Florence in late December gives you crisp air, short days, and a festive glow that somehow makes the city feel both historic and intimate. Around Christmas, you’ll usually see average daytime temperatures near 10°C (50°F) and nighttime lows close to 3–5°C (37–41°F), with rain more likely than snow.
The weather sets a cool backdrop for holiday lights, bustling markets, and warm trattorias.
You probably won’t see Florence covered in snow, but fog and light rain often bring a moody charm to the Renaissance streets. The days are short, with less than nine hours of daylight, yet you’ll still get a few hours of sunshine that light up the city’s stone piazzas and terracotta rooftops.
It’s a season of contrasts, really. Chilly evenings balance out with cozy indoor experiences and festive traditions.
If you plan for these conditions, you can enjoy the city without too many surprises. From what to pack, to how the weather shapes Christmas activities, to where you might escape for a day trip, getting a sense of December in Florence means your holiday visit will be both comfortable and memorable.
Typical December Weather in Florence
Florence in December feels cool, damp, and honestly a bit short on daylight. Expect mild afternoons, chilly mornings, frequent rain showers, and the occasional fog.
Snow doesn’t show up often, but the city definitely shifts into winter mode by Christmas.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Daytime temperatures in Florence during December usually hang between 10°C and 12°C (50–54°F). Nights drop to around 3°C to 5°C (37–41°F), so mornings and evenings can feel pretty cold.
The first half of December feels a bit milder, but by Christmas, the air turns crisp and often damp. You probably won’t see extreme cold, though some nights can dip below freezing.
You should plan for layers. A warm coat, scarf, gloves, and sweaters are essential. On sunnier afternoons, lighter clothing under your coat is fine, but evenings almost always call for heavier layers.
| Time of Day | Avg Temp °C | Avg Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 10–12 | 50–54 |
| Nighttime | 3–5 | 37–41 |
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December brings more rain to Florence, though it’s usually lighter than in November. You’ll get about 80–90 mm (3–3.5 inches) of precipitation spread across 12–14 days.
Most of this comes as light to moderate rain. Drizzle is also common, especially in the mornings.
Snow rarely falls in the city itself, though you might see light flurries once or twice in the season.
Rain is unpredictable, so keep a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket handy. Streets in the historic center get slick, and fog sometimes adds to the damp, wintry feel of Florence.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
December is the darkest month of the year in Florence. Around Christmas, daylight lasts just under 9 hours, with sunrise close to 7:45 a.m. and sunset before 5:00 p.m.
On average, the city gets 4–5 hours of sunshine per day, but skies are often cloudy. Sometimes, after rainfall, you’ll get those clear, crisp days that are perfect for exploring landmarks like the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio.
Because the days are so short, try to plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Evenings work best indoors, maybe at museums, restaurants, or wine bars where you can soak up some Tuscan warmth.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Relative humidity in December averages around 70–75%, which makes the cool air feel even colder than the thermometer says. Fog often forms in the mornings, especially near the Arno River, and can stick around until midday.
Winds usually stay light, from calm to a gentle breeze. Strong winds don’t show up often, though you might catch a few gusts after a rain front passes.
With high humidity and low wind, the air can feel damp and chilly. Insulated clothing and waterproof shoes help you handle both the cool temperatures and the moist winter air in Florence.
Weather Extremes and Notable Events
Winters in Florence usually stay mild, but sometimes temperatures drop lower than you’d expect or odd weather patterns roll through. These rare events can really change up your experience during the holidays.
Historical Temperature Records
Most Decembers in Florence bring daytime highs around 50–55°F (10–13°C) and nighttime lows near 37–40°F (3–4°C). Still, history shows the city has faced colder extremes.
On some winter nights, temperatures have dipped close to freezing, and in rare cases, slightly below. The coldest readings show up during clear nights when heat escapes quickly.
You might wake up to frosty mornings if you’re out early. These conditions can leave icy patches on shaded streets or bridges.
