Italy doesn’t really have an off season anymore. The shoulder months of May, September, and October are almost as crowded as summer.
In fact the term “shoulder seasons” is really a misnomer. There really is no quiet time in Italy, at least from what I’ve experienced. Even March and November can feel busy in the big cities.
But, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, winter is the closest thing left.
From December through early March, you’ll find quieter streets, shorter lines at museums, and hotel deals that are impossible in peak months.
But winter also has its trade-offs: cold rain, limited daylight, and shuttered coastal resorts like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.
This guide breaks down the best places to visit in Italy in winter and the seasonal highlights that make it worth the trip.
Weather In Italy: What To Expect
Italy’s climate in winter is as diverse as its landscapes.
Northern Italy experiences the coldest temperatures. While the southern regions can be pleasantly, and unexpectedly, warm.
Rome
In December, the Eternal City is cool and comfortable, with daytime highs around 55°F and nighttime lows near 39°F.
Rain showers are possible, but they tend to pass quickly. Still, you’ll want to carry a small umbrella in your backpack or have a rain jacket handy.
For me, the cooler weather makes sightseeing vastly more pleasant than the sweltering heat of summer. And wandering among the ruins feels more contemplative when the crowds thin out.
I’ve visited Rome in winter several times. I’ll only go in late fall or winter!
READ: Rome in December
Florence
Florence is in central Tuscany, which sees cooler weather than Rome. Temperatures ranging from about 37°F in the mornings to 50°F during the day.
Frost can sparkle on rooftops and piazzas in the early hours, especially along the Arno River.
You’ll definitely want a warm coat and scarf. But the crisp air and lighter foot traffic make this an ideal time to enjoy the city’s Renaissance treasures at your own pace.
Venice
The floating city in winter is moody and atmospheric, with temperatures between 36°F and 48°F.
Fog often drifts across the canals, blurring bridges and palazzi into dreamlike silhouettes, perfect for photography actually.
You’ll want gloves and a hat for evening strolls. But the reward is a quieter, more mysterious Venice that feels worlds away from the packed summer and shoulder season months.
Tuscany
Across the Tuscan countryside, mid-winter temperatures generally range from 36°F to 52°F.
Early mornings can bring frost on the vineyards and fields, and hill towns like Siena or Montepulciano may wake under a light dusting of snow.
The muted winter light gives the landscape a painterly quality. And ups can always head into cozy enoteca for a warm refuge after a chilly wander.
Italian Lakes
In the northern lake regions, it’s pretty chilly.
Expect cold and often brisk weather, with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 45°F. At higher elevations, small lakes and fountains may even develop a skim of ice.
The snow-capped Alps provide a dramatic backdrop. And although it’s not swimming season, the lakes have a stark beauty that feels serene and still.
Dolomites
In December, the Dolomites are deep in winter, with temperatures ranging from about 20°F at night to 40°F during the day in the valleys.
Higher elevations are much colder, and heavy snowfall is common.
But for skiers the jagged peaks are paradise. Resorts buzz with life, and quieter mountain villages glow under Christmas lights.
Even if you’re not skiing, there’s plenty to do: winter hikes, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying a steaming mug of hot chocolate in a wooden chalet gives you that alpine magic vibe.
Sicily
Far to the south, Sicily offers a milder winter escape. Temperatures range from about 50°F in the mornings to 64°F during the day.
You might need a jacket at night. But afternoons can feel springlike, especially in sunny coastal spots like Palermo or Siracusa.
Winter is also citrus season here, so you’ll find markets piled high with blood oranges, adding color and sweetness to the cooler days.
One possible hitch? Some accommodations don’t have heating, which you might need at night or during a cold spell. So choose carefully.
Italy In Winter: Best Places To Visit
Florence
Florence is my favorite Italian city, but I’ve learned to avoid it like the plague in peak season.
The endless lines and jostling crowds can wear you down. These days, I go in the low season instead and happily take my chances with the weather.
December, in particular, is a wonderful time. The city breathes easier once the tourist rush fades, and you can finally experience its treasures the way they deserve.
At the Uffizi, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus isn’t hidden behind a sea of raised phones. At the Accademia, you can stand before Michelangelo’s David as long as you like without being elbowed aside.
