Last updated: March 24, 2025
December in Rome, Italy offers a blend of crisp air and festive charm, with average temperatures hovering around 9°C (48°F), reaching a pleasant maximum of 18°C (65°F) on milder days while dipping to a brisk minimum of -2°C (28°F) during cold snaps. Expect frequent rainfall, as the month sees about 135 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation across 13 days, creating a lush backdrop to the city's historic beauty. Humidity levels are around 77%, adding to the winter chill, but also enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday season, making it an enchanting time to explore the Eternal City.
In December, temperatures in Rome, Italy, begin to dip as winter settles in, showing a notable shift from the milder months preceding it. The minimum temperature hovers around -2°C (28°F), while the average climbs to a crisp 9°C (48°F). Daytime highs can reach up to 18°C (65°F), offering a brisk but manageable coolness that invites visitors to explore the city's historic charm. Compared to the warmer autumn months, December marks a transition into a cooler climate, where the chill in the air is often accompanied by festive decorations and a cozy atmosphere, ideal for sipping hot beverages in quaint cafés or enjoying nighttime strolls through illuminated piazzas.
In December, Rome experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with an average of 135 mm (5.3 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. While the number of rainy days—13—is lower than the substantial 15 rainy days in November, the overall precipitation remains significant. This trend showcases a transition from the wetter autumn months into the cooler winter, as precipitation generally decreases towards the drier summer season. Notably, December's rainfall is still high compared to the summer months, accentuating the contrast in Rome's climatic patterns throughout the year.
As December arrives in Rome, Italy, the air takes on a characteristic moisture, with humidity levels averaging 77%. This marks a slight decrease compared to the previous month’s 79%, but still reflects a theme of notable humidity throughout the colder months. The yearbook trend shows that humidity is typically higher in the winter, peaking in January and November. As the seasons transition, humidity gradually dips from a high of 80% in January, steadily declining but remaining relatively consistent between 74% and 76% from April to October. December's humidity exhibits a fine balance, inviting visitors to experience the city’s charm without the heavy mugginess often found in warmer months.
As the year comes to a close, December in Rome sees a significant drop in UV exposure, with the UV Index falling to a low 2. This reduction marks a transition from the high levels experienced in the summer months, where indices peaked at 10 in both June and July, indicating a need for careful sun protection. In contrast, December offers a safer outdoor experience, allowing for a more relaxed burn time of 45 minutes. This trend underscores the changing seasons, where winter brings a welcome relief from the intense sun, encouraging residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city's vibrant history and culture without the immediate concern of sunburn. For more information, check out the detailed Rome UV Index.
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In December, Rome experiences a gentle decline in sunshine hours, with an average of 241 hours gracing the city. While the month is shorter in daylight compared to the vibrant May and June that boast over 397 hours, December still offers a lovely ambiance under the soft Roman sun. As the year progresses, sunlight peaks in July, with an impressive 431 hours, creating a stark contrast to the dimmer days of January, which starts with only 200 hours. This gradual trend of increasing sunlight from winter to summer culminates in an inviting atmosphere for locals and travelers alike, reminding everyone of the city's charm even in the cooler months.
December in Rome offers a moderate 49% chance of sunny weather, standing out as a transitional month before the brighter days of spring. While the likelihood of sunshine lags behind the peak summer months—where it soars to 73% in August—December’s weather provides a pleasant respite with more sun than the gloomier November, which drops to 35%. Interestingly, as Rome moves from the chilly winds of November to the somewhat milder December, the chance of sun slightly rebounds, hinting at the allure of winter strolls through historic streets under a predominantly cloudy sky peppered with sunny spells. Travelers can expect a blend of both cloudy and clear days, making December a charming time to explore the Eternal City.
As December arrives in Rome, the city experiences a return to shorter days, mirroring the daylight trends of January and November with only 9 hours of daylight. This gradual decrease in sunlight begins in the summer months, peaking in June with 15 hours before gently tapering off as the year progresses. With daylight hours consistently increasing from winter to spring across the earlier months, February marks a notable shift, leading into the longer days of springtime. The cycle highlights the subtle rhythm of seasons, where the warmth of summer gives way to the cozy embrace of winter, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy the festive charm of the Eternal City under the crisp, shorter days of December.
As December wraps the ancient city of Rome in a cool embrace, the average wind speed reaches a refreshing 2.7 m/s (6 mph), slightly higher than the calmer months of summer and early autumn. This gentle breeze contributes to the city's enchanting winter atmosphere, enhancing the charm of seasonal festivities. Interestingly, while winter winds pick up just a notch, they remain moderate compared to the gusts encountered in earlier months. This steady airflow hints at the character of Rome in December—crisp yet inviting, perfect for leisurely strolls through its historic streets adorned with holiday lights.
