Italy in December

We have many times visited Italy in December and January, specifically over the Christmas holidays. Roma can be cold but the weather is usually very similar to Houston at that time of year. 30's and 40's that warm by afternoon to pleasant temperatures. It may rain some but the showers are short and clear out by afternoon. Days are short. Firenze is a bit colder and can be really cold by our normals in Houston. Maybe in teh 20's. Venezia is variable but definately colder and may flood St. Mark's Square. In Roma on Dec 24, 25, and 26 you need to plan carefully for meals. Many restraurants are closed, bus lines close or run shorter schedules. Taxis are more expensive, sites have shorter hours. Christmas day is a family holiday and virtually everything closes. Ask your hotel for suggestions. Trains run but with limited schedules. Plan ahead.

Yep! Charles' response is right on...
In Venice on Christmas eve and day, I was way more bundled up than in Rome at the same time next year. I'd say, overall you are on the right track with "brisk" as a description, but not "miserable."

Why not consider Rome and then head further south - Sorrento, Positano and maybe even Sicily- the weather may be somewhat warmer.

We were in Tuscany in Januray of 2008 and found the weather very similar to Georgia in January. Highs were in the upper 50's and lows were in the 40's. We had drizzle most of the days but it didn't last long and it certainly didn't spoil our trip at all. After all - your in Italy! It was never miserable.

About seven years ago, I was in Italy (Florence, Rome and Venice) around the time you're thinking of traveling. I thought it was comfy and brisk, but I'm also used to about 15F temperatures that time of the year! I remember being comfortable in a fleece jacket and sometimes gloves. St. Mark's was definitely flooded in Venice and everyone had to walk on raised platforms. But that was about the worst of it. I don't remember rain anywhere else.

I've gone to Rome and Florence in both Nov and Dec. As the others report, it will be warmer in Rome. I think Florence was about 5-10 degrees cooler on average and it was definitely noticable. However, if you pack appropriate clothing (coats, gloves, long underwear), you will be fine. It rained on us a day here and there, but we also had beautiful blue sky.

The big advantage to going in the winter, besides a lovely vacation at the holidays, is the lack of crowds and cheaper prices. It's much more peaceful and welcoming, I think. Winter is our favorite time to go.