Florence also dresses beautifully for the holidays.
Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza della Santissima Annunziata host lively Christmas markets framed by amazing Renaissance architecture.
Streets glitter with festive lights, shop windows go all out, and giant Christmas trees appear across the city.
According to tradition, trees are lit on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This marks the real start of Florence’s festive season.
>>> Click here for a Christmas-themed tour in Florence
Rome
Rome in December is nothing short of magical, provided you don’t mind sharing the streets with a few fellow festive wanderers.
The Eternal City becomes a glimmering winter stage. It’s impossible to feel unhappy there.
Strolling along Via del Corso or Via Condotti is like walking through a tunnel of lights. In Piazza Navona, the fountains glow among twinkling market stalls. You can browse handcrafted treasures and sip steaming mulled wine.
Grand Christmas trees rise majestically in the main piazzas, from the Spanish Steps to St. Peter’s Square, with elaborate lighting ceremonies.
Cafes and trattorie join in the merriment too, wrapping their facades in garlands and glowing lights for a cozy feel.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Christmas lights tour in Rome
As I mentioned, on December 8, Rome transforms into a living holiday postcard. The city is filled with nativity scenes, glowing decorations, and a festive atmosphere that makes the city feel even more timeless and joyful.
With tourists thinning out, except during Christmas week, this is the best time to enjoy the city’s treasures. You can linger over Caravaggio’s paintings or stand quietly in front of Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica.
One of the biggest perks of winter is the chance to experience Rome’s monuments without the chaos of peak season.
At the Colosseum, you can actually pause and take in the scale of the arena instead of being swept along and elbowed in a tide of tour groups.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill feel almost contemplative on quieter days, letting you wander through ancient ruins in relative peace.
>>> Click here to book a tour of the imperial ruins
Even famously crowded spots like the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps are easier to approach, so you can appreciate their beauty without fighting for a glimpse.
I think winter strips away some of the frenzy and gives the city back its grandeur.
Dolomites
Looking for an Italian winter wonderland that rivals Switzerland? Head to the Dolomites. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site where jagged limestone peaks rise dramatically above valleys dusted with snow.
This is one of Italy’s premier ski destinations. It offers up world class slopes, breathtaking alpine views, and a true mountain atmosphere.
But the Dolomites aren’t just for skiers. Non-skiers will find plenty to enjoy, from scenic cable car rides to winter hiking and snowshoeing.
Mountain villages like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena are worth lingering in. There are chic boutiques, cozy cafes, and sweeping views at every turn.
Down in the valleys, towns such as Bolzano and Merano host lively Christmas markets. You can sip mulled wine, snack on speck, and browse stalls with handcrafted ornaments and gifts.
One of the things I love most about the Dolomites is the cultural mashup you won’t find anywhere else in Italy. Here, the traditions of northern Italy meet Austrian and German influences, reflected in both the food and the architecture.
Hearty alpine dishes dominate the menus: canederli, or bread dumplings served in broth, melt-in-your-mouth strudel, and polenta topped with rich stews.
Pair it all with a glass of local Lagrein or Gewürztraminer wine, and you’ve got the perfect après-ski feast.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour of the Dolomites from Venice
Milan
Milan embraces winter with style, blending tradition, culture, and plenty of seasonal sparkle. The city’s festive season officially begins on December 7th with the Feast of Sant’Ambrogio, a public holiday honoring the city’s patron saint.
This day also coincides with Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, Milan’s most famous Christmas market and one of the oldest in Europe.
For several days, over 300 stalls fill the streets around Castello Sforzesco, offering everything from handmade gifts to roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
December 7th also marks the opening night of the opera season at La Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.
Tickets are notoriously hard to secure. But even if you can’t see a show, you can book a tour of the place to see the glamorous interior.
Throughout the winter months, Milan twinkles with festive lights and decorations.
Piazza del Duomo hosts an enormous Christmas tree and a bustling holiday market, while neighborhoods like Brera and Navigli carry their own seasonal charm.
Brera’s cobbled lanes are strung with lights, perfect for an evening stroll. And the Navigli’s canals sometimes freeze over in colder spells, giving the quarter a touch of winter magic.
