Rome in December is romantic and uncrowded — perfect for exploring ancient ruins, sipping espresso in cozy cafés, and enjoying festive lights without the high-season chaos. While snow is rare, rain and crisp temps make layers essential.
Fashion still matters in Italy, even in winter. Locals tend to dress smart, so pack warm clothes that are both comfortable and polished. A stylish coat, boots, and thoughtful accessories will help you blend right in.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Rome 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 highs: 12–14°C (53–57°F)
- 🌡️ Average lows: 4–7°C (39–45°F)
- 🌧️ Expect 7–10 rainy days, often light but lingering
- 🌫️ Occasional fog and cloudiness in the mornings
What to Pack for Rome in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Medium suitcase – Easy to navigate on cobblestones
- 🎒 Daypack – Stylish and weather-resistant
- 🧼 Packing cubes – Maximize suitcase space
- 👟 Shoe bags – For boots and flats
- 🧴 Toiletry bag – Leakproof compartments
- 📁 Travel document organizer – Streamlines airport moments
- 👜 Foldable tote – Shopping in Roman boutiques
- 🧺 Laundry pouch – For worn layers
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Budget airlines often fly to Rome
- 🔒 Lock – For trains and shared accommodations
- 🪙 Small pouch – Coins for espresso machines
- 🛁 Microfiber towel – If staying in Airbnbs or hostels
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – For travel days
- 😴 Eye mask – Rome nights can be noisy
👗 Clothes
- 👕 Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – For chic winter layering
- 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Thin knits and warm blends
- 🧥 Wool coat or puffer – Warm and tailored is key
- 🧥 Waterproof trench or umbrella – For rainy days
- 👖 Dark jeans or trousers (2–3) – Dressier is better in Italy
- 🧦 Thermal leggings – Optional for cold days or Vatican visits
- 👗 Midi dresses or skirts – Pair with tights and boots
- 🛌 Pajamas – Warm and soft
- 👙 Swimsuit – For hotel spas or thermal baths
- 🩲 Underwear (7+) – Breathable fabrics
- 👙 Bras (2–3) – Seamless and supportive
- 🧦 Wool or cotton socks (7) – For walking comfort
- 🧦 Tights – For skirts/dresses
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Gentle cleanser – Removes makeup and pollution
- 💧 Toner – Refreshing layer under cream
- 🧴 Deep moisturizer – Cold and rain dry out skin
- 🌞 SPF 30 – Still needed on sunny winter days
- 🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water works best
- 🧼 Exfoliant – 1–2x a week only
- 👁️ Eye cream – Helps tired travel eyes
- 💦 Face mist – Rehydrates on dry metro rides
- 😴 Sheet masks – Boost before a night out
- 💋 Lip balm – Essential in winter wind
- 🔴 Acne treatment – Breakout insurance
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Foundation – Light coverage with hydration
- 🖌️ Concealer – For under-eyes and spots
- 🧽 Powder – Set your look, avoid shine
- 🌸 Blush – Adds healthy winter color
- ✨ Highlighter – Subtle glow for dull days
- 🌞 Bronzer – Optional but warming
- 🎨 Eyeshadow – Soft neutral palette
- ✏️ Eyeliner – Waterproof for rainy days
- 👁️ Mascara – Lengthening, non-smudge
- 🧴 Brow pencil or gel – Light grooming
- 💋 Lipstick or tinted balm – Rosy tones match the season
- 💨 Setting spray – Keeps your look all day
- 🖌️ Mini brush set – Compact and clean
💇 Hair Care
- 🪮 Foldable brush or comb – Saves space
- 🪢 Hair ties/clips – Keep hair controlled in wind
- 🧴 Shampoo/conditioner – Moisturizing formulas
- 💨 Dry shampoo – For busy museum days
- 🔥 Heat protectant spray – Hotel tools can be drying
- 💇 Styling cream – For polished hair, Roman-style
- 💨 Travel dryer – Only if accommodation doesn’t provide
- 💇 Straightener or curling wand – Optional
- 💧 Hair serum – Tackles frizz
- 🎀 Accessories – Barrette or silk scarf
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 👢 Ankle boots – Rain-safe and fashion-forward
- 👟 Walking sneakers – Comfy, cobblestone-friendly
- 🥿 Flats – For dining or museum visits
- 🧤 Gloves – Leather or wool
- 🧣 Scarf – Adds warmth and style
- 🎩 Beanie – Lightweight and neutral
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Rome can still shine
- 💍 Jewelry – Minimal but elevated
- 👜 Crossbody purse – Anti-theft ideal for sightseeing
- ☔ Compact umbrella – For pop-up rain
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport – And a paper/digital copy
- 📄 Visa (if applicable)
- 🧾 Travel insurance
- 🎟️ Tickets and bookings – Print and digital
- 📆 Full itinerary
- 💳 Credit/debit cards – Plus some euros
- 📱 Emergency numbers – Local and personal
- 🗺️ Offline map – Rome’s alleys are tricky
- 🖊️ Pen + mini notebook
- 👛 Secure wallet – RFID if possible
- 💎 Keep valuables close
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister pads – Roman roads are no joke
- 🧻 Antiseptic wipes
- 🩼 Gauze and tape
- 📏 Thermometer
- ✂️ Nail scissors – Checked bag only
- 🪥 Cotton swabs – Always handy
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescriptions – Clearly labeled
- 💊 Headache + cold meds
- 🌸 Allergy relief
- 🌊 Motion pills – If you plan coastal trips
- 💊 Daily vitamins
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene – Harder to find brands
- 🧴 Sanitizer
- 🧻 Wet wipes
- 👁️ Eye drops
- 👓 Glasses/contacts + backup
- 🪞 Small mirror
- 🪥 Toothbrush + paste
- 🧵 Floss
- 🧼 Deodorant – Solid travels best
- 🪒 Razor
- 💅 Nail file
- 🌸 Perfume – Travel-sized
- 🤧 Tissue packs
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Unlocked phone
- 💻 Tablet or laptop – Optional
- 📷 Camera – Rome is photogenic
- 🔌 Cables + chargers
- 🔋 Power bank
- 📎 Cord organizer
- 🌍 Italy plug adapter – Type F or L
- 💽 Backup for photos
- 🗺️ Travel apps offline
- 📶 Local eSIM/SIM
- 📖 Kindle or e-reader
- 🎧 Earbuds/headphones
- 📱 Waterproof pouch – Just in case
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book or eBook – Read by the Colosseum
- 📺 Netflix downloads
- 🎙️ Podcasts
- 📓 Journal or sketchbook
- 🎲 Travel games
- 📰 Magazine or zine
🎁 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks – Chocolate or trail mix
- 💧 Water bottle – Fill at fountains
- 🛍️ Shopping bag – Eco-friendly
- 🧴 Laundry soap sheets
- 🧵 Sewing kit
- 📯 Safety whistle
- 🧽 Lint roller
- 🦶 Foot hammock
- 👃 Shoe deodorizers
- 🌙 Jet lag pills
🌍 Travel Tips
- 📏 Know baggage rules
- 📲 Download offline apps
- 👕 Pack one outfit in carry-on
- 📸 Snap luggage photo
- 🏦 Notify bank
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🕐 Apply early if needed
- 🖨️ Print backups
- 📸 Passport photos
- 🛫 Show return ticket if asked
- 🚫 Learn Italian customs limits
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport
- 🧾 Insurance
- 📱 Phone
- 💳 Cards + cash
- 🧴 Meds + first aid
- 🗺️ Maps / reservations
- 🎟️ Train/tour tickets
- 🎒 Daypack
- 💧 Reusable bottle
👍 Good-to-Have
- 💦 Travel steamer
- 😴 Eye mask/ear plugs
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🧣 Extra scarf
- ☔ Umbrella
- 📶 SIM or eSIM
- 🛍️ Extra tote
