in December?
Pack rain protection and a light jacket. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Rome?
January, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Rome's months, against #10 for the other. January is cooler.