Vatican City in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Vatican City in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vatican City | 13° | 5° | 78 mm | low | Cold |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
St. Peter’s Square & Basilica
December turns festive: cool, often rainy days averaging 7-13°C, and the Christmas tree and nativity scene in St. Peter’s draw big crowds in the lead-up to Christmas. Attend early-morning Mass to avoid lines, but expect security checks and slow entry on holidays. Nights can be cold near the colonnade; pack a warm coat, hat and gloves if you plan to stand in the square for midnight services or the Pope’s Christmas Eve appearance.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
December attracts steady tourist numbers around Advent and the run-up to Christmas, with special crowds on holiday weekends; the museums are busier but still tolerable with advance booking. Interiors remain comfortable and often host special exhibits, which can draw local audiences as well. If visiting near December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) or late December, expect heightened security and longer waits.
Vatican Gardens & Walls (and interface with Rome)
December wraps the Gardens in cool, wet weather with temperatures in the high single digits to low teens and crisp mornings after rain; guided tour slots reduce for the holidays. The walled neighborhoods feel festive as Rome puts up lights, and the Gardens’ evergreen structure still offers a pleasant escape from Christmas crowds in St. Peter’s Square. Bring sturdy footwear and expect some tours to be shorter or rerouted in inclement weather.