Winter also leans into Milan’s culinary side. This is the season of panettone, which originated here, and you’ll find bakeries selling it fresh throughout the city.
And don’t forget Leonardo’s The Last Supper. Buy your ticket well in advance! Even in winter, it will sell out 30 days in advance.
Comforting Lombard specialties such as risotto alla Milanese or rich ossobuco are perfect cold weather meals, especially when paired with a glass of robust northern Italian wine.
For those interested in religious art and tradition, nativity scenes (presepi) appear in many churches across the city. The Duomo’s display is the most impressive.
And while the holiday season is the most glittering time to visit, January and February also have their appeal. Fewer tourists, crisp air for sightseeing, and the city’s legendary winter fashion sales.
If it gets nasty outside, you can head inside to Milan’s many amazing museums. The Brera Museum is my personal favorite. But there’s something to appeal to every art geekery.
Naples
Naples makes a fantastic winter destination thanks to the comparatively mild weather in southern Italy.
While northern Italy is wrapped in frost, Naples often enjoys daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s Fahrenheit. Absolutely perfect for exploring without the bulky coats required further north.
The city’s street life doesn’t slow down in winter. You’ll still find bustling piazzas, lively markets, Neapolitan pizza, and fantastic museums like the National Archaeological Museum, with artifacts from Pompeii.
The softer light and thinner tourist crowds also make wandering through the historic center especially rewarding and much easier.
If you want to see Italy’s finest nativity scenes, Naples is the place to be. The city has a centuries old tradition of presepi, elaborate displays that go far beyond the Holy Family.
These handcrafted masterpieces show terracotta figurines arranged in detailed miniature settings that recreate everyday life in 18th century Naples.
Bakers, fishmongers, street performers, and nobles rub shoulders with shepherds and angels.
The epicenter of this ancient tradition is Via San Gregorio Armeno in the historic center. Here, craftsmen sell nativity figures year round. During Christmas, it’s a veritable overload of Neapolitan culture.
>>> Click here to book a Christmas tour in Naples
Winter in Naples is also a season for indulgence. Of course, you can’t pass up the top rate pizzas.
On top of that, pastry shops brim with sfogliatella. This is a shell-shaped pastry with layers of crisp dough wrapped around sweet ricotta filling.
You’ll also find struffoli, bite sized fried dough balls glazed with honey and topped with colorful sprinkles. It’s a Christmas classic that appears on Neapolitan tables throughout December.
In the evenings, locals warm up with strong espresso or rich hot chocolate at historic cafes, often paired with a slice of pastiera, the city’s signature ricotta and wheat pie.
>>> Click here to book a Naples street food tour
Sicily
Sicily is often thought of as a sun-baked summer destination. Personally, I would never visit in summer unless you want to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West.
But winter is an excellent time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather.
By December, the oppressive heat is gone, and the island settles into a slower, more relaxed rhythm. Daytime temperatures usually hover between the low 50s and mid-60s Fahrenheit, which feels pretty darn balmy compared to northern Italy.
You can comfortably explore ancient ruins, stroll through vibrant markets, and wander Baroque towns without baking under the unrelenting sun.
That said, Sicily’s old stone houses and palazzi aren’t always built for cold weather. Central heating isn’t a given, especially in smaller hotels or apartments. So if the mercury dips at night, the chill can catch you off guard.
December also has its share of festivities. Christmas markets pop up in cities like Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse. Nativity scenes, or presepi, are displayed in churches and town squares.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 officially kicks off the season. From then on, towns across the island light up with decorations. In coastal towns, palm trees strung with fairy lights add a uniquely Sicilian twist to holiday cheer.
Winter is also a fantastic time to savor Sicily’s seasonal food. Citrus season is in full swing, Market stalls overflow with blood oranges, mandarins, and lemons.
Street vendors sell roasted chestnuts, and bakeries turn out festive sweets like buccellato, a ring-shaped pastry filled with figs and nuts.
In the evenings, warm pasta dishes, hearty seafood stews, and bold Sicilian wines are the perfect way to round out a winter day.
Venice
Venice in winter has a special kind of magic. The massive summer crowds are gone, the canals are calm, and the city feels almost like it’s yours to discover.
