What to wear in Rome in December (inc packing list)

Are you wondering what to wear in Rome in December? Have you been searching for the perfect Rome Winter Packing List? Well look no further! Rome is actually one of my favourite times of year to visit Rome and Rome in Winter offers many unique activities. However, winter clothes aren’t perhaps what you associate when you think of Rome so in this guide we will tell you about Rome winter weather and how to dress to fit in with the locals.

Weather in Rome in December

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Is it cold in Rome in December?

Although by comparison to other European capitals Rome is milder, Rome in December is still Winter. The average daily temperature in Rome is 9 degrees C and 49F. The latter in the month you go the colder the temperatures will be. 

And although on paper it seems like Rome is not as cold as other Capitals I can tell you from experience that Rome can still get pretty chilly. 

Despite this Rome in December is still one of my favourite times to visit the city. I especially love visiting Rome with toddlers in December. 

Will it rain in Rome in December?

On average there are around 9 days of rain in December so you will definitely want to be checking out our what to do in Rome on a rainy day post and pack appropriately. 

Will it snow in Rome in December?

Whatever the month, snow in Rome is very rare. And while there are occasional flutters of snow these tend to be in January and February – not December and even then it is very rare. 

So overall I would say No it won’t snow in Rome in December. 

For more information on best places to travel in Europe in December with family check out this post. 

What to Wear in Rome in December

One of the things that you will notice about the Romans is, that whatever month you travel to Rome, they will be well dressed. However, one things I have noticed in Rome is that unlike some of its more Northern counterparts I don’t find myself taking off layers like I do say in London in December on the Underground or in restaurants in December in Amsterdam. 

Coat

Obviously when it comes to coats, I would say it really depends on how warm you want to be. In my opinion you won’t need thick thermal coats in Rome and I tend to use a parka jacket on most December days. Parkas are not an uncommon sight in Rome, neither are nice woolen coats. I tend to wear my parka in the day in Rome and save my nice wool coat for evenings out and restaurants. 

In terms of fashion I would say sporty jackets are not so stylish or commonplace so if you want to look like a local then a smarter parka is your best bet. 

Rain coat

For milder but wet days, and yes Rome does have its rainy days, I recommend taking a smarter raincoat and of course umbrella. 

Woolen Hat

As the month of December goes on the weather does get colder and a hat is an essential along with a nice wool scarves, ear muffs  and gloves will be an essential for outdoor days. 

I find a good pair of fleece lined leather gloves are best for keeping hands warm and look more stylish than their wool counterparts and add to the Rome Winter Style.

However if you are an avid instagrammed you may want to have gloves designed to allow you to carry on using your touch phones with. 

What to Wear in Rome in Winter – footwear

Now when many people picture Rome they think of heels but really as a visitor to Rome in December, heels aren’t required. 

Leather boots

 

Now I am usually a trainers and converse type of gal but in Rome the shoes I wear most often are boots. This is also what you will find more of the locals wearing.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer ankle or knee high boots as you will see both on the streets of Rome. However I advise not getting boots with a thin heel as they can get caught in the cobbles and uneven Roman road surfaces.

If you can I advise you get waterproof boots as it can be rainy in Rome in December.

What to Wear if you are visiting the Vatican at Christmas

We have a whole post on how to dress to visit the Vatican, which covers you for religious sensibilities so give this a read. Otherwise the above still stands. In fact, in December it would be difficult to dress incorrectly for the Vatican. 

What to Wear if you are visiting the Colosseum

Surfaces here are very uneven, therefore today is a day when you want flat and good soled shoes or trainers.

What to Wear if you are visiting the Forum

Same as the above

What to Wear in Rome in December FAQS

Do you need thermals?

I would say it never really gets cold enough in Rome in December to warrant you packing your thermals. 

What do you think are essentials for a Rome December Packing List?