Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in Vatican City presents a mild yet brisk winter ambiance, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable average of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Visitors can expect chilly nights, as temperatures can dip to -2°C (28°F). This month also witnesses approximately 135 mm (5.3 in) of rainfall over 13 days, contributing to the region's lush scenery. With relative humidity at 77%, the air can feel damp, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the Holy See during this festive season. Exploring the Vatican's rich history and stunning architecture is particularly enchanting amidst the seasonal charm of December.
As December unfolds in Vatican City, temperatures begin to dip, setting the stage for a chilly yet enchanting atmosphere. With minimums around -2°C (28°F), the city experiences a noticeable transition from the milder temperatures of November. The average temperature settles at 9°C (48°F), providing a crisp backdrop perfect for festive activities and spiritual reflections. Although daytime highs reach a comfortable 18°C (65°F), the evenings urge visitors to bundle up, revealing a delightful contrast to the warmer months. This month encapsulates the essence of winter in the Holy See, blending cool weather with the warmth of holiday spirit, making it a magical time to explore the intricate beauty and solemnity of this unique city-state.
December in Vatican City sees a significant increase in precipitation, with 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain accumulating over 13 days. This month marks a noticeable transition into the wetter winter season, following November's peak of 161 mm (6.3 in) over 15 days. While December's totals are lower than November's, they still surpass several other months earlier in the year, such as January and February. The damp weather is characteristic of the region, setting a tranquil, reflective mood perfect for the holiday season. As the year draws to a close, the increase in rainy days contributes to the lush, vibrant surroundings that many experience during their visits to this historic city.
December in Vatican City marks a notable transition in humidity levels as the year draws to a close. With an average humidity of 77%, the month maintains a slightly elevated moisture content compared to the preceding summer months, which generally hover in the low 70s. Following November's peak of 79%, December experiences a gentle dip, yet it remains significantly higher than the lowest point of the year in August at 68%. This pattern indicates a consistent winter humidity trend, where the atmosphere remains quite damp as it prepares for the colder months of January and February, both of which show higher humidity levels around 80%. Overall, December's humidity fosters a crisp yet moist environment, enhancing the city’s rich historical allure during the festive season.
As the year winds down, December brings a marked decrease in the UV Index in Vatican City, dropping to a low of 2, which signifies minimal sun exposure risk and allows for a more leisurely burn time of 45 minutes. This reduction in UV rays contrasts sharply with the peak months of June and July, where the index soared to 10, reflecting the need for caution and shorter exposure times of just 15 minutes. Overall, the data illustrates a seasonal trend where the UV Index begins low in winter (January and February at 3 and 4) and rises sharply through the warmer months, reaching its zenith in the summer before tapering off in the fall. For sun safety tips and more detailed information, visit Vatican City UV Index.
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In Vatican City during December, the days are shorter, yielding about 241 hours of sunshine, a noticeable dip as winter approaches. This marks a continuation of the downward trend witnessed since the sunniest months of the year, July and June, which boasted over 400 hours each. As autumn takes its leave, the city transitions into a season of lesser light, following a pattern that sees daylight hours gradually decline from a peak in the vibrant warmth of May. The cool, crisp air that envelops December invites a unique atmosphere, highlighting the historic beauty of the Vatican under softer winter sunlight, an enchanting experience for visitors braving the lower light yet still awash in the city's rich cultural tapestry.
In Vatican City, the prospect of basking in sunny weather during December presents a moderate chance, with a 49% likelihood of sunshine gracing this spiritually rich locale. As winter sets in, the chance of sunny days reflects a noticeable dip from the summer months, where July and August boast high probabilities of 69% and 73% respectively. Interestingly, just prior to December, November sees the lowest chance of sunshine at 35%, suggesting a subtle recovery in daylight as the year closes out. This trend indicates that while December weather might not be as bright as earlier months, visitors can still expect a fair balance of sun amidst the cool, crisp winter air, perfect for exploring the wonders of the Vatican.
In December, Vatican City experiences a brief daylight duration of 9 hours, a continuation of the trend witnessed in November. This reduction in sunlight hours is part of a natural ebb and flow, as the year transitions from the long summer days of June, with 15 hours of daylight, to the darker winter months. Following a gradual increase from 9 hours in January through 14 hours in May, the diminishing light signals the onset of winter, emphasizing the contrast between the vibrancy of spring and the serene stillness of winter. As days remain short, there’s an opportunity for reflection and a deepening appreciation of the festive ambiance that December brings to the Vatican.
As December sweeps into Vatican City, it brings with it an average wind speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph), slightly above the calmness of the preceding months. This gentle breeze contrasts sharply with the summer months, which see comparable speeds of 2.6 m/s in both July and October. Notably, the winter months tend to experience consistently low wind speeds, creating a serene atmosphere, especially compared to the peak summer months. While January typically ushers in the year with a light breeze of 2.9 m/s, December’s winds feel refreshing, hinting at the transition into the heart of winter. The gradual shift from the slowest winds in June and September underscores a subtle increase in wind activity as the year closes, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the crisp, invigorating air in this historic hub.