Temperatures usually sit in the upper 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. But the chill is softened by the moody beauty of the place: mist rising off the water at dawn, fog swirling through the cobbled lanes, and golden light bouncing off palazzi in the late afternoon.
Even St. Mark’s Square, normally an off-putting crush of people, takes on a more contemplative vibe.
The holiday season makes Venice even more enchanting. Streets are strung with twinkling lights, bridges glow at night, and a Christmas market sets up in Campo Santo Stefano.
A towering Christmas tree brightens St. Mark’s. And shop windows along the Grand Canal and in neighborhoods like San Polo and Dorsoduro are dressed up in festive displays.
>>> Click here to book a Christmas tour of Venice
To escape the cold, head into a cafe and order up hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine. And it’s easier than ever to find a quiet table in a trattoria for seafood risotto or cicchetti.
Winter is also a gift for art lovers. Think Titian and Tintoretto.
You can wander the Doge’s Palace, Galleria Accademia, or Peggy Guggenheim Collection at your own pace, without being herded along in a crowd. Or seek out hidden gems like Scuola Grande di San Rocco or Ca’ Rezzonico.
By February, the city bursts into its most famous festival—Carnevale! Masks, costumes, and processions make Venice back a fantastical stage of color and spectacle.
>>> Click here to book a Carnival-themed tour and mask workshop
For me, the slight cold is a small price to pay for seeing Venice at its most atmospheric: mysterious, luminous, and far easier to love without the crazed summer frenzy.
And for anyone wondering about Venice’s less glamorous residents, the rats, you’re unlikely to see many in winter. Unfortunately, they’re a year round presence in the city’s canals and basements.
But cold weather and fewer crowds mean they retreat out of sight, unlike in summer when they’re more visible around trash and busy areas.
Tuscany
Most people don’t picture Tuscany as a winter destination. They understandably tend to focus on the shoulder seasons, when the hills are green and vineyards glow in the sun.
But Tuscany can be rewarding year round, and winter has a certain quiet charm.
Yes, it’s chilly. But the tradeoff is fewer tourists, better prices, and the chance to enjoy the region at a slower, more authentic pace.
There’s plenty to fill your days. Winter is olive oil season, so you can sample fresh-pressed oil that’s peppery, bright, and unforgettable.
Museums are blissfully uncrowded. You can stand before Michelangelo’s David in Florence without being rushed along. Or do a road trip around on all the must see masterpieces in Tuscany.
And the region’s natural thermal springs, like Saturnia and Bagno Vignoni, are at their most inviting when steam rises into the crisp air.
While Tuscan homes won’t be glowing with holiday lights (Italians don’t decorate as extensively as Americans), the towns and cities still celebrate.
Florence, Siena, and Pisa sparkle with festive displays. And Christmas markets add seasonal cheer in places like Montepulciano and Arezzo.
Winter is also an underrated time for wine lovers. Vineyards may be bare, but their cellars are open, and the cooler season is perfect for tasting robust reds in front of a fire.
Without the bustle of harvest crowds, you can often have a more personal experience, chatting with winemakers and lingering over flights of Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Delicious!
>>> Click here to book a Tuscan wine tour
A few notable wineries to visit in winter:
- Castello Banfi (Montalcino) – Legendary for Brunello, with a striking castle estate.
- Antinori nel Chianti Classico (near Florence) – A modern architectural marvel and historic winemaking family.
- Avignonesi (Montepulciano) – Organic and biodynamic, with panoramic tasting rooms.
- Felsina (Castelnuovo Berardenga) – Known for classic, age-worthy Chianti Classico.
Winter is also the season for hearty Tuscan food. Cold evenings are perfect for ribollita, a thick bread and vegetable soup that warms you to the bone, or pappardelle topped with rich wild boar ragu.
In the hill towns, you’ll often find chestnuts roasted over open fires and pecorino cheese paired with local honey. Seasonal desserts like panforte from Siena, dense with nuts and spices, appear in bakeries throughout December.
Or try a pasta making class or go hunting for black truffles.