The weather in Rome changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Rome and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January present a transition in weather patterns, with January generally being slightly cooler than December. In December, average temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while January sees temperatures drop further, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and an average high of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, December is characterized by higher precipitation, with 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 62 mm (2.4 in) across just 8 days. Despite January's lower precipitation, it maintains a slightly higher humidity level at 80% compared to December's 77%. For more detailed insights, you can check Rome weather in January.
December and February present quite different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can dip to a low of -2°C (28°F) but typically average around 9°C (48°F), reaching a maximum of 18°C (65°F). This month sees more precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over about 13 days, with humidity levels around 77%. Conversely, February experiences colder minimum temperatures, dropping to -10°C (14°F), while maintaining a similar average temperature of 9°C (49°F) and a higher maximum of 21°C (69°F). Precipitation decreases to 78 mm (3.1 in) over just 9 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 73%. For more details about February weather, you can check Rome weather in February.
December and March present distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a mild 18°C (65°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). The month typically sees about 135 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, combined with a humidity level of 77%.
In contrast, March experiences a wider temperature range, with nighttime lows plunging to -11°C (12°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 23°C (75°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). It has less precipitation, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over 9 days, and a lower humidity of 69%. The shift in weather from December to March suggests a transition from damp and cooler conditions to a more varied climate characterized by warmer days. For more details, check out Rome weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures usually range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a moderate 18°C (65°F) during the day, with an average of about 9°C (48°F). The month is relatively wet, with around 135 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, and the humidity sits at 77%. In contrast, April welcomes milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is lighter, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in) over only 9 days, and humidity drops slightly to 74%. For more detailed information on April weather, you can check Rome weather in April.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) to a mild 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month experiences significant precipitation totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, May offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and reaching a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging at 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is lower in May at 77 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days, and humidity remains slightly lower at 76%. For more detailed information on May weather, you can visit Rome weather in May.
In December, the weather is significantly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a mild 18°C (65°F) during the day, alongside high humidity levels of 77%. The region experiences a considerable amount of precipitation, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, making it a wet month. In stark contrast, June boasts much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 12°C (54°F) and maximums reaching a sweltering 36°C (97°F), along with an average temperature of 23°C (74°F). The June climate is relatively dry, with only 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain falling over 5 days and slightly lower humidity at 73%. For more detailed information, check out Rome weather in June.
December and July present starkly contrasting weather in terms of temperature and precipitation. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a mild 18°C (65°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over about 13 days, accompanied by high humidity at 77%. In contrast, July offers much warmer conditions with night temperatures starting at 17°C (63°F) and soaring to a sweltering 37°C (99°F), averaging at 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is minimal, with only 23 mm (0.9 in) recorded over 3 days and lower humidity at 70%. For more details, check out Rome weather in July.
December and August present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) to a milder 18°C (65°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, combined with high humidity at 77%. In contrast, August boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a sizzling 39°C (103°F), averaging at 27°C (80°F). The summer month sees minimal rainfall, with only 17 mm (0.7 in) across just 4 days, and lower humidity at 68%. For more insights on August weather specifically, check out Rome weather in August.
December and September present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures typically range 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 is characterized by higher humidity at 77% and more frequent precipitation, totaling about 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days. In contrast, September enjoys a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 8°C (47°F) to a summer-like maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is lighter, amounting to 104 mm (4.1 in) over just 8 days, and the humidity is lower at 71%. For more detailed insights into September's weather, visit Rome weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, notable differences emerge. December tends to be much colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while October enjoys milder conditions, featuring lows of 7°C (45°F) and highs reaching 30°C (87°F). In terms of precipitation, December experiences more rainfall at 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, compared to October's 92 mm (3.6 in) across just 9 days. Additionally, humidity levels in December reach 77%, slightly higher than the 76% average seen in October, making for a damp end to the year. For more detailed insights on October weather, consider checking Rome weather in October.
When comparing the weather in December to November, we can see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation. December experiences lower temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), compared to November's range of 0°C (31°F) to 24°C (75°F). While both months see considerable rainfall, December has slightly less precipitation at 135 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, whereas November receives 161 mm (6.3 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels remain somewhat consistent, with December at 77% and November at 79%. Overall, December is cooler and a bit drier, making it feel markedly different from the milder and wetter November. For more insight into November's weather specifics, you can check Rome weather in November.
As December rolls into Rome, the city transforms into a captivating winter wonderland, with temperatures significantly cooler than the previous months. While the days experience a gentle warmth, the nights can plunge to chilly depths, making it a month of contrasts. Precipitation is notable, with around half of the month seeing some rain, creating a damp atmosphere paired with a noteworthy humidity level. This weather shift invites visitors to embrace the cozy charm of the season, with a chance to enjoy fewer crowds while discovering Rome's festive spirit. For those looking to understand more about what to expect throughout the year, check out Rome Climate.