For organizing outdoor activities - December in Italy is considered one of the most attractive winter months. This is especially true for the northern part of the country, where the ski season is gaining momentum. Alpine skiing is one of the important, but not the only component of winter holidays in Italy. Christmas deserves no less attention - perhaps the main winter holiday not only in Italy, but also in Europe in general. A visit to ancient Italian cities, acquaintance with the architectural heritage and works of art will become more enjoyable without being surrounded by a crowd of onlookers and sweltering heat.
Weather in Italy in December
Due to geographical features, even in the coldest days of December, the south of Italy will always be noticeably warmer than the north of the country. As a rule, if in the northern regions - especially in the mountains - snow is a completely normal seasonal phenomenon, then in the south it is more a rarity than a rule. However, a rarity pretty drenched in the rains. However, even having shaken, you can always warm up colorful by overturning a glass of hot Vin-brulee - the local analogue of mulled wine.
December in Italy is not the best month for hiking on mountain routes, but, definitely, it is the best time to join skiing holidays. In addition to skiing, some resorts in the northern part of the country are famous for their hot springs, which creates an excellent opportunity to combine the two pleasures on one vacation.
Temperature in Italy in December to a large extent determined by the region of residence and can fluctuate over a fairly wide range, however, in the general case, the framework can be defined as follows:
Temperature in Rome in December: +6 + 12С; Temperature in Venice and Milan in December: -3 + 4С; Temperature in Naples in December: +12 + 16С
Holidays in December
In terms of interesting events, December is unparalleled, and the festive atmosphere in the streets begins to be felt long before the peak of the last week. For Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25 in Catholic Italy, they begin to prepare long before the event. Streets, shops, pizzerias are decorated with Christmas paraphernalia, and the illumination and festive bustle create a special mood, gaining strength as the holiday approaches.
Among the important events of the month, it is also worth noting separately the Immaculate Conception Day (December 8th) and the Feast of St. Stephen (December 26th), when Italians exchange gifts and attend church. New Year in Italy will not leave indifferent fans of fireworks, the skill of which the descendants of the ancient Romans are so proud of.
Italians are rightfully proud of their mastery of illumination
Since the third decade of December, prices in Italy have made a sharp jump, which is due to a significant influx of tourists who want to take the maximum from the winter holidays, as well as numerous Catholics who do not imagine meeting Christmas without visiting the Vatican. When planning a trip during this period, be prepared for the fact that December 25th and 26th have the status of national holidays. Therefore, most museums, shops and tourist facilities during this period are closed to visitors. However, you are unlikely to be bored - Christmas in Italy full of all kinds of entertainment.
Wherever you go on the Apennines, remember that each region here has numerous local holidays on its calendar. Therefore, it always makes sense to visit the tourist office and learn more about local events.
Italy in December. Summary
For many tourists, the main drawback of visiting Italy in December is the weather. Frost or rain will definitely not cause a desire to walk along the cobbled medieval streets or to explore the ruins of Pompeii - it is still more pleasant to do it in a more comfortable season. But if you are a fan of active types of winter vacations or the peculiarities of local flavor - this is the most.
The active booking season at the ski resorts begins at the end of August. If you want to save some money on a hotel, you will have to plan your vacation in May-June, when many hoteliers, while reinsuring themselves, still lower their prices.
For those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of Christmas, but at the same time not averse to save, it is worth paying attention to the first half of the month, when the season is still considered low in the Apennines. However, saving on impressions in this case may turn out to be a loser, because spending a few hundred euros more will give you completely different impressions. But this is up to you.
