SeasonMapVatican City (Holy See) weather in December
Vatican City
December in Vatican City: cool, rainy, with muggy air — a good time to visit.
#12 of 12 months in Vatican City · #807 of 1383 destinations to visit in December · comfort 67/100 (tier C)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on Vatican City in December
Other months in Vatican City
November is the wettest month of the year here and the forum doesn't hide it — bring rain gear — but that is exactly why regulars rate it for the Vatican. In low season there is often no queue at all for the Vatican Museums, and while St Peter's still has a line it moves quickly; go in the afternoon and there is usually little or no wait at the Museums. Days sit near 17°C and feel cool in the shade, so an umbrella, a scarf and light gloves cover it. One date to plan around: the Vatican Museums close on 1 November.
Add your own note from Vatican City's card on the map.
Vatican City climate normals — December
| Daytime high | 14°C / 57°F | 🙂 cool |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 5°C / 42°F | |
| Feels like (high) | 13°C / 55°F | |
| Sea temperature | 16°C / 61°F | 🧊 bracing |
| Rainfall | 98 mm / 3.9 in | 🌧 rainy |
| Rainy days | 10 days | |
| Humidity | 81% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 6°C / 43°F | |
| Sunshine | 6.4 h/day | |
| Daylight | 9.2 h | |
| Wind | 13 km/h / 8 mph | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 55 | 🙂 moderate |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in Vatican City in December
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
Peak crowdsFree entry, last Sunday, Wednesday papal audience, school holidays in 7 of the markets that fill it(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for Vatican City's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Toughest weatherVatican City's best weather comes in April, May and October — separate windows, not one continuous season.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
What's on in Vatican City in December
Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.
- Rule
Free entry, last Sunday
1 Jan – 31 DecCrowdedThe museums are shut on Sundays except the last of each month, when they open free until early afternoon. The queue for that starts before dawn and wraps most of the wall. Source ↗
- Rule
Wednesday papal audience
1 Jan – 31 DecCrowdedClosuresThe general audience is held on Wednesday mornings, outdoors in St Peter's Square for most of the year. Tickets are free but the square is closed to sightseers while it runs. Source ↗
- Holiday
Christmas in St Peter's Square
8 Dec – 6 JanChristmas & New YearCrowdedClosuresThe tree and the life-size crib go up in the square in early December and stay to Epiphany. Midnight mass needs a free ticket weeks ahead; the noon blessing on Christmas Day does not. Source ↗
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of Vatican City — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is Vatican City?
Vatican City in December — FAQ
- Is December a good time to visit Vatican City?
- December in Vatican City: cool, rainy, with muggy air — a good time to visit. It ranks #12 of 12 months for Vatican City on SeasonMap's comfort score (67/100).
- What is the weather like in Vatican City in December?
- In December, Vatican City averages a daily high of 14°C and a low of 5.3°C, with about 97.9 mm of rain over roughly 10.3 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in Vatican City in December?
- Vatican City has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 55 in December.
Other months in Vatican City
Compare Vatican City in December
Warmer or cooler than Vatican City in December
Similar destinations in Southern Europe — December
Within 300 km: Rome's Befana market, Piazza Navona on 8 Dec – 6 Jan, and Siena's White truffle and new oil around 20 Oct – 15 Dec.