Puglia
Puglia in winter has a very different rhythm than in spring or fall. But it’s still a rewarding time to visit if you know what to expect or aren’t a beach person.
The weather is relatively mild compared to northern Italy, with daytime highs averaging in the low to mid-50s °F and nights dipping into the 40s. You’ll get plenty of sunny days, though rain showers are more common than in summer.
Along the coast it can definitely feel breezy. But it rarely gets bitterly cold.
The main difference is atmosphere: the beaches and seaside resorts are quiet and shuttered. But inland towns and cities keep going with their everyday life.
The big advantage is the lack of tourists. Towns like Lecce, Ostuni, and Alberobello are like different places without the crowds.
There’s no waiting to step inside a baroque church or snap a photo of a trullo. Markets are lively with locals rather than tour groups, and you can enjoy a more authentic pace.
On the flip side, some hotels and restaurants in smaller towns may close for the season. So basing yourself in a larger city like Bari or Lecce is easier in winter.
Puglia’s food scene shines in the colder months. This is olive oil season, and freshly pressed oil is sold everywhere.
Winter also brings hearty dishes like orecchiette with turnip greens, fava bean purée, and baked tiella (a layered dish of rice, potatoes, and mussels).
Bakeries fill with Christmas sweets such as cartellate, fried pastries drizzled with honey or vincotto. Paired with local Primitivo or Negroamaro wines, winter meals here feel rustic and really hit the spot.
Culturally, December is a festive time, with Christmas markets in Bari, Lecce, and smaller towns. Nativity scenes are a big tradition here as well, often staged in caves or historic courtyards for added drama.
So while Puglia in winter lacks the beach vibe or spring greenery you’ve seen, it does offer peace, authenticity, and a strong sense of local life.
This is great if you’d rather skip the crowds and experience the region at its most intimate.
Italian Festivals & Holidays
If you’re visiting Italy in winter, you may want to attend a special festival or holiday event. Here’s a rundown:
December
- December 6 – Feast of St. Nicholas (San Nicola)
Celebrated in Bari and other towns, especially in the south, honoring St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors and children. - December 7 – Feast of Sant’Ambrogio (Milan)
Milan’s patron saint day and the opening of the La Scala opera season. Coincides with the Oh Bej! Oh Bej!Christmas market. - December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (L’Immacolata)
A national holiday marking the official start of Italy’s Christmas season. Cities light Christmas trees and decorate piazzas. - December 13 – Santa Lucia (St. Lucy’s Day)
Most famous in Syracuse (Sicily) and northern Italy (especially Verona). Processions, candles, and local treats mark the day. - December 24–25 – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (La Vigilia & Natale)
Family feasts on Christmas Eve, followed by Mass and celebrations on Christmas Day. - December 26 – Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day)
A national holiday with family gatherings and continued feasting. - December 31 – New Year’s Eve (La Festa di San Silvestro)
Fireworks, concerts in piazzas, and traditional lentils with sausage at midnight for good luck.
January
- January 1 – New Year’s Day (Capodanno)
A national holiday with concerts and celebrations continuing from the night before. - January 6 – Epiphany (La Befana)
A major holiday when children receive gifts from La Befana, a kindly old witch. Huge celebrations in Rome (Piazza Navona), Urbania (her “hometown”), and across the country.
February
- Carnival Season (Carnevale)
Leading up to Lent, dates vary (usually February, sometimes early March).- Venice Carnival: Italy’s most famous, with elaborate masks, costumes, and gondola parades.
- Viareggio Carnival (Tuscany): Known for massive satirical floats.
- Ivrea Carnival (Piedmont): Famous for the “Battle of the Oranges.”
- February 14 – Valentine’s Day (San Valentino)
Not an official holiday but widely celebrated. Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, holds special events. - February 19 (varies) – Feast of San Gennaro (Naples, winter date)
While the main feast is in September, Neapolitans also celebrate a smaller winter festival tied to their patron saint, San Gennaro.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Italy in December and winter. You may find these other guides useful:
- 10 day itinerary for Tuscany
- 1 week itinerary for Umbria
- 10 day itinerary for Italy’s classic cites
- 12 ways to spend 1 week in Italy
- Hidden gems in Italy
- Top 10 cities in Italy
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