What December feels like in Florence
For Florence, December is early winter on the calendar. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Florence in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 8.4 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 8.3 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:42 am and sets around 4:38 pm local time, giving 8 h 57 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 46 min less daylight than mid-November. About 64% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Florence. Compared with November, afternoons are 3.8°C (6.8°F) cooler, with 27 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. By January, typical highs are 10°C (50°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Florence in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Florence in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 11°C (51.8°F), with lows near 3.4°C (38.1°F).
Does it rain a lot in Florence in December?
Quite a lot — 100 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Florence in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Florence?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.