December in Italy
 

Can anyone offer advice about traveling in Italy in early December? I had planned to spend a few days in Rome and then probably a week around different parts of Tuscany (I've been to each, along with Venice, about 7 years ago).

The guidebooks give mixed signals about what the weather would be like that time of year. Some make it sound fairly mild, with temps in the 50s during the day down to the high 30s at night. Others say that it is colder than you'd expect. Any personal observations.

Also, while Rome and Tuscany are my basic plan, I'd appreciate any suggestions on other destinations, particularly given the time of year when I'm travelling.

Thanks

Hi
there are several weather websites where you can get info on historical temp highs and lows and precipitation

here are a couple
www.wunderground.com On the home page you can click on the Europe map, and on the next screen click on your country. Then you get a list of cities to click on.
When you do that, you get a screen with the forecast on the right side, but on the left side, under Conditions, there is a submenu offering for historical weather info.

www.worldclimate.com/

www.washingtonpost.com weather section also has historical data

I have been to Venice and Tuscany seperately in early December couple years ago. It was quite mild during daytime, a bit chilly in the night.Once a little light snow on a hilltown in northern Tuscany,but melyed within few hours. A light coat and hat were quite enough.

However, it really depends on what kind of weather you are used to.

Keep in mind that average temperatures are just that--averages. Just because most of Italy averages about 50 degrees for a daytime high in December, doesn't mean it won't be considerably colder or warmer on the particular days you are there. Also have to factor in humidity, winds, precipitation, etc.

Been in Rome and Florence several times end of December, first of January. The Rome weather is normally as everyone has said 50s...can be a little rainy.

Florence is different; it is usually a bit colder and you could see some snow in the later afternoon, evening.

Biggest difference, you can dress a little lighter in Rome.