What to pack for Italy in December: realistic, really useful packing list for the whole family

Complete packing list for Italy in December to be weather appropriate, comfortable and safe while exploring Italy in winter. What to pack for Italy in December: tips by a local.

December in Italy is a magical time: festive lights, quieter streets, seasonal markets, and a cozy ambiance that’s hard to beat.

But with winter weather, regional variations (from the alpine north to the mediterranean south), and unexpected rain or damp, packing can feel tricky.

I know this well: I am from Rome and often travel around Italy during the Christmas holidays: over the course of the years, I have seen it all!

We had stunning and mild sunny days, absolutely freezing ones, we had torrential, rain, a drizzle, clear sky, mist… and often in unexpected places: in Italy in December, you cannot count on cold north and mild south: the weather is mixed everywhere and being prepared is key!

Based on years traveling around Italy in winter, here’s a carefully curated, tested, and realistic packing list that works across Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and beyond.

You’ll find what to wear, tech, kid gear, and extras that make life easier so you can pack smart, stay warm, and enjoy Italy at its most enchanting.

Good to know! If packing light and counting on washing items as you go ( great way to pack light), you may find handy this essential guide to doing laundry in Italy – with info on what to expect from washing machines in rentals and how to source launderettes near you.

I hope you find it helpful!

What to pack for Italy in December – weather overview

Before diving into the list, here’s a quick look at what December feels like across Italy (and how to adapt by region). Please note that these are just averages: all areas can have milder and colder days and rain is possible everywhere.

It is useful to err on the side of Italy being colder than you expect rather than the opposite: humidity can make even mild temperatures feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.

Altitude makes a big difference when it comes to temperatures. If you are heading to the mountains, December is often ski season so I recommend you pack accordingly so you are ready for the slopes: this packing list for Italy in December cover general travels in Italy, not specific ski gear.

Area	Historical Temperature Bracket
Northern Italy (Alps, Dolomites, Lakes, Venice, Verona etc)	2C – 8C with with significantly colder temps as you go up in altitude
Central Italy	3C – 12C with significant variations if staying at higher altitude
Rome and Naples	4C -15C with a colder feel in case of rain
Amalfi Coast, Puglia and the South in general	6C-15C with a colder feel in case of rain and in the evening

What to pack for Italy in December: essential clothing items

Base & Layering Pieces

• Underwear & warm socks (wool, merino blend or cushioned running socks all work well for us)
• Thermal base layers (if you run very cold, are staying at high elevation, plan a lot of outdoor pursuits. You don’t usually need thermal layers in cities unless you tend to suffer the cold a lot)
• Long sleeve tops / lightweight wool or jersey tees
• Short sleeve tees for layering
• Warm sweaters / pullovers (wool, cashmere blend, or heavier knits, sport hoodies for kids)
• Tights or thermal leggings (if you wear skirts or under pants on very cold days)

Bottoms

• Jeans or thicker trousers / pants
• Corduroys or heavier fabric pants
• Midi skirts or wool skirts (paired with tights)
• Waterproof or weather-resistant pants if planning on intense outdoor pursuits or for small kids who may want to play outside in the rain
• Tracksuit bottoms / athletic long pants for kids

Outerwear

• A good winter coat (wool-blend, down/insulated, or parkas) that can take a bit of rain
• Packable down or packable puffer: if you are used to very cold weather, this may be all you need. If going at high altitude, I find these also work well as an extra layer, should it be needed

Shoes & Footwear

• A sturdy, comfortable walking shoe or boot (broken-in): since you’ll be walking a lot, sneakers that can take a bit of rain or comfortable ankle boots are usually my shoe of choice
• A second pair of shoes, in case one pair gets wet and needs to dry overnight
• Dressier shoes / flats or clean ankle boots for dinner / special occasions if going to more upscale places
• Indoor slippers or cozy socks (for cold hotel floors). Flip-flops for hotel pools

Good to know: the vast majority of places have no dress code when it come to shoes and you can wear skinners / trainers pretty much anywhere, except high end establishments. If you are not planning on special occasion, dressy type of establishments, you can easily bring sneakers and your only footwear of choice.

