What to Pack for Florence Italy in December: Can’t-Miss Picks for Cool, Rainy Days

Wondering what to pack for Florence in December? I’ve got you covered with the ultimate winter Florence packing list for art lovers and explorers alike.

Florence in December is pure charm — quiet museums, Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts. But it’s also chilly and damp, so packing well is essential to enjoy this Tuscan gem in comfort and style.

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Expect a romantic, festive atmosphere with fewer tourists. The weather is cold, sometimes rainy, and the fashion? Effortlessly chic. Think layers, wool, and weather-resistant boots that still look good in photos.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Florence in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• Average high: 11°C / 52°F
• Average low: 4°C / 39°F
• Rain: Expect 8–10 rainy days
• Snow: Rare, but not impossible in surrounding hills
• Short days: Sunset around 4:45 PM
• Holiday events: Christmas markets, opera, lights in Piazza della Repubblica

What to Pack for Florence in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Medium suitcase – Maneuvers easily on stone streets 🧳
• Carry-on backpack – For short side trips 🎒
• Duffel bag – Room for shopping 👜
• Daypack – Use during city walks and museums 🖼️
• Packing cubes – Separate outfits and layers 📦
• Shoe bags – For those damp-soled boots 👞
• Toiletry bag – With leak-proof lining 🧴
• Document organizer – Tickets, ID, insurance docs 📁
• Foldable tote – Handy for local shopping 🛍️
• Laundry bag – For wet or dirty clothes 🧺
• Luggage scale – Ensure your return bag is underweight ⚖️
• Luggage lock – Secure train and hotel stays 🔒
• Neck pouch – Anti-theft option for crowds 🎟️
• Travel towel – If staying in hostels 🧼
• Neck pillow – For your flight or long train rides 🛏️
• Sleep mask – For brighter mornings or planes 😴

👗 Clothes

• Thermal tops (2–3) – For cold Tuscan mornings 🔥
• Long-sleeve tops/blouses (3–4) – Layer under jackets 👚
• Wool sweaters (2–3) – Stylish and warm 🧶
• Chic blazer or cardigan – Dress up for dinners 🧥
• Jeans or wool pants (2–3) – Warm, durable, and fashionable 👖
• Skirt with tights – For a cute museum outfit 👗
• Leggings or fleece-lined pants – Comfy & cozy ❄️
• Knit dress – Pair with boots for evenings 👗
• Wool coat – A Florence must for fashion & warmth 🧥
• Packable down jacket – Lightweight extra warmth 🪶
• Activewear set – For walking or travel days 🚶
• Warm pajamas – Hotels can be cool at night 💤
• Swimsuit – Just in case of a spa hotel or thermal trip 👙
• Underwear (7+) – Breathable, travel-friendly 👙
• Bras (2–3) – Mix of daily and one sports 👚
• Wool socks (5–7) – Thick and warm 🧦
• Tights or thermal leggings – Under skirts or pants 🧤

💆 Skincare

• Cream cleanser – Gentle in cold climates 🧴
• Hydrating toner – Soothes wind-blown skin 💧
• Rich moisturizer – Combat dry, heated indoor air 🧴
• SPF – UV still exists on cloudy days ☁️
• Makeup remover – Wipes or balm 🧻
• Gentle exfoliator – 1–2x/week to refresh skin 🧽
• Eye cream – For dry under-eyes 👁️
• Face mist – Boosts moisture on the go 💦
• Sheet masks – Pamper nights in your hotel 🧖
• Lip balm (x2) – Chapped lips are common 💋
• Spot treatment – Prevent unexpected blemishes 🩹

💄 Makeup

• Hydrating foundation – Dewy look over matte 💁
• Concealer – For long museum days 🕶️
• Setting powder – Light dusting to avoid shine 💨
• Blush – Add a festive glow 🌺
• Highlighter – Enhance your cheekbones ✨
• Bronzer – Warm up your winter look 🌞
• Neutrals eyeshadow palette – Earth tones match Florence 🎨
• Eyeliner – Pencil for smoky Italian style 🖊️
• Waterproof mascara – In case of drizzle 💧
• Brow gel – Keep brows photo-ready 👁️
• Lipstick or tint – Wine red or nude shades 💄
• Setting spray – Helps makeup last in humidity 🌬️
• Travel brushes – Compact and efficient 🖌️

💇 Hair Care

• Brush or comb – Small but sturdy 💇
• Hair ties/clips – Wind can be wild! 🌬️
• Shampoo & conditioner – Travel sizes or bars 🧴
• Dry shampoo – Between sightseeing days 💁
• Heat protectant – Before styling in dry air 🔥
• Styling cream or mousse – Tame frizz 🌊
• Mini dryer – Hotels may provide, but not always 💨
• Straightener or curler – Pick your favorite 🌀
• Hair serum – Smooth and protect ends 💧
• Wool hat or beret – Functional fashion in Florence 🧢

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Waterproof boots – Fashion meets function 🥾
• Chic sneakers – For all-day walking 👟
• Dress shoes – Closed-toe for evening events 👠
• Umbrella – Compact for drizzly afternoons ☔
• Leather gloves – Stylish and warm 🧤
• Wool scarf – Soft layers for your neckline 🧣
• Beanie or beret – Italian flair + warmth 🧢
• Sunglasses – Still bright in the piazzas 😎
• Jewelry – Gold tones look great in warm lighting 💍
• Watch – Check time without pulling out your phone ⌚
• Crossbody bag – Anti-theft options best 👜

