Naples in December: weather, events, what to see and what's closed
December is one of the best months to see Naples: the days are mild, the city is lit up and the historic centre is at its most heartfelt, the season of the nativity scenes. There are a few things to know, though: it rains often, it gets dark early and on public holidays many museums change their opening hours.
At a glance
- Temperatures
- Around 12–15 °C by day, around 6–10 °C at night
- Rain
- December is one of the rainiest months of the year: bring an umbrella and shoes that don't mind water
- Daylight
- The sun sets before 17:00: plan outdoor visits for the morning
- Dates to note
- 5–8 December Immaculate Conception · 16 December San Gennaro · 24–26 December Christmas · 31 December New Year's Eve
- Public holidays
- On 25 December and 1 January many museums and sites are closed; on the 24th and 31st they often close early
What the weather is like
Naples has a mild climate in December: by day it is often around 12–15 degrees, at night it drops to around 6–10. Snow in the city is extremely rare. On the other hand it rains often, sometimes with heavy storms, and the wind can make the sea rough: hydrofoils to the islands may be cancelled.
What to pack: a waterproof jacket or an umbrella, a jumper, and comfortable shoes that won't slip on the wet basalt paving stones of the historic centre.
Tip: on sunny days after the rain the air is crystal clear. Go up to the Vomero, to Castel Sant'Elmo, or head to the seafront: the view of Vesuvius and Capri is the sharpest of the year.
December 2026 dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| All month | nativity scene fair in San Gregorio Armeno (open from 1 November) |
| From 28 November | Christmas markets in the Pietrarsa railway museum |
| Saturday 5 – Tuesday 8 December | Immaculate Conception long weekend |
| Tuesday 8 December | the City's Altri Natali events programme begins, running until 10 January |
| Wednesday 16 December | the miracle of San Gennaro is awaited in the Cathedral |
| Thursday 24 December | Christmas Eve: the fish dinner, the most heartfelt moment of a Neapolitan Christmas |
| Friday 25 – Saturday 26 December | Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day |
| Thursday 31 December | New Year's Eve: concert in the square and fireworks over the sea |
| Wednesday 6 January 2027 | Epiphany, the end of the holidays |
Museums and sites on public holidays
Opening hours change mainly on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January. A few examples for 2026:
- Sansevero Chapel: open 9:00–20:30 from 5 to 8 December and on 26–27 December; 9:00–14:00 on the 24th and 31st; closed on the 25th. Also open on Tuesday 29 December.
- Catacombs of San Gennaro: closed on Wednesdays and on 25 December.
- Pompeii excavations: closed on 25 December and 1 January.
- State museums (Archaeological Museum, Certosa di San Martino): normally closed on Tuesdays; on public holidays there may be special openings. Check the official websites.
Metro, funiculars and trains also run reduced timetables on public holidays, especially on 25 December and 1 January, and on the evening of the 31st.
Why come in December
- The nativity scenes: San Gregorio Armeno, the Cuciniello nativity scene at the Certosa di San Martino and those set up in the churches.
- The sweets: from early December the pastry shops have roccocò, mostaccioli, susamielli and struffoli.
- Fewer tourists in the weeks between the Immaculate Conception and Christmas: the first half of December and the days from the 9th to the 20th are the quietest for museums.
Tip: if you are coming for the Immaculate Conception weekend or for New Year's Eve, book your accommodation well in advance: these are the most sought-after dates of the winter.
Read before you go
- Immaculate Conception weekend5–8 December 2026
- Christmas in Naplesnativity scenes and traditions
- New Year's Eve in Naplesthe night of the 31st
- Best time to visit Naplesthe weather month by month
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Naples in December?
The climate is mild: around 12–15 degrees by day and around 6–10 at night. It rains often, so bring an umbrella or a waterproof jacket.
Is it worth visiting Naples in December?
Yes: the city is lit up, there are the nativity scenes of San Gregorio Armeno and the Christmas sweets. The quietest days are between 9 and 20 December.
Are museums in Naples open at Christmas?
On 25 December and 1 January many museums and sites are closed, and on the 24th and 31st they often close early. On 26 December most are open. Always check the official website.
Where to stay in December
202 places to stay in the Historic Centre on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
