Rome edges it in December. Rome averages 4–13°C with moderate crowds; Milan 0–7°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Rome and Milan
The verdict for December
Atmospheric and festive
+Christmas gives Rome a particularly atmospheric feel.
–Cooler, wetter weather and increased demand around Christmas and New Year.
Nativity scenes, lights and Rome in festive dress.
Festive but cold and inconsistent
+Christmas markets and a genuinely festive city.
–Cold, and the holiday fortnight spikes crowds and rates.
Milan's festive season. Christmas markets are beautiful. Holiday shopping and atmosphere. But weather is cold and holiday crowds spike specific dates.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month