Accessories

• Scarves (big, cozy wool scarves are both functional and stylish)
• Gloves (touchscreen-friendly if possible)
• Beanie / wool hat
• Ear warmers – usually not needed but especially teens tend to love them!
• Compact travel umbrella
• Sunglasses (bright days still happen)
• Lightweight crossbody or day bag (water-resistant preferred)
• Belts, jewelry, small accessories to elevate simpler outfits

Toiletries, Beauty Essentials, First Aid

You’ll find most toiletries in Italy, but you may consider bringing travel size bottles of:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Moisturizer, lip balm
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
• Feminine hygiene items
• Razor / shaving kit
• Any specialty skincare items
• Makeup basics (if you wear makeup)
• Small package of tissues or travel packs of wet wipes
• Essential first aid kid including familiar medications and any prescription medication. Please remember that access to medications here may be different than back home: medications may have different names and what is over the counter at home may be prescription here. It is best to have a small stack of medications you think you may need so you don’t have to worry once here. Always bring your prescription for prescription medications.

Accessories, Gadgets & Practical Extras

These are items that won’t fill your suitcase but can greatly improve your comfort:

• Travel umbrella (compact, sturdy)
• Crossbody or medium day bag (secure, easy to carry)
• Travel adapter / converter (Italy uses EU standard plugs)
• Portable battery pack / power bank
• Camera, extra memory cards, chargers
• Headphones / earphones
• Esim so you have a local number and avoid roaming charges
• Travel pillow / eye mask / sleep aids
• Wet/dry bags or plastic zip pouches (for damp or wet clothes)
• Copies of travel documents, reservations, passports
• Italian phrasebook or offline language app
• Snacks for transit (especially if traveling with kids)

What to Pack If Traveling with Kids / Babies

If you’re in Italy with children, a few more items come in handy:

• Warm layers for them (thermal tops, jackets, hats, gloves)
• Waterproof outerwear, rain pants
• Extra shoes / booties in case one pair gets wet
• Blanket, stroller footmuff or cover
• Diapers (for the first day or two) — you can buy more locally
• Wipes, diaper cream, change of clothes
• Favorite comfort toy, books, coloring kits – if you want, we have here >> coloring sheets for kids, Italy themed
• Snacks and refillable water bottles
• Travel high chair or harness if needed
• Car seat (check EU compliance)
• Travel entertainment (tablet, portable games, headphones)
• Night light or small lamp (for unfamiliar rooms)

Region-Specific Tips & Adjustments

Because Italy’s climate shifts so much, here are a few notes by area:

• Northern / mountain regions (Dolomites, Alps in general): Add a down jacket or heavy insulating layer, thermal pants, wool socks, and safe shoes for icy walks or anything specific for a slopes / skiing adventure
• Central Italy / Tuscany / Umbria: You can get away with lighter mid-layers, but always have your layers and scarf handy because of humidity and dampness.
• Southern Italy / islands: You might find a few milder days, so include one lighter sweater or layer — but still prioritize water protection and warm gear for chilly nights.
• Coastal / windy spots: Pack a windproof shell or scarf you can wrap tight. Wind chill along coasts can make a mild day feel much colder.

Dressing for Cultural Sites & Special Occasions

• For visits to the Vatican, churches, or sacred spaces, remember many require modest clothing: shoulders covered, skirts or pants below the knees — avoid low necklines or thin fabrics.
• For evening dinners, festive events, or holiday meals, it’s nice to have one dressier outfit — a wool dress or blazer — but you don’t need ultra-formal wear unless you book somewhere that does require it. If you have Christmas dinner booked in a fancier establishments, you may need to pack something specific and in line with their requirements (usually business casual is ok unless you go super high end)
• Layer smartly: A long-sleeve top under a sweater plus jacket often works better than one heavy piece, especially indoors

Packing Strategy & Tips for December Travel

• Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and keep your suitcases organized
• Roll lighter clothes; fold heavier ones flat to reduce wrinkles.
• Place heavier items over wheel base to balance trolley cases.
• Leave a few extra slots or bring a light foldable tote — you may pick up local gifts or souvenirs.
• Don’t overpack — many things (socks, undergarments, toiletries) are widely available in Italian shops, especially in cities.
• At your accommodations, air out or dry damp items overnight (e.g. shoes, outer layers) to avoid mildew smell.
• Check weather forecasts for your exact destinations just before you leave to make final tweaks. I usually use the website meteo.it: weather forecast is usually reliable 2/3 days out.

Sample 7-Day Capsule Wardrobe Checklist (per adult)

• 5 base tops (long sleeve / thermal)
• 2 layering pieces (sweater + cardigan)
• 2 pairs of pants
• 1 skirt + tights (optional)
• 1 warm coat + 1 rain shell
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 1 scarf, 1 pair gloves, 1 hat
• Socks, underwear, pajamas
• Accessories, day bag, tech, toiletries

What to pack for Italy in December: pin this!