If you are coming to Florence in December, you are in for a treat: the city is very quiet and Florence begins to light up for the holidays. Did I mention how un-crowded it is?
Florence in December is even more magical than normal with the festive holidays
December in Florence
Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence this time of year:
December weather in Florence Italy
The first day of winter is December 21. So actually, most of December is a fall month (yeah, that seems weird to me too). It seems to rain a little less in December than in November, and the days can be clear, sunny and crisp.
And they are short of course. The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, is in December so there are some pretty short days.
You’re far more likely to see rain in December than snow, so be sure to bring your umbrella with you
It does snow occasionally in Florence, but typically not in December. In recent years, it’s only snowed a little in January or February which is when Florence is at its coldest.
During the day it’s in the low 50’s °F/low teens °C, and in the evenings it is still quite chilly, with lows in the mid 30’s °F/single digits °C.
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
What to pack for Florence in December
Packing tips for December in Florence
When packing for Florence in December, the key thing is to bring plenty of layers. If the sun is out, it can feel pretty mild during the day, but once the sun goes down it will feel much colder.
Think long sleeved t-shirts, heavy pants/jeans, warm pullovers or cardigans, and a good, waterproof jacket/coat. And don’t forget the scarf.
When visiting Florence in December you will want to wear a warm cozy winter hat and gloves. E-tip gloves are perfect as you don’t have to take them off to use your phone. Scarves are also essential when it’s colder, the wind can pick up and having a scarf round your neck will help keep you warm.
Heavy cotton pants or comfortable jeans are an excellent idea for men, women, and children alike. You’ll also want warm cardigans, pullovers or turtlenecks so that even if you want to take off your jacket, you will still stay warm and cozy.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the winter:
General Florence packing tips
These are a few of my essential packing recommendations, any time of year:
- Sunglasses! Yes it can be rainy in Florence occasionally, but the sun will be shining more often than not so you’ll want a good pair of sunglasses.
- Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications. I would recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on in a dedicated organizer, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
- Photocopies or clear photographs saved on your phone of your passport – much safer than carrying your actual passport around Florence!
- Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it’s 110. Most electronic devices will default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here. This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations, perfect for travel to different parts of the world.
- Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit gives you peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
Finally, travel insurance isn’t something to pack per se, but it is something you should not forget!
It is not uncommon these days for visitors to have to deal with lost luggage or cancelled or delayed flights, and your credit card coverage may not be as extensive as you think.
Chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen!
What to wear in Florence in December
There are two rules for what to wear in Florence year-round, and really, anywhere in Italy.
Rule 1: Be Comfortable
My number one rule for sight-seeing in Florence, any time of year is being comfortable. This is particularly important in December, when the combination of cooler temperatures and wetter days mean that if you’re not keeping yourself warm, you can feel quite unwell.
Comfort starts with good shoes, which are waterproof and heavy enough to be fine all day. Don’t forget about your socks as well, which can make a huge difference to how you feel.
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Rule 2: Dress in Layers
The next rule, which is definitely applicable in December is: dress in layers.
While the weather in December is pretty cold, especially at the end of the month, the days can feel surprisingly warm if the sun is out. It’s best to wear layers that you can remove and put on easily according to whether you’re out in the midday sun or eating dinner outside at night.
I recommend bringing a light backpack to wear as you travel around the city, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your scarf, winter hat and gloves when you don’t need them.
Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Florence?
Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:
Is December a good time to visit Florence?
December is a beautiful time of year to be in Florence, because the city starts lighting up with decorations and there is a festive feeling in the air. Plus, outside of the Christmas period, the city is relatively quiet.
This is a good time to visit monuments and museums, since they will be much less crowded (except during the holidays).
Make the most of the festive spirit during your trip to Florence in December
How crowded is Florence during December?
December is the beginning of (mostly) low season. Hotel and airline rates drop from around the beginning of November and, other than during the Christmas and New Years holidays, stay low throughout winter.
This is a great time to visit if you want to see all the popular sites and monuments in Florence, with much smaller crowds than you find in high season.
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Florence Seasonal Food in December
December is the real beginning of citrus season. Oranges, mandarins and clementines fill the markets now. What better way to keep cold and flu germs at bay than to have a nice fresh-squeezed spremuta (juice) of Sicilian blood oranges?
Gnudi dumplings are one of my go-to comfort dishes at this time of year
December is also the time of year to fill up on traditional, hearty Tuscan food, perfect for keeping you warm and nourished when it’s colder. Try ribollita (thick vegetable stew) or zuppa di fagioli (bean soup) as well as the thick hot chocolate for when it gets really chilly.
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What to do during December in Florence
December holidays and special dates in Florence
Besides the obvious Christmas holiday dates, there are a few other important Florence events in December to note:
December 8 – Immacolata
In Italy the Catholic holiday of December 8, the Immaculate Conception, or Immacolata, is celebrated. Many shops will be closed, but major sites and museums are open.
If the 8th falls near a weekend, you can expect it to be busy in Florence.
Christmas Tree Lightings
The main Christmas tree in Florence is in the Piazza del Duomo near the cathedral, but there are usually also trees in Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza San Firenze and in front of Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Palazzo Vecchio.
These tend to be lit in the first week or two of December, close to the Immacolata which marks the start of the holiday season.
The main Christmas tree is always in the Piazza del Duomo
Christmas Markets
The main Christmas market in Florence is held in Piazza Santa Croce early in December, in the style of a traditional German market with stalls selling food, gifts and Christmas decorations.
There are also lots of other smaller markets which take place each year in different locations which you can explore.
Free Things to do in Florence in December
On the first Sunday of each month you can access Florence’s state-run museums, archeological parks and cultural sites for free – yes, completely free. This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Galleria Academia and many more.
These are very popular events so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.
More ideas for things to do in Florence in December
Maybe it’s your 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) time in Florence. Or you have more than 3 days here. Or you just want to see and do lots of fun things.
Besides the obvious must-see tourist attractions, there are lots of great things to see and do in Florence. While you can of course look at a day trip to the Tuscan countryside, Rome or even Naples, here are some ideas for your visit:
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To sum up…
Florence in December is a wonderful time to be in the city. The festive lights and decorations cover the city and you really feel the excitement building ahead of the holidays. It is also much quieter so visitors can expect to find shorter queues, quieter galleries and easier access to top restaurants and sights.
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