Italy in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 55°F High • 39°F Low

Winter in Italy can be cold, but the weather varies greatly between the mountainous northern terrain of the alps and the Mediterranean climate of the south, especially around Sicily and Puglia’s southern heel.

The diverse climate offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities when enjoying an Italy vacation in December to view the best Christmas markets in Italy or when embracing the hot springs around Tuscany in February.

From vineyards to snow trekking, skiing to discovering seasonal truffles to try during your Italy trip, the country’s weather is diverse and welcoming, with endless activities to enjoy.

Naples • Best Place for Great Weather

Naples is a sensational place to visit in Italy, often used as a gateway to renowned Amalfi Coast tours or visits to Pompeii. Journeying to the region in winter removes the summer crowds, turning the iconic destination into a quiet seaside escape brimming with historic charm.

While not great for lounging on the sand, Naples and the surrounding bay offer consistent and comfortable weather in which you can embrace the museums, walk along the cobblestone streets, visit the fabled and colorful towns, trek the infamous Path of the Gods trail for incredible views across the water, or bask in seasonal festivities celebrating the wonders of Christmas.

Learn more: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Southern Italy

Rome • Best Place for Families with Children

On a fun and unique Italy Christmas tour, travelers can embrace the excitement of Rome, especially in December and January, when the Christmas markets are at their peak in the lead-up to the Epiphany on January 6.

With fewer visitors than in summer and fall, winter offers a great time to navigate the ancient ruins, wander the cobblestone boulevards, and visit the famous museums, from the Sistine Chapel to the preserved sculptures in the Capitoline Museums.

Enjoy the comfort of restaurants, embrace the flavors of local dishes, and learn the art of training like a gladiator when you visit Rome as a family.

Learn more: Rome Travel Guide • Italy Family Vacations & Tour Packages

Bologna • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Bologna is filled with exciting history and tantalizing flavors, giving it the nickname La Grassa, or The Fat One. While not completely off the beaten path, the city is a great escape from its popular counterparts and in winter demonstrates an enticing ambiance.

With aromas of delicious seasonal cuisine often found in the best dishes to try while in Bologna to grand Christmas markets, opulent porticoes, and outgoing locals interacting on an evening stroll, Bologna is enticing in winter.

Learn more: 3 Exclusive Itineraries to Emilia Romagna

Venice • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Venice is iconic and one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. In winter, the summer crowds are gone, the cool air offers a more comfortable ambiance in which to explore, and the seasonal festivities stretch from Christmas traditions to Carnivale.

From gondola rides to exploring Piazza San Marco, shopping to glass-blowing demonstrations, the city feels much more open in winter, making anything possible. Embrace the romance of an opera, capture the perfect image of your trip with a private photo shoot, or delight your taste buds with a celebrated cioccolato caldo as you indulge in the timeless romance of Venice in winter.

Learn more: Venice Vacations & Tour Packages • Venice Travel Guide

Sicily • Best Italian Island to Visit

Sicily is Italy’s largest island and its southern position makes it comfortable to visit in winter. While not necessarily warm enough to lounge on the beaches, the island offers an incredible array of places to discover and activities to enjoy.

Whether viewing the gilded Byzantine mosaics of the Norman Palace or walking beneath the towering figure of a Greek temple at Agrigento, sampling the delicious chocolate in the hilltop town of Erice or skiing on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily is a marvel of experiences in winter.

Learn more: Sicily Tours & Vacation Packages • Sicily Travel Guide

Explore Ancient Rome Deeply

The ancient world and contemporary life converge in Rome, the capital of the former empire and modern-day Italy. Embrace the journey through time as you wander through iconic monuments to the past like the Colosseum, uncover hidden Raphael frescoes at the edge of a chic neighborhood, or indulge in cuisine that embodies the culinary traditions of Italian heritage.

From old-world wonders to trendy boutique shops, you can find the right experience for you with our top things to do in Rome.

Learn more: Rome Vacations & Tour Packages

Enjoy the Flavors of Regional Cuisine

Italy is famous for its cuisine and during your trip you can quickly find how each region celebrates its history and seasonality with local flavors, recipes, and ingredients. From Veneto to Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna to Sicily, the diverse landscapes and weather patterns affect the historical crops grown near the main cities, giving way to exquisite dishes known for their powerful flavors.

Whether eager to sample mouthwatering ravioli or a traditional bistecca fiorentina, ready for a traditional plate of cacio e pepe or searching for an authentic gelato, embracing the regional cuisine is one of the joys of a trip, especially when explored during an Italy food tour and vacation.

Learn more: Types of Italian Food by Region

Discover the Joys of a Christmas Market

Italy’s Christmas markets have become famous for their jovial ambiance, celebratory nature, and reflection of traditional culture. The market vendors may change based on the region, with woodwork and strudel more common in alpine towns and cities, contrasting the roasted chestnuts and customary charcuterie of southern towns.

During your Italy winter tour, you can visit the markets to enjoy the thriving cultural representation of the season and traditions like La Befana, a witch who brings good children treats on January 6, the day of the Epiphany, marking the end of the Christmas season in Italy.

Learn more: Top 5 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Italy

Sip Delicious Wines with Local Vintners

Wine is part of the heritage in Italy, with a history dating back to before the Roman Empire. With over two millennia of grape cultivation and wine production across the peninsula, discovering the country’s vineyards, vintners, and cellars offers fabulous results, defying singular definitions of the flavors, textures, and characteristics you can find along the way.

From small coastal villages to medieval hillside towns, sampling wine in Italy is a revelation of experiences, where the panorama may have as much effect on the taste of the wine as the soil in which the grapes are grown. Discover your favorite experiences with our Italy food and wine travel guide or look for inspiration with ideas from our sample Italy food and wine tours.

Cruise the Slopes with Winter Activities

Italy’s northern border is shaped by the alps, creating a dynamic escape for lovers of winter activities. Whether passionate about skiing the world-famous slopes or drawn to the prospect of a cozy drink beside a roaring fire, Italy is a celebrated winter destination everyone can enjoy.

Enjoy exclusive excursions while snowshoeing on a luxury Italy tour, indulge in the romance of snowy peaks surrounding beautiful Lake Como, or delight in the variety of art, culture, and cuisine as you explore the season during a Northern Italy tour to uncover the breadth of tradition and excitement on the slopes, in the chalets, and around the festive villages.

Italy is remarkable in winter, when the temperatures are cool, the cities are filled with light, and the culture and heritage feel authentic. With charm and glamour, you can enjoy traditional sites like the Colosseum or revel in the thrills of luxurious ski resorts, depending on your preferences, interests, and travel goals.

Start planning your trip and consider exploring more ideas, with helpful tips, advice, and information found in our Italy travel guide or sample Italy tours and vacations.