When to go · Milan
Milan in December
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across Italy: Christmas markets in Bolzano and Merano, cribs (presepi) in Naples; ski season opens around 8 December.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 7°C45°F / 1°C34°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 7
- Crowds
- Medium
- Italy overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Italy overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct). Across Italy: Christmas markets in Bolzano and Merano, cribs (presepi) in Naples; ski season opens around 8 December.
Weather in December
- MilanHighs around 7 °C, lows around 1 °C, rain on about 7 daysHighs around 45 °F, lows around 34 °F, rain on about 7 days
- Po Valley and the north, Italy · Milan, Venice, Verona, Bologna, Turincool
Foggy, damp winters; sticky summers with mosquitoes near the lagoon. Venice acqua alta floods most often October–December (the MOSE barriers now stop the worst).
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas and St Stephen's Day big impact
25–26 Dec · Italy
Most shops, museums and many restaurants shut on the 25th; papal Christmas Mass in Rome.
Patron saints (Rome 29 Jun, Florence and Turin 24 Jun, Naples 19 Sep, Milan 7 Dec)
Local saints' days · Italy
City holidays with processions; offices shut in that city only.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Italy overall
- Medium
- Prices · Italy overall
- Medium
Italy overall: Christmas markets in Bolzano and Merano, cribs (presepi) in Naples; ski season opens around 8 December.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket