Pompeii Weather In December: Complete Guide With What To Wear
Pompeii Weather In December: Complete Guide With What To Wear. Discover practical tips for your visit. visitor guide, tickets, history of Pompeii
Plan your December visit to Pompeii with confidence using this comprehensive weather guide. Learn about temperatures, rainfall patterns, what to wear, and insider tips for exploring the ancient ruins during Italy's wettest month.
December weather overview
Temperature ranges
Daytime temperatures:
- Average high: 14°C (57°F)
- Maximum temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Comfortable for walking: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Warmest periods: Early afternoon
Nighttime temperatures:
- Average low: 8°C (47°F)
- Can drop to: 4°C (39°F)
- Occasional frost: Early morning
- Rare snow: Higher elevations only
Temperature feel:
- Generally mild for winter
- Cool but not freezing
- Wind chill factor significant
- Mediterranean influence moderates extremes
Rainfall and humidity
December precipitation:
- Monthly average: 122-156mm (4.8-6.1 inches)
- Rainy days: 12-15 days per month
- Daily rain chance: 25% on average
- Heavy downpours: Common afternoon/evening
Humidity levels:
- Average humidity: 73%
- Morning humidity: Up to 85%
- Afternoon humidity: 60-70%
- Coastal influence: High moisture content
Sunshine and daylight
Limited sunshine:
- Daily sunshine: 3 hours average
- Darkest month: Shortest days of year
- Sunrise: Around 7:15 AM
- Sunset: Around 4:45 PM
Daylight hours:
- Total daylight: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Best light: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Photography conditions: Challenging but atmospheric
- UV levels: Low to moderate
What to wear in December
Essential clothing items
Upper body layers:
- Base layer: Thermal long-sleeve shirt or merino wool
- Mid layer: Fleece or wool sweater
- Outer layer: Waterproof windproof jacket
- Additional: Light down vest for extra warmth
Lower body protection:
- Trousers: Well-fitted joggers or hiking pants
- Thermal underwear: For very cold days
- Waterproof layer: Rain pants (optional but helpful)
- Material: Avoid cotton, choose synthetic or wool
Footwear requirements
Primary shoes:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Non-slip soles essential
- Ankle support recommended
- Breathable materials preferred
Sock strategy:
- Moisture-wicking materials
- Wool or synthetic blend
- Extra pair in backpack
- Avoid cotton socks
Accessories for comfort
Weather protection:
- Hat: Warm knit cap or waterproof hat
- Gloves: Touchscreen-compatible for photos
- Scarf: Lightweight but warm
- Umbrella: Compact travel umbrella
Practical additions:
- Buff or neck gaiter: Wind protection
- Sunglasses: Occasional bright moments
- Hand warmers: Chemical packets helpful
Layering strategy for Pompeii
Morning preparation (7:00-10:00 AM)
Coolest period:
- All layers on arrival
- Hat and gloves essential
- Jacket fully zipped
- Thermal layers underneath
Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)
Midday adjustment (10:00 AM-2:00 PM)
Warming up:
- Remove outer gloves
- Unzip jacket partially
- Keep hat for wind protection
- Stay hydrated despite cold
Temperature: 12-14°C (54-57°F)
Late afternoon care (2:00-6:00 PM)
Cooling down:
- Add layers back on
- Full jacket protection
- Hat and gloves return
- Prepare for wind increase
Temperature: 9-12°C (48-54°F)
Rain gear essentials
Waterproof protection
Must-have items:
- Quality rain jacket: Breathable yet waterproof
- Umbrella: Compact but sturdy
- Waterproof day pack: Protect electronics/tickets
- Plastic bags: Emergency protection for items
Footwear for wet conditions
Slippery surface safety:
- Ancient stones become very slippery
- Grip patterns crucial
- Waterproofing prevents cold feet
- Gaiters optional for heavy rain
Electronics protection
- Phone protection: Waterproof case essential
- Camera gear: Rain covers or bags
- Power banks: Keep in waterproof pouch
- Tickets: Screenshot and print backup
December advantages for visiting
Fewer crowds
Visitor benefits:
- 80% fewer tourists than summer
- Easy photography opportunities
- Personal space at popular sites
- Better interaction with staff
