Vatican City in December

Christmas crib and tree in the square; Midnight Mass tickets are free but scarce.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatBusy but pleasant; book Museum slots weeks ahead.
• SeptemberGreatAudiences resume; 27 Sep World Tourism Day free Museum entry — check.
• OctoberGreatGood weather; canonisations and synod events can close the square.
• JanuaryGoodShortest queues of the year; Epiphany Mass on 6 Jan.

• Rome · Vatican City and central Romecool

  Hot July–August (33–38 °C (91–100 °F)) with long, shadeless queues in St Peter's Square; November is the wettest month. The Museums are air-conditioned in parts only.Hot July–August (91–100 °F (33–38 °C)) with long, shadeless queues in St Peter's Square; November is the wettest month. The Museums are air-conditioned in parts only.

• Vatican13 °C (55 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 8 rain days55 °F (13 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 8 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Immaculate Conception

  8 Dec

  Papal visit to the Spanish Steps; Museums closed.

• Christmas and St Stephen big impact

  25–26 Dec

  Midnight Mass and Urbi et Orbi blessing; Museums closed.

Crowds · Vatican City

High

Prices · Vatican City

Medium

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Vatican City, side by side.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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