What to Pack for Naples Italy in December: Light Layers for a Vibrant Southern Break

Heading south and wondering what to pack for Naples in December? This Naples packing list keeps you prepared for mild weather and vibrant city life.

Naples in December is full of life: glowing nativity scenes, lively piazzas, steamy pizza ovens, and mild southern air. While it’s not hot, Naples is warmer than much of Italy this time of year — but with occasional rain and breezy evenings, smart layering is a must.

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Whether you’re hiking around Pompeii, exploring underground catacombs, or indulging in Christmas street food, you’ll need a wardrobe that’s versatile, comfortable, and city-smart. Naples brings a mix of urban grit, historic elegance, and spontaneous festivity.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Naples 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: 14°C / 57°F
• Average low: 7°C / 45°F
• Rain: 9–11 days of scattered showers or overcast skies
• Snow: Very rare in the city, possible on Mount Vesuvius
• Holiday vibes: Christmas markets, nativity workshops on Via San Gregorio Armeno, fireworks over the Bay

What to Pack for Naples in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Rolling suitcase – Ideal for cobblestone-friendly maneuvering 🧳
• Carry-on backpack – Great for trains or day trips 🎒
• Duffel bag – Flexible for short stays or extra room 👜
• Daypack – Perfect for walking tours and Pompeii 🛍️
• Packing cubes – Organize layers and weather gear 📦
• Shoe bags – Keep street dust off your clothes 👞
• Toiletry kit – Leak-proof and weather-proof 🧴
• Document holder – Tickets, ID, and ferry passes 📁
• Reusable shopping tote – For local markets 🛒
• Laundry pouch – Separate used socks and layers 🧺
• Luggage scale – If you’re shopping or flying back ⚖️
• Travel lock – For safety on trains or ferries 🔒
• Money belt or neck pouch – For safe city wandering 🎟️
• Quick-dry towel – Optional for budget stays 🧼
• Neck pillow – For long rides to Amalfi or Rome 🛏️
• Sleep mask – Bright hotels or early sunsets 😴

👗 Clothes

• Long-sleeve tees (3–4) – Lightweight, great for layers 👕
• Knit sweaters (2–3) – Warm and casually stylish 🧶
• Blouses or button-downs (2–3) – Dressier options for meals 👚
• Chic blazer or cardigan – For city dinners and layering 🧥
• Dark jeans or cotton trousers (2–3) – Stylish and functional 👖
• Midi skirt or dress – For visiting churches or festive dinners 👗
• Fleece-lined leggings – Cozy for cooler days 🧘
• Knit dress – Wear with boots and a coat 👗
• Wool or trench coat – Weatherproof and elegant 🧥
• Packable puffer – Useful for breezy coastal evenings 🪶
• Activewear – For hikes near Vesuvius or long walks 🚶
• Pajamas – Cozy enough for varied heating 💤
• Swimsuit – Some hotels have heated pools or spas 👙
• Underwear (7+) – Always pack extra 👙
• Bras (2–3) – Include one sports bra 👚
• Warm socks (5–7) – Especially for boots 🧦
• Tights or thermal leggings – For under skirts or dresses 🧤

💆 Skincare

• Gentle cleanser – Protects skin from pollution & wind 🧴
• Balancing toner – Helps with the humidity 💧
• Moisturizer – Choose rich but breathable 🧴
• SPF – Even in December, sun exposure matters ☀️
• Makeup remover – For waterproof or long-wear 🧻
• Exfoliant – Refresh your skin every few days 🧽
• Eye cream – Combat puffiness or dryness 👁️
• Face mist – Great on the go 💦
• Sheet masks – Hotel self-care 🧖
• Lip balm with SPF – Wind + sun = chapped lips 💋
• Spot treatment – In case of breakouts 🩹

💄 Makeup

• Hydrating foundation or BB cream – Light coverage for mild weather 💁
• Concealer – For bright under-eyes or blemishes 👁️
• Setting powder – Helps in humidity 💨
• Blush – Fresh color on cooler days 🌺
• Highlighter – Glow in evening lights ✨
• Bronzer – Add warmth if you’re coming from cold 🌞
• Neutral palette – Browns and golds match Naples 🎨
• Waterproof eyeliner – Just in case of rain 🖊️
• Mascara – Adds drama with little effort 💧
• Brow gel or pencil – Clean brows always 👁️
• Lipstick – Bold for evenings, tinted balm by day 💄
• Setting spray – Helps makeup last all day 🌬️
• Brush set – Small, travel-friendly 🖌️

💇 Hair Care

• Brush or comb – Compact and strong 💇
• Hair ties or scrunchies – For windy walks 🌬️
• Shampoo & conditioner – Travel-size or bars 🧴
• Dry shampoo – City-friendly and fast 💁
• Heat protectant – If styling tools are used 🔥
• Hair serum – Control frizz from coastal air 💧
• Mini hair dryer – Some hotels provide, but not all 💨
• Straightener or curling wand – Pick one 🌀
• Accessories – Barrettes, clips, or headbands 🎀
• Winter hat – Warm + Naples-ready style 🧢

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Water-resistant boots – For walking and wet streets 👢
• Comfy sneakers – For ruins, hikes, or city tours 👟
• Dressier flats or shoes – For evening dining 👠
• Wool scarf – Style and warmth in one 🧣
• Gloves – Not always essential, but nice for windy days 🧤
• Hat or beanie – Coastal winds can be chilly 🧢
• Compact umbrella – Must-pack for December rain ☔
• Sunglasses – Still bright by the bay 😎
• Minimal jewelry – Sleek and secure 💍
• Classic watch – Stylish time-tracking ⌚
• Crossbody or anti-theft bag – Urban safety first 👜