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport + copies – Keep a digital version too 🛂
• Visa (if needed) – Schengen rules apply 📝
• ID card – Some museums require it 🪪
• Travel insurance – Essential for health & delays 📄
• Tickets & bookings – Print and mobile versions 🎟️
• Cash + credit cards – Euros are used 💶
• Emergency contacts – On phone and paper 📇
• Offline maps – Florence’s alleys can be confusing 🗺️
• Receipts – For returns or VAT refund 🧾
• Notebook & pen – Sketch, journal, or plan 🖊️
• Secure wallet – RFID protection 👛
• Valuables pouch – For hotel safekeeping 🔐

🚑 First Aid

• Band-aids – For cobblestone blisters 🩹
• Antiseptic wipes – Clean minor cuts 🧼
• Gauze & tape – Minimal first aid 🩺
• Tweezers – Multi-use tool ✂️
• Mini scissors – Flight-safe ✂️
• Thermometer – Monitor for winter sniffles 🌡️
• Cotton pads & Q-tips – Multi-use ☁️

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Prescriptions – Enough for full trip 💊
• Painkillers – For travel headaches 🤕
• Allergy meds – For dust or cold symptoms 🤧
• Cold meds – Always smart in December 🥶
• Motion sickness meds – For Tuscan bus rides 🚍
• Vitamins – Immune support 💊
• Feminine hygiene – Bring what you prefer 🩸
• Hand sanitizer – For public places 👐
• Disinfectant wipes – Planes, trains, & cafes 🧽
• Insect repellent – Rarely needed in winter 🦟
• Contraceptives – Always pack your own ❤️
• Eye drops – Combat cold wind 👁️
• Contacts & solution – Or backup glasses 👓
• Travel mirror – Great for makeup on the go 🪞
• Toothbrush & paste – Travel set 🪥
• Floss – Dental health matters 🦷
• Deodorant – Solid or cream 🧼
• Razor – Manual or electric 🪒
• Nail kit – Clippers, file, tweezers 💅
• Perfume – Rollerball or travel spray 🌸
• Tissues – For cold weather sniffles 🧻

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone – Camera, GPS, and tickets 📱
• Tablet/laptop – If you need to work 💻
• Camera – Capture Florence’s beauty 📸
• Chargers – Keep everything powered 🔌
• Power bank – All-day exploration 🔋
• Adapter – Italy uses Type C & F ⚡
• Hard drive or cloud backup – Photo storage 💾
• Offline maps + translation apps – Helpful in a pinch 🗺️
• eSIM/SIM card – Local data plans 🌐
• Kindle/e-reader – For downtime 📖
• Noise-canceling headphones – Trains, planes, & piazzas 🎧
• Waterproof phone pouch – Just in case 📱

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – Florence or Italy-themed 📚
• Offline movies or shows – For the flight 🎬
• Music or podcasts – For long museum lines 🎶
• Journal – Document your Italian winter 📓
• Travel games or cards – Compact fun 🃏
• Magazines – Light reading with espresso ☕

🎁 Extras

• Snacks – Great for train or walking tours 🍫
• Reusable water bottle – Florence has public fountains 💧
• Foldable shopping bag – For market finds 🛍️
• Travel detergent – Hand wash quick items 🧼
• Sewing kit – For wardrobe fixes 🧵
• Safety whistle – For added security 🔊
• Lint roller – Wool coats need upkeep 👕
• Inflatable footrest – Long flight comfort ✈️
• Shoe deodorizer – For leather footwear 👃
• Sleep aid – Melatonin for jet lag 😴

🌍 Travel Tips

• Check museum closures – Some close for holidays 🖼️
• Pre-book Uffizi and Accademia – Avoid waiting 🎟️
• Layer daily – Mornings are colder than afternoons 🧥
• Pack day-one outfit – Weather-ready 👕
• Keep chargers & valuables in carry-on 🎒
• Photograph luggage – Easy to ID if lost 📸
• Notify bank – Avoid frozen cards 💳

🛂 Visa Tips

• Check Schengen requirements – Most US/EU exempt 🛂
• Apply early – If required, start 3–4 weeks ahead 🗓️
• Bring passport photos – Always useful 📷
• Print confirmations – Hotels, return flights 🖨️
• Proof of funds – May be requested 💶
• Review customs rules – Especially wine, meats 🥩

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport – Required for all visitors 🌍
• Travel insurance – Covers weather delays, illness 🛡️
• Credit cards + euros – Cash needed for small vendors 💶
• Phone + charger – Your ultimate travel tool 📱
• Plug adapter – Type C/F for Italy ⚡
• Health kit – Cold meds, sanitizer, wipes 🧼
• Offline maps – Florence is full of small alleys 🗺️
• Print reservations – Museums, trains, hotels 🧾
• Stylish day bag – For all-day adventures 👜
• Water bottle – Stay hydrated while walking 💧

👍 Good-to-Have

• Travel steamer – For wrinkle-free layering 🧺
• Spare sleep mask – Planes, trains, or hotels 😴
• Blanket scarf – Travel + fashion essential 🧣
• Extra USB cable – Backup for power sharing 🔌
• Custom luggage tag – Easy to spot 📛
• Small umbrella – Light and windproof ☔
• Local eSIM – Easy access to maps and guides 🌐
• Extra tote – For souvenirs or Christmas gifts 🎁