Heat isn’t much of a concern in December, but sometimes Florence gets an unusually mild winter. In some years, daytime highs have reached the upper 50s°F (14–15°C), making the holiday season feel noticeably warmer.
These swings remind you how variable Florence’s winter can be, even if the averages stay pretty steady.
Snowfall and Rare Weather Phenomena
Snow doesn’t usually visit Florence, but history records a few notable events. Light snowfalls happen once every few years and usually melt within hours.
Heavier snowstorms have hit on rare occasions, leaving the city’s Renaissance landmarks dusted in white.
Past snow events have temporarily disrupted transport and created slippery walking conditions. If you visit during a snowy spell, expect slower travel times and possible closures in the higher hills nearby.
Other rare phenomena include thick fog settling in the Arno Valley, especially at night or early morning. Sometimes visibility drops to just a few meters.
Strong winds don’t usually hit the city center, but gusts from the hills can sweep into the valley during unsettled winter weather.
How the Weather Impacts Christmas Activities
Cool, damp conditions shape your experience of Florence during the holidays. Short daylight and chilly evenings push you to balance outdoor festivities with indoor cultural visits.
Christmas Markets and Outdoor Events
December weather in Florence usually brings daytime temperatures around 8–11°C (46–52°F) and colder nights near 3°C (37°F). Light rain is common, and humidity makes the air feel colder.
Dress in layers, with a warm coat, scarf, and gloves if you want to enjoy outdoor events.
The main Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce is a highlight. Stalls sell crafts, seasonal sweets, and mulled wine.
Festive lights along Via Tornabuoni and the glowing Ponte Vecchio are worth seeing in the early evening before temperatures really drop.
Since the weather can shift quickly, it’s smart to keep an umbrella or compact rain jacket in your bag. If rain turns heavy, markets can feel less comfortable, but they rarely close.
Cold evenings also mean you’ll really appreciate warming up with hot chocolate or roasted chestnuts from street vendors.
Visiting Museums and Indoor Attractions
Cool and sometimes wet winter days make Florence’s museums extra appealing. Fewer tourists visit in December, so you can enjoy the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia Gallery without the long lines you’d face in warmer months.
Indoor spaces give you shelter from damp weather while you explore Renaissance art at a relaxed pace.
Many museums, including the Bargello and Palazzo Vecchio, adjust hours in winter, so check schedules before visiting. Some may close on major holidays like Christmas Day.
Indoor attractions are warmer, so you can take off your heavy coat and slow down a bit. On colder days, pairing a museum visit with a cozy trattoria meal or a glass of Tuscan wine gives you a balanced way to enjoy Florence in winter.
What to Pack for a Christmas Trip to Florence
Florence in winter brings damp cold, shorter days, and occasional rain. You’ll want clothing that keeps you warm outside and layers that work well when you step inside heated museums, restaurants, or churches.
Essential Clothing for December Weather
Average daytime temperatures in Florence during December range from about 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F). Nights drop close to freezing, so packing layers is key.
Bring a warm coat that’s insulated but not too bulky, since you’ll often carry it indoors. A wool or down jacket is a solid choice.
Underneath, wear long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and thermal tops if you tend to get cold.
Comfortable jeans or lined trousers are practical for walking the cobblestone streets. Women might want thick tights or leggings under skirts or dresses.
Shoes should be closed-toe, waterproof, and supportive, since you’ll walk a lot. Leather boots or sturdy sneakers with warm socks work best.
Pack at least one dressier outfit if you plan to enjoy holiday dinners or attend Christmas Mass at a church like the Duomo.
Recommended Accessories for Rain and Cold
Rain is common in Florence in winter, so a compact umbrella and a water-resistant jacket or coat are important. Carrying a lightweight rain poncho in your day bag can help during sudden showers.
Bring scarves, gloves, and a warm hat, as wind can make the damp air feel even colder. A wool scarf is especially useful since you can remove it easily indoors.
If you wear glasses, consider anti-fog wipes for moving between cold streets and warm interiors.
A crossbody bag with a zipper keeps your belongings safe and dry at crowded holiday markets.
Finally, pack a travel-sized power bank to keep your phone charged for maps and photos, since cold weather drains batteries faster.
Experiencing Florence’s Holiday Atmosphere
Florence feels especially inviting during the holiday season because the city combines historic charm with seasonal traditions. Streets, piazzas, and landmarks take on a festive character that makes exploring the Tuscan capital feel different than any other time of year.
Festive Decorations and Lighting
Florence decorates its historic center with bright lights and Christmas trees that highlight the city’s architecture. You’ll notice strings of white and gold lights along Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni, where shop windows show off seasonal themes.
Piazza del Duomo usually features a large Christmas tree and a nativity scene near the cathedral. It’s a popular spot for evening walks and photos.
Smaller squares and side streets glow with decorations, so you get to enjoy the festive mood without heavy crowds. Many decorations stay up through early January, so you can catch them even after Christmas Day.
The lighting adds beauty and also makes the short winter days feel brighter. Walking through the city in the evening becomes one of the highlights of visiting Florence in December.
Special Events and Traditions
Holiday markets bring local culture to life. The most well-known is in Piazza Santa Croce, where wooden stalls sell crafts, ornaments, and seasonal foods.
You can browse handmade gifts while tasting roasted chestnuts or spiced wine.
Concerts and choir performances pop up in churches and theaters across the city. Attending a holiday concert in a historic setting gives you a sense of Florence’s long cultural traditions.
Religious events matter, too. Midnight Mass at the Duomo is a special experience if you want to see local customs up close.
Beyond formal events, you’ll notice simple traditions like bakeries offering panettone and pandoro, the classic holiday sweets. These little details make you feel part of Florence’s seasonal rhythm.
Day Trips and Excursions Near Florence in December
Cooler weather and lighter crowds make December a good month to explore beyond Florence. Shorter daylight hours mean you should plan carefully.
You can still enjoy Tuscan landscapes, historic towns, and cultural landmarks without the peak-season rush.
Exploring the Tuscan Countryside
The rolling hills of Chianti look beautiful in winter, even when the vineyards stand bare. You can drop by small wineries for tastings of Chianti Classico and dig into rustic meals with seasonal dishes like ribollita.
Most roads stay open, but you’ll probably run into fog in the valleys and the occasional rain, so you really have to drive carefully.
Countryside towns like Greve in Chianti or San Gimignano feel much quieter in December. Their medieval streets and stone towers just seem more atmospheric in the crisp air.
Shops and cafés usually stay open, although you might notice shorter hours than in summer.
If you’re after a slower pace, check out Montepulciano. The town is famous for its Vino Nobile wine, and the elevated views across southern Tuscany are something else.
If you want a festive stop, Montepulciano hosts one of the region’s better Christmas markets, and honestly, it’s far livelier than the smaller one in Florence.
Visiting Nearby Cities and Landmarks
You can easily take a day trip from Florence to Siena, since buses and trains run pretty often. In December, Piazza del Campo looks especially striking with the winter light.
Walk through the sloping square, stop by Siena Cathedral, or grab a meal at one of the trattorias. They usually feel warm and welcoming, even in the colder months.
Pisa sits about an hour away by train, so it’s another solid option. The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli stay open, and you’ll probably notice the lines are much shorter when it’s chilly out.
Don’t forget to dress warmly—the open square feels colder with those winter winds.
If you want something closer, try Fiesole, perched just above Florence. You’ll get sweeping views of the Tuscan capital from up there.
It’s a great spot to wander Roman ruins, and you won’t have to dodge summer crowds. Even in December, the hillside feels peaceful and offers a nice break from Florence’s busy streets.