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport + copies – Keep digital backups 🛂
• Visa (if applicable) – Schengen zone rules apply 📝
• ID – Needed for some bookings 🪪
• Travel insurance – Highly recommended 📄
• Train & hotel bookings – Printed + mobile 🧾
• Cash + cards – Euros; many small shops prefer cash 💶
• Emergency contacts – Digital + printed 📇
• Offline maps – Naples’ winding alleys 🗺️
• Receipts – For expenses or returns 🧾
• Notebook & pen – Sketch, journal, or jot routes 🖊️
• RFID wallet – Keep your valuables secure 👛
• Safe pouch – Store in hotel lockers 🔐

🚑 First Aid

• Band-aids – Cobblestones + new boots = blisters 🩹
• Disinfecting wipes – Hands or surfaces 🧼
• Gauze & tape – Small emergency care 🩺
• Tweezers – Multi-use travel essential ✂️
• Mini scissors – TSA-approved ✂️
• Thermometer – In case you feel under the weather 🌡️
• Cotton pads/Q-tips – Cleaning and beauty ☁️

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Prescription meds – Full supply + copies 💊
• Pain relievers – For post-hike legs or headaches 🤕
• Cold/allergy meds – City air or weather shifts 🤧
• Motion sickness pills – Ferries or winding roads 🚤
• Vitamins – Keep your immune system strong 💊
• Feminine products – Bring your preferred brand 🩸
• Hand sanitizer – Public transport essential 👐
• Wipes – Multi-use: face, hands, seats 🧽
• Bug repellent – Unlikely needed, but a mini bottle 🦟
• Contraceptives – Always be prepared ❤️
• Eye drops – Wind and dust relief 👁️
• Contacts + solution – Or backup glasses 👓
• Mirror – Compact, great for touch-ups 🪞
• Toothbrush & paste – TSA-friendly size 🪥
• Floss – Hygiene essential 🦷
• Deodorant – Solid works best 🧼
• Razor – Manual or electric 🪒
• Nail kit – Clippers + file 💅
• Perfume – Rollerball or mini spray 🌸
• Tissues – For sniffles or public restrooms 🧻

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Smartphone – GPS, translator, photos 📱
• Tablet or laptop – Optional for work or movies 💻
• Camera – Capture those Vesuvius views 📸
• Chargers – All cables + adapters 🔌
• Power bank – Explore without losing power 🔋
• Universal adapter – Italy uses Type C/F ⚡
• Cloud backup – For your photos 💾
• Offline apps – Maps, transport, restaurants 🗺️
• eSIM/local SIM – Budget-friendly internet 🌐
• E-reader – Lightweight, perfect for trains 📖
• Noise-canceling headphones – For flights or Naples traffic 🎧
• Waterproof phone pouch – Just in case 📱

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – Travel memoirs or Italian novels 📚
• Movies or shows – Downloaded for downtime 🎬
• Music or podcasts – For wandering or people-watching 🎶
• Journal – Capture pizza-fueled thoughts 📓
• Card games – Perfect for evenings or travel days 🃏
• Magazines – Espresso and reading go hand-in-hand ☕

🎁 Extras

• Snacks – For trains or hikes 🍫
• Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated 💧
• Foldable shopping bag – For nativity scene souvenirs 🛍️
• Detergent – Wash essentials mid-trip 🧼
• Sewing kit – Fix wardrobe emergencies 🧵
• Safety whistle – Extra layer of confidence 🔊
• Lint roller – Especially with dark coats 👕
• Footrest – Long-haul flight or train help ✈️
• Shoe deodorizer – City walking = sweaty soles 👃
• Melatonin – Fight jet lag or noisy nights 😴

🌍 Travel Tips

• Use Naples Metro – It’s modern and scenic 🚇
• Pack a day-one outfit in carry-on 👕
• Carry tissues – Public toilets may not provide 🧻
• Book Pompeii or Amalfi transport early 🚍
• Wear your bulkiest shoes on travel days 👢
• Take photos of luggage – For easy ID 📸
• Set card travel alerts – Avoid fraud freezes 💳

🛂 Visa Tips

• Check Schengen rules – Most travelers get 90 days 🛂
• Apply early if needed – At least 3 weeks before trip 🗓️
• Bring passport photos – For emergency docs 📷
• Proof of accommodation & exit – May be required 🧾
• Understand customs limits – Especially alcohol, food 🍷

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport – Always double check expiration 🌍
• Travel insurance – Especially during winter 🛡️
• Euros + cards – For street food or taxis 💶
• Phone + SIM or Wi-Fi plan – Daily navigation 📱
• Plug adapter – Type C/F ⚡
• Health & hygiene kit – Easy to grab on the go 🧼
• Printed bookings – Just in case apps fail 🧾
• Day bag – Keep hands free 👜
• Water bottle – Stay hydrated 💧

👍 Good-to-Have

• Travel steamer – For wrinkle-free outfits 🧺
• Blanket scarf – Stylish warmth 🧣
• Extra charging cable – Always handy 🔌
• Luggage tags – With local contact 📛
• Compact umbrella – Always in your daypack ☔
• eSIM – Easy data 🌐
• Extra tote – For wine, pizza-themed souvenirs 🎁