Packing for Rome in December

Packing for Rome in December?

Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in December? 

Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home.

Packing for Rome in December - what to bring and how to dress

Rome in December can generally be pretty chilly, but winter doesn't officially start until December 21 so it doesn't get too cold, especially during the day.

It's an iffy month with some rain, but you can also expect plenty of clear sunny days in December in Rome.

Whether you're visiting Rome in early December, mid-December, or at the end of December, I recommend packing plenty of layers, along with a warm jacket, scarf, hat and gloves.

On this page you'll find:

• Dressing for the rain in Rome
• My suggestions for packing for Rome in December
  
• What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late December
• More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
• How to dress in Rome in December

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Dressing for the rain in Rome

There is a chance that it will rain during your trip to Rome in December, but if it does, don't worry, it never really rains for long.

Rain in Rome shouldn't affect your trip, and may even give you a chance to get some interesting shots of the Eternal City!

I highly recommend bringing a good-quality travel umbrella when packing for Rome in December, as well as a rain hat and a waterproof coat/jacket, just in case you do get caught in a rain shower while out exploring the city.

PS - If you're wondering if we get snow in Rome, we normally don't, and if we do, it's usually not in December.

Packing for Rome in December - Essentials

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I walk around Rome a lot.

I love to walk everywhere when I can, because in Rome there is always something new to see.

I also love looking at things I know well, like the Colosseum, and seeing it in a new light, or finding a new detail.

I walk around Rome at many different times of day, throughout the year.

So believe me when I tell you, I know just how to dress in Rome year-round.

These are my personal recommendations for what to include when packing for Rome in December, many of which I own or use:

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When packing for Rome in December, don't forget to also include the following items:

• Warm, comfortable socks
• Lip balm or chapstick

• Comfortable closed shoes, like sneakers or good walking/hiking shoes. You definitely don't want to be wearing sandals or open-toed shoes in December!

What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late December

Winter doesn't officially start until later in December, so at the start of the month the weather is more fall-like than winter.

The temperature in Rome in December averages around 56-60 Fahrenheit/14-16 Celsius during the day and 42-46 Fahrenheit/6-8 Celsius during the night at the start of December.

By the end of December winter is really starting to get going, so it feels a lot cooler as we head towards the festive season.

At the end of the month daytime temperatures average 10-12 Celsius/50-54 Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures average 3-5 Celsius/37-41 Fahrenheit.

Whether you're packing for Rome in December for the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll want to include clothes that are suitable for the cold weather, so heavy pants, good quality warm pullovers or cardigans, as well as a waterproof winter jacket.

To be more specific:

Packing for Rome in early december

In early December, the weather in Rome is generally cool, but if the sun is out it will feel milder than you might expect.

It's best to wear layers that you can take off or put on as you need, depending on what you're doing, so think long-sleeved cotton tops, cardigans or sweaters, and a jacket with removable linings.

Once the sun goes down it will feel much colder so you might want to add a cozy hat and scarf to your outfit if you're exploring the city in the evening.

I always recommend bringing a scarf with you to Rome, and you'll definitely want to wear one in Rome in December!

A scarf will fit easily in your day bag ready for when you need it.

Packing for Rome in Mid-DECEMBER

The weather in Rome by mid-December is starting to feel a lot more like winter, and you're more likely to see some rain during your trip.

Make sure to pack heavier clothing options so you stay warm, and waterproof shoes and jacket are essential so you stay dry if you get caught in a rain shower.

Packing at least one scarf, hat and a pair of gloves is a great idea, especially for nighttime.

You'll likely want to wear a pullover or cardigan as well as a jacket when you go out for dinner!

Packing for Rome in late december

By the end of December, winter is truly here.

While all the festive decorations bring a wonderful glow to the city, you will feel cold if you haven't packed the right things!

If you're packing for a trip to Rome in late December, bring a good selection of warm tops and pants, as well as a heavy winter jacket.

You may also want to bring a fleece to make sure you stay cozy and warm.

Rain showers are definitely a possibility so it's best to be prepared and bring a travel umbrella that easily fits in your backpack.

General Rome packing tips for any time of year

So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in December?

These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:

I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.

As well as the specific information here about packing for Rome in December, see my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!

What to wear in Rome in December

So how should you dress when you visit Rome in December?

My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking - more than you might think!

Rule 1: Be Comfortable!

My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, all year round: be comfortable.

This is most important for your feet. It is crucial to wear good walking shoes with good quality socks that keep your feet warm when you're out all day.

Bringing shoes you have already broken in is essential, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!

When packing for Rome in December, I would recommend bringing some sturdy walking shoes or good quality sneakers that give your feet enough support, and that you can wear good socks with comfortably.

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule is: dress in layers.

While the weather in Rome in December is pretty cold, especially at the end of the month, the days can feel surprisingly warm if the sun is out.

It's best to wear layers that you can remove/put on easily according to whether you're out in the midday sun or eating dinner at night.

As part of your packing for Rome in December, I would also recommend bringing a light backpack to wear as you walk around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your scarf, winter hat and gloves when you don't need them.

Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in December:

• Wear extremely comfortable shoes and warm socks
  
• Dress in heavy cotton pants or jeans
• Wear long sleeved cotton tops under warm pullovers or cardigans
  
• Bring a fleece if it is going to be especially cold
• Wear a waterproof heavy jacket
  
• Bring a travel umbrella that fits in your day bag
• Don't forget to pack a scarf for both men and women!

Unless you are planning on attending a special event, there is no need to bring dressy clothes to Rome.

When packing for Rome in December, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.

Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in December here.

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Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:

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