Rome in December

I was on an ETBD tour at Christmas in Rome 3 years ago and all the sights were open, weather was moderately chilly and the tourists were few. A VERY pleasant trip. Also a great time to see the many creches at the Vatican and other churches in the area. Auguri!

Everything's open.
Wunderground.com has climate scoop so you can make your own decision instead of relying upon anecdotes.

Rome is lived-in and visited year-round and sightseeing will only be closed for the major holidays.

Average weather stats and forecasts 4 months out won't be any more accurate than past anecdotes, but for what it's worth, in mid-Dec 2012 we had temps around 11 to 13 degrees celsius (low 50's Farenheit) each day, so it wasn't hot by any means, but not exactly chilly, either. We got rain 2 days out of a week, and it wasn't that heavy, and didn't last all day long. Lots of locals toted umbrellas around on the days rain was forecast, and the museums and other sights all had umbrella stands at the coat check counter.

On New Year's Day down at Pompeii, even though all accounts had indicated the ruins wouldn't be open that day, even they were open (but closed earlier than usual), so we started off 2013 at Pompeii.

We arrived early at the Vatican Museum and although there was a long rope maze out front to accommodate throngs of visitors, there was absolutely no one in line! About an hour and a half later, however, the place was packed with people, so go early and view things fast, or go early and enjoy the time you have in relative solitude until the masses catch up with you. Also watch your step on the sidewalks - locals in Rome don't necessarily clean up after their dogs.

Rome is Cold in December, Not cold enough for the mountain coat i bought in Le Marche, but my heavy sweater was Not warm enough. So either layers or something in between would Help.

And i did Not notice any less crowding. I was in Rome last year in September, October, and December, and I thought it was more crowded in December than ever. That's the Christmas season and the crowds are there everywhere as Rome is open and bustling at that exciting time of the year.

Our first trip to Italy, mostly Rome, was taken in December. As I recall, the weather wasn't too bad - - this from one who has lived in California for over 50 years. Don't expect heat, and be prepared for cold and rain. Did I hear someone say, "layers?" A very important issue to educate yourself about is holiday closings, both for tourist attractions and for restaurants. What is surpising to us Americans is how much is closed on December 26 (Santo Stefano). I've heard that the best place in Rome to find restaurants open on Christmas is the Ghetto.