About Rome in December
Rome during December experiences a cold climate with a temperature of between 7 degree Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius. Along with the snowfall, the land also gets some random rainfall as well. December is often considered off-season in Rome because of the climatic conditions. But the festive vibe of Rome in December is quite an interesting one. By the beginning of December itself, the city would start its preparations to welcome Christmas. All the nooks and corners will be filled with lights and Christmas trees. As it is an off-season, most of the tourist places will be rush-free with fewer crowds. And hence, December becomes one of the best times to choose for your journey, as you can enjoy everything in a relaxed mode. The price drops along with the exclusive holiday markets and festive parties make Rome in December special.
Things to Do in Rome in December
Pantheon, a Roman temple once and is the best-preserved monument in Rome. It is a Catholic church today and is a must-visit spot in Rome in December. This monument is known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. The dome of the monument is constructed with unreinforced concrete with a large hole in the middle. It opens daily by 7.00 AM and closes by 6.00 PM during winter.
Sistine chapel is one of the oldest chapels in the city, which is known for its renaissance art and architectural beauty. It is Michael Angelo who did the major portions of art depictions in the chapel. It also has the artworks of Botticelli, Perugino and other artists. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rome during December. The chapel is open from 9.00 AM till 6.00 PM on all days except Sundays.
The great colosseum is an oval-shaped ancient amphitheater located in the city of Rome. It is more than 1900 years old and is the world’s largest amphitheater. This was the place where the emperors used to watch gladiatorial shows during olden times. It is built based on the ancient Roman architectural style and is one of the best things to do in Rome in December. The timings begin from 8.30 AM till 4.30 PM daily.
Palatine hill is another important place to visit in Rome in December to have a much- more relaxed experience. This place was part of the Roman forum and can find the remnants of the grandeur of the Roman empire even today. This served as a home for the emperors and rulers of the time, and it is regarded as the birthplace of the powerful Roman empire. The daily hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
St. Peter’s Basilica is a church in the city of Rope, built during the 16th century by mixing Renaissance and Baroque architecture, which can hold 20,000 seated worshippers. It is the most important religious institution in Rome, and a visit to the church during your time in Rome in December would be a great experience for sure. The entrance to the church is free, and the December hours are from 7 AM to 6.30 PM.
This is a simple thing to experience, among the things to do in Rome in December to enjoy a different vibe of the city. Trastevere is popularly referred to as "the heart of Rome." The place is known for its bohemian mood, charming streets and alleys, which have the true Roman spirit. Along with the museums and churches, the botanical garden, and the Vicolo Della Torre mark the major highlights of the place.
Palazzo Borghese, a palace that was part of the Borghese family, is a top spot to visit in Rome in December. The palace is built in baroque architectural styles, with a portico, courtyards, and beautiful gardens. The Villa Borghese is an art gallery that has excellent pieces of Renaissance artwork. The palace is open 24 hours a day, but the gallery functions from 9.00 AM until 7.00 PM daily, except Mondays.
The Roman catacombs are the ancient underground burial grounds in Rome. This is a historically significant place to visit in Rome in December. Since the Roman law of the time prohibited burial within the city, mostly Christians and some Jews were buried there. There are reflections of early Christian art, sculptures, gold glass medallions, and Jewish cultural marks here.
These are the public museums in the city of Rome, which have masterpieces of Renaissance art along with Roman arts and sculptures. There are a total of 26 museums in Vatican City. Apart from the collections here, these museums are also known for their architectural beauty as well. Vatican museums are a must to explore in Rome in December. The hours are from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM in December and are closed on Sundays.
It is a public space with fountains and bars that was a stadium during ancient times. This is one of the best things to do in Rome in December, to witness the beauty of baroque architecture. It is also known as Navona Square and is the best place to take photographs. The fountain is famously known as Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi which means fountain of the Four rivers. One of the most unique things about this fountain is its unique style and elongated shape which attracts many tourists.
