Rome in Winter: A Travel Guide for December & January in Italy

A visit to Rome in winter means many things for travelers, but most importantly: better deals on flights from the US, and much smaller crowds in Italy!

For a complete guide to Rome in Winter, check out:

I'm a big proponent of off-season travel, though I understand it's not possible for parents to just yank their kids out of school to spend a week abroad. With that said, a trip to Italy in the winter is a great idea to plan for in the future!

You'll find mild weather through the winter in Rome, with highs still reaching the 50s or 60s (Fahrenheit) in December, January, and February. Overnight lows barely dip below 40.
That means: outdoor dining is still a thing during the winter in Rome! You might need a jacket, and a heater after dark, but a lot of restaurants and cafes still put tables outside through the winter months.

Traveling to Rome in winter will allow you to visit sites like the Roman Ruins, the Coliseum, and the Trevi Fountain... without having to fight much larger summertime crowds. As for the Vatican in the winter months, you'll always find a crowd! Still, the hallways running through the museum and art collection will be a bit less crowded.

Does it snow in Rome?
It's one of the most-searched questions about Italy in the winter, and the answer is: sometimes. It snowed a couple inches in 2012, and again in 2018. It's so rare that snowfall basically paralyzes the city of Rome, from its stores to its streets. Bottom line: Don't worry about it if you're making plans to visit Rome in the winter. If it *does* snow, it'll just create another lasting memory!

⏱ Video Timeline ⏱
00:00 Why visit Rome in winter?
00:20 Rome's "Forum" & ruins
00:36 The Roman Coliseum in winter
00:45 Vatican City in December
01:13 Drawbacks of visiting Rome in winter
01:20 Trevi Fountain in December
01:48 Rome's markets in winter
01:58 Rome's restaurants in winter
02:08. Winter day trips from Rome: Assisi & Orvieto
02:29 Italian gelato shops in winter
02:35 Winter weather in Rome

FOLLOW JARED:

[JuliaGonzalesTravels]

Totally agree, great points. We love traveling during the off season. We are in Athens right now and it's so great. No lines and no reservations needed! Great video!

[TwiinStar]

Did Spain and Portugal this February and planning to do Italy next February. Coming from Toronto, "winter" in those places is a great break!

[analuisapm]

Lovely! We’re looking forward to our visit to Rome this next December 😊

[deepd]

Thanks for your tip. I'm gonna be there next winter. Before until i watched this video, I've little bit worried about it. But now i'm happy.😊

[Two_Bluebirds]

Jared, this is so very helpful, thank you!

[juliajulia]

My trip is scheduled for january 26th. I'm worried about the rain. Will I be able to visit the sights?

[buser]

Goings in just under a month cant wait

[alvinchoo]

thank you sir.for sharing this video 😀

[memacias]

Going in about 2 weeks, the forecast shows light rain everyday. We’re taking umbrellas, would you recommend a light rain jacket, thick puffy coat or long wool coat? Afraid we will get too hot but also afraid of being too cold.

[ummatharshiya]

Planning a 2 week trip to Europe from Australia. Was a bit sceptical, but I am confident after watching your video.
What countries would you suggest to visit in December with family(2 kids) plz?

[Use.ur.noggin]

hello, visting rome this year dec 21 to 28, should i bring a wool coat?

[bindiyaag]

Hello Jared. Will it be fine to bring a Toddler from India to Italy in December winters

[ronini]

What abou the first week of January? Lots of people? In Rome

[ITS_MMEE]

What’s some good clothes to take while traveling in Rome ?? In December

[gimbatul]

Im planning on booking a budget weekend trip, but the Colosseum fast track tickets are almost worth the cost of the plane tickets. Is it necessary for the first two weeks of December?

[adityaparakh]

We are planning Dec 17 - Jan 4
Overlapping the christmas holidays.

Covering most parts of Southern France Riviera and Northern Italy Lake Como Tuscany Venice etc :
Start from Paris - End at Rome.

Should we be concerned that it might be 'dark and gloomy' ; Eg. Lake Como looks breathtaking in spring and summer pcitures - wondering how it would be in December ;
On the other hand we can experience the Christmas festivities and magic.

Comments are welcome.

[Chrisbs]

Oh. I wish the crowds were smaller when we were there. The week after Christmas

[pearlhorse]

Thks the video, how about Venice in the winter season thks