Site access:
- Shorter entrance queues
- No reservation stress
- More intimate experience
- Less restricted movement
Atmospheric conditions
Dramatic scenery:
- Moody cloudy skies
- Enhanced photography potential
- Vesuvius often snow-capped
- Mystical ambiance
Unique perspective:
- Ancient ruins in modern weather
- Historical imagination enhanced
- Fewer distractions
- Contemplative experience
Practical benefits
Comfortable exploration:
- No heat exhaustion risk
- Easier walking pace
- Cool air refreshing
- Extended visit duration possible
Challenges and solutions
Weather-related difficulties
Rain disruptions:
- Problem: Limited shelter in ruins
- Solution: Plan flexible indoor breaks
- Strategy: Visit covered areas during downpours
Shortened daylight:
- Problem: Limited visiting hours
- Solution: Arrive at opening time (9:00 AM)
- Strategy: Prioritize must-see highlights
Cold discomfort:
- Problem: Long outdoor exposure
- Solution: Layer system and movement
- Strategy: Take warming breaks at café
Site-specific considerations
Slippery ancient stones:
- Risk: Falls on wet marble/basalt
- Prevention: Quality footwear and slow pace
- Safety: Hold railings where available
Limited indoor areas:
- Challenge: Few warming opportunities
- Options: Museum areas, covered buildings
- Planning: Time indoor visits during rain
December itinerary adjustments
Shorter visit planning
Essential sites only (2-3 hours):
- Forum (covered areas available)
- House of the Faun (partially covered)
- Lupanar (quick indoor stop)
- Stabian Baths (some shelter)
- One villa (Villa of Mysteries)
Extended comfortable route
Full day with breaks (5-6 hours):
- Start early at Porta Marina
- Regular warm-up stops
- Lunch break in town
- Afternoon return for less popular areas
- Focus on covered/sheltered sites
Weather contingency plans
Heavy rain alternatives:
- Naples Archaeological Museum
- Modern Pompei town exploration
- Herculaneum (better preserved roofs)
- Oplontis villa with more shelter
Budget considerations
Clothing investment
Quality over quantity:
- Good waterproof jacket: €80-150
- Proper hiking boots: €60-120
- Thermal layers: €30-60
- Total investment: €170-330
Rental options:
- Some hotels loan umbrellas
- Outdoor gear shops in Naples
- Tour operators sometimes provide
Additional costs
Weather-related expenses:
- Luggage storage for extra clothes: €3-5
- Hot drinks/food: €10-15
- Transportation (avoiding walking): €10-20
- Emergency gear purchases: €20-50
Photography in December
Equipment protection
Camera care:
- Waterproof camera covers
- Lens cleaning cloths
- Extra batteries (cold drains power)
- Backup storage cards
Lighting challenges
Low light conditions:
- Higher ISO settings needed
- Tripod beneficial but cumbersome
- Focus on architectural details
- Embrace moody atmosphere
Unique opportunities
December-specific shots:
- Dramatic cloud formations
- Empty ruins perspectives
- Atmospheric weather conditions
- Local winter clothing context
Health and safety tips
Staying warm and dry
Hypothermia prevention:
- Keep moving regularly
- Consume warm drinks
- Recognize early symptoms
- Have emergency contact info
Respiratory care:
- Humid air can trigger issues
- Bring any required medications
- Wear appropriate face covering if needed
- Stay hydrated despite cold
Emergency preparedness
Contact information:
- Emergency assistance available through site staff
- Medical services: 118 (Italian emergency)
- Tourist police: 081 795 6111
- Have hotel contact ready
Conclusion
December weather in Pompeii brings cool temperatures (8-14°C), frequent rain (12-15 days), and limited sunshine (3 hours daily), but offers unique advantages including minimal crowds and atmospheric conditions. Dress in waterproof layers with quality hiking boots, bring rain gear, and embrace the moody winter ambiance. While challenging with slippery stones and occasional downpours, December visits provide intimate experiences impossible during peak season. Plan 2-3 hours minimum for essential sites, arrive early for maximum daylight, and have flexible schedules for weather changes. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, December can offer one of the most memorable and contemplative Pompeii experiences of the year.