Rome Weather in December
Planning a trip to Rome in December? Here's what the weather is really like as the city drifts out of autumn and into a winter pattern — and why the rain feels different this month.
December is when Rome shifts from autumn into winter. Highs start the month consistently in the 60s°F and settle into the 50s by month's end. Overnight lows drop from the mid-40s at the start of the month to the mid-30s by the end, with frost returning late in December and the occasional dip into freezing territory. Snow is rare — maybe every 5 to 7 years. Rain averages 9–10 days, but it's a different kind of rain than October or November's intense thunderstorms. December brings lighter, drizzlier stratiform rain throughout the day — think San Francisco or Seattle. Less dramatic, less flooding risk, but gray and persistent.
Daylight is short, the sun sets early, and the city is cool and damp. None of this will ruin your trip — the holiday season is ramping up, and it's a fantastic time to visit Rome. Meteorologist Ian Schwartz breaks down what to expect.
At a glance
What's covered
- Highs, lows, and how the month cools
- Frost returning and the chance of freezing temperatures
- Snow rarity in Rome
- Why December's rain is lighter and drizzlier than fall
- Short daylight and early sunsets
- Why the holiday atmosphere makes it worth it
Jump to a moment
Rome in December FAQ
What is the weather like in Rome in December?
Shifting from autumn into winter. Highs start the month consistently in the 60s°F and settle into the 50s by month's end. Overnight lows drop from the mid-40s into the mid-30s, with frost returning late in December. Rain averages 9–10 days as lighter, drizzlier stratiform rain — think San Francisco or Seattle, not thunderstorm bursts.
Does it snow in Rome in December?
Rarely — snow in Rome happens maybe every 5 to 7 years. Temperatures can dip into freezing territory on cold nights late in the month, but the moderating influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea keeps winter precipitation almost always falling as rain rather than snow.
Is December a good time to visit Rome?
A genuinely great one — if you're OK with gray, damp, and short daylight. The holiday season is in full swing, decorations transform the city, and tourist crowds thin from fall peaks. Pack a warm jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella, and you'll be fine. The holiday atmosphere alone is worth the trip.