You’re standing in the middle of Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that literally splits Naples in half. The scent of roasted chestnuts hits you first, then the frantic energy of a thousand people hunting for the perfect terra cotta figurine for their nativity scene. But there’s one thing you probably didn't expect. You aren't shivering.
Honestly, the naples temperature in december is a bit of a rebel. While Milan is freezing and London is a grey puddle, Naples usually hangs onto a mild, Mediterranean stubbornness. It’s not "beach weather" by a long shot, but it’s definitely not the Arctic tundra either.
The Reality of the Numbers
If you look at the official charts, they'll tell you the average high is around 14°C (57°F) and the low is 8°C (46°F).
But averages are liars.
I’ve seen days in mid-December where the sun hits the stone buildings just right, and suddenly it’s 17°C (63°F). You’re unzipping your jacket, grabbing a lemon granita, and wondering why you packed that heavy wool coat. Then the sun dips behind a building or a cloud rolls in off the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Everything changes. Fast.
The humidity in Naples hovers around 73% or 75% in December. That dampness is the real culprit. It carries the chill into your bones in a way that a "dry cold" just doesn't. When the wind kicks up along the Lungomare—the seaside promenade—it feels like the Mediterranean is trying to remind you that winter is actually here.
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Is It Going to Rain?
Short answer: Probably.
Naples gets about 120mm of rain in December. That’s roughly 8 to 14 days of "wet stuff" depending on the year.
The rain here isn't usually that depressing, all-day drizzle you find in Northern Europe. It’s often a dramatic, southern Italian tantrum. It pours. The streets turn into rivers for twenty minutes. Then, the clouds break, the sun comes out, and the marble steps of the churches start steaming.
You need an umbrella. Not a cheap one from a street vendor that will flip inside out at the first gust of wind, but something sturdy. Better yet, have a backup plan. If the sky opens up, duck into the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. It’s dry, it’s warm, and you can look at the "Secret Cabinet" of Pompeii while the storm passes.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Chills
Forget swimming.
The water is about 16°C (61°F). Unless you’re part of a local polar bear club or wearing a thick wetsuit, you aren't going in. The sea acts like a giant heat sink, though. It keeps the city slightly warmer than the inland towns, but it also provides the moisture for those sudden rain showers.
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If you take a ferry to Capri or Ischia, the naples temperature in december feels ten degrees colder the moment you leave the harbor. The wind on the deck of a boat is brutal. Even if it looks sunny, stay inside the cabin or dress like you're heading to the Alps.
What Most People Get Wrong About Packing
Most tourists over-pack for the cold and under-pack for the versatility.
You don't need a Canada Goose parka. You'll look ridiculous and you'll sweat through your shirt the moment you start walking up the hills toward Vomero.
Instead, think layers.
- A breathable base layer (not cotton if you can help it).
- A light sweater or a "maglione" as the locals call it.
- A waterproof, wind-resistant outer shell.
Footwear is where people fail. Naples is paved with "sanpietrini"—black basalt cobblestones. When they get wet, they are as slippery as an oil slick. Leave the heels at home. Bring boots or sneakers with serious grip.
Why the Temperature Actually Makes December the Best Time
Basically, the mild naples temperature in december allows the city to live outdoors even in winter.
This is the season of the Presepe (nativity scenes). Via San Gregorio Armeno is the heart of this. Because it isn't freezing, the artisans keep their shop doors wide open. You can watch them paint tiny figurines of shepherds (and occasionally Italian politicians or soccer stars) while the cool air circulates.
If it were 0°C, the city would be dead. Instead, it’s vibrating.
On December 8th—the Feast of the Immaculate Conception—the holiday season officially kicks off. The fire brigade climbs a ladder to put flowers on the statue of the Madonna in Piazza del Gesù. It’s usually a crisp, beautiful day. Even if there’s a bite in the air, the sheer density of the crowds in the historic center generates enough body heat to keep things comfortable.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you're actually planning to head over, here’s how to handle the climate like a pro.
- Check the wind, not just the temp: A 13°C day with no wind is beautiful. A 13°C day with a 20km/h wind off the bay is "hide under the covers" cold. Use an app that shows wind speed.
- Time your outdoor walks: The sun sets early, around 4:30 PM. Once the sun is gone, the temperature drops off a cliff. Do your sightseeing in the "golden hours" of 10 AM to 3 PM.
- Eat for the weather: This is the time for Pasta e Patate con Provola. It’s thick, it’s hot, and it’s basically a hug in a bowl. It’s the Neapolitan way of internal heating.
- Book a place with heating: This sounds stupid, right? It’s not. Many older buildings or cheap Airbnbs in Naples have terrible insulation and "creative" heating solutions. Verify that your accommodation actually has a working heat pump or radiator before you book.
The naples temperature in december is a mixed bag, but it’s a good bag. It’s a season of dramatic skies, manageable crowds, and enough warmth to enjoy a coffee in a piazza. Just bring a scarf—Neapolitans believe a draft to the neck is the source of all known illnesses, and in December, they might actually be right.
Pack a sturdy pair of waterproof walking boots and a versatile medium-weight jacket to ensure you can navigate the slippery cobblestones and shifting coastal winds without a hitch.