Weather in Vatican City varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Vatican City, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather features a minimum temperature of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), with maximums reaching 18°C (65°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, alongside a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, January exhibits slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), while the maximum temperature only slightly increases to 19°C (66°F). Additionally, January sees a reduction in precipitation to 62 mm (2.4 in) over just 8 days, though the humidity remains relatively high at 80%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Vatican City weather in January.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at a maximum of 18°C (65°F). The month is relatively wet, receiving approximately 135 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation over about 13 days, with humidity levels around 77%. In contrast, February experiences colder minimum temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F), while still maintaining a similar average of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 21°C (69°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 78 mm (3.1 in) across 9 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 73%. For more specific insights, you can check Vatican City weather in February.
In December, the weather tends to be milder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while March experiences a broader temperature range with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and a maximum of 23°C (75°F). December is characterized by higher humidity at 77% and greater precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, compared to March's 80 mm (3.2 in) over just 9 days. As spring approaches in March, the weather becomes more variable, often bringing a noticeable increase in daytime temperatures. For more detailed insights, you can check out Vatican City weather in March.
In December, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with minimum temperatures dropping to around -2°C (28°F) and average highs reaching only about 18°C (65°F). The month is also characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over roughly 13 days, and a humidity level of 77% that makes the air feel cooler. In contrast, April brings a more temperate climate, with minimum temperatures around 1°C (34°F) and average highs increasing to 28°C (82°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 69 mm (2.7 in) across just 9 days, and humidity levels hover around 74%. This transition from the cold and wet December to the warmer and drier April highlights the changing seasons, making Vatican City weather in April a more inviting experience for visitors.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). This month experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) across 13 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 77%. In contrast, May offers a much warmer climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and soaring to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). The precipitation decreases to 77 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, and humidity remains relatively stable at 76%. For more detailed information, you can check out Vatican City weather in May.
When comparing December and June weather, the differences are quite striking. December experiences a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). This month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over approximately 13 days, along with a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, June brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), yielding a comfortable average of 23°C (74°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to just 31 mm (1.2 in) over 5 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 73%. For a closer look at the climate in this vibrant month, check out Vatican City weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, the differences are striking. December experiences much cooler temperatures, with lows reaching -2°C (28°F) and highs averaging around 9°C (48°F), while July boasts a warmer climate with minimum temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and maximums soaring to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, compared to a much drier July, which sees only 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 3 days. Additionally, humidity levels in December are higher at 77%, while July maintains a lower humidity of 70%. For more detailed information about summer weather, check out Vatican City weather in July.
The weather in December is quite a contrast to that of August. December experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 77%. In stark contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a low of 15°C (59°F) and highs reaching up to 39°C (103°F), averaging around 27°C (80°F). Rainfall is minimal in August, totaling only 17 mm (0.7 in) over 4 days, and humidity is comparatively lower at 68%. For more detailed information about this summer month, check out Vatican City weather in August.
December and September present contrasting weather experiences. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month sees approximately 135 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation over 13 days and maintains a relatively high humidity level of 77%. In contrast, September boasts much warmer conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while the average temperature settles around 22°C (72°F). With just 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 8 days and a slightly lower humidity of 71%, September offers a much drier and sunnier climate. For more detailed insights on September weather, visit Vatican City weather in September.
In comparing December and October weather, December brings much cooler temperatures, with average highs reaching only 18°C (65°F) compared to October's warmer 30°C (87°F). The minimums in December can drop to -2°C (28°F), while October's temperatures remain milder, starting at a minimum of 7°C (45°F). December is also characterized by significantly higher precipitation, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) across 13 days, in contrast to October's 92 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days. Despite this difference in rainfall, both months experience similar humidity levels, around 76-77%. For those looking to explore more about October weather, check out Vatican City weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, December tends to be colder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while November is milder, with temperatures from a minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F). November also experiences more precipitation, totaling 161 mm (6.3 in) over 15 days, compared to December's 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are similar in both months, with November slightly higher at 79% compared to December's 77%. For more detailed information about November's climate, you can explore Vatican City weather in November.
As December descends upon Vatican City, the weather takes on a distinctly cooler and wetter character compared to the milder months that precede it. With average temperatures dropping and a notable increase in precipitation—often marked by chilly rain—visitors can expect a more dramatic shift in climate. The higher humidity during this time adds a damp chill to the air, accentuating the need for warm clothing while exploring the city's breathtaking sites. For those keen to understand how these December conditions fit into the broader context of the year, detailed insights can be found at Vatican City Climate.