Weather in Rome During the Month of December
Rome is close to the western coast and has a Mediterranean climate, which means that winters are cold with regular rainfall in December. The weather can even be snowy, with thunderstorms and fog on occasion. The likelihood of rain in Rome in December is slightly lower than in November, as it receives 111 mm of rain every month on average. Although it is cooler at night, Rome has a warm climate in general, so even in the dead of winter, we often get crisp, sunny days. December is the coldest month of the year, with only 9.2 hours of daylight and the least amount of sunshine at roughly 3.6 hours per day in Rome. The maximum temperature in December is 14 °C and the average temperature has dropped to roughly 7 °C by the end of the month.
What to Pack For Rome in December
- It is essential to bring highly comfortable shoes and warm socks because the weather can become exceedingly chilly at night.
- Pack a scarf, coats, heavy cotton pants or jeans, and thick jackets to avoid the chilly breeze that blows all day. waterproof jackets are also recommended.
- As Rome is slightly rainy in December, it is also a good idea to bring umbrellas that fit in your day bag, raincoats, a pair of walking shoes, and rain boots.
- Rooms in Rome have C, L, and F-type outlets, which require round-tip 2-pin plugs. If necessary, bring a 3-pin to 2-pin adaptor with you when you travel.
- Pack gadgets such as headphones for the plane, a portable battery pack, and a camera with an extra memory card.
- Toiletries such as Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner Moisturizers for the face and body, sunscreen, lip balm, and a grooming kit.
- Sunglasses and other accessories as December can still be quite bright and gorgeous. Airplane eye mask, airplane travel pillow.
FAQ's
What are the top things to do in Rome in December?
- Colosseum
This is one of the seven wonders of the world and the world’s largest amphitheater, with an admiring architectural beauty.
- Vatican museums
These museums have many masterpieces of art and sculptures from the renaissance period which were done by famous artists.
- Roman Forum
This is the place which has the ruins of the buildings and palaces which were part of the Roman empire.
- Palatine Hill
The place was once home to the emperors and rulers of the time and has the remnants of the Roman empire even today.
Is December a good time to visit Rome?
December, and the winter season in general, are ideal times of year to visit Rome. The museums and monuments are less crowded, and there are magnificent Christmas customs, fantastic sightseeing options, and lots of opportunities to warm up in snug interiors with good food and wine.
What are the most romantic places to visit in Rome in December?
Some of the most romantic sites to visit with your lover in Rome in December include Trevi Fountain, Pincio, Raphael Hotel's Rooftop Bar, Gianicolo Hill, Ponte Sant Angelo, The Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Ponte Sisto, Augustus Mausoleum, St. Peter's Basilica, Tiber River, Vatican City, Villa Borghese Garden.
Is the Colosseum open in December?
The Colosseum is open to visitors almost every day of the year, between January 1st and December 25th. The opening hours of the Colosseum vary according to the season. The last entry is one hour before the closing time.
Can we visit Rome in December with kids?
December is also an excellent time to visit Rome with children. Museums and monuments are less crowded, and there are lots of fascinating deals and things to do in Rome in December. Remember to bring woolen and warm clothing for children.
What are the festivals celebrated in Rome in December?
Feast Day is on December 8, Christmas Eve is on December 24, Christmas Day is on December 25, and Saint Stephen's Day is on December 26 are the festivals celebrated in Rome in December.
Explore Rome
- Castel Sant Angelo Tickets
- Colosseum Rome Tickets
- Palazzo Barberini
- Roman Forum Tour
- Trevi Fountain Tickets
- Baths of Caracalla
- Bioparco Di Roma
- Santa Maria Maggiore
- Piazza Del Popolo
- Campidoglio
- Domus Aurea Tickets
- Basilica Di San Giovanni In Laterano
- Centrale Montemartini
- Chiesa Di Sant Ignazio Di Loyola
- Altar Of The Fatherland
- Circus Maximus
- Basilica Di San Pietro In Vincoli
- Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori Le Mura
- Capuchin Crypt
- Arch Of Constantine
- Trajan's Market
- Basilica Of Our Lady In Trastevere