Weather in Naples in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Naples and ranks 105th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Italy it is 7th of 16 (Italy in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Naples is 5.3°C warmer by day and 4.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Naples peaks at 13.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.8°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 7.1°C; one night in ten drops to 3.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 19.5°C (2004-12-02) and the coldest night -1.7°C (2010-12-17).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 12 days with 1 mm or more, 134 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2005 with 257 mm, the driest 2015 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 80%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 16.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.9°C to 17.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:20 and sets about 16:36 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is December a good time to visit Naples?

December is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Naples on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder than London, but pack for winter

The daytime difference from London is useful rather than dramatic: Naples averages 5.3°C warmer, so walking can feel less cold without becoming T-shirt weather. The warmer days reach around 16°C or more, making a dry afternoon a good opportunity to spend longer outside. The catch comes after dark, when daytime comfort gives way to a proper chill; the coldest nights fall to 3°C or below. Bring layers, a warm outer layer and closed shoes rather than relying on a light jacket. This suits travellers happy to keep moving during the day and dress warmly for dinner, rather than anyone hoping to sit outside comfortably all evening.

Keep outdoor plans flexible

Rain is a real consideration, not just something to mention on the packing list. A waterproof coat and shoes that cope with wet pavements will be more useful than a wardrobe built around sunshine. There are about 4.1 hours of sunshine within 9.1 hours of daylight, so don't treat a December day as a long stretch of bright weather. Put your outdoor plans into the clearer part of the forecast and leave room for indoor breaks when rain arrives. Short daylight also makes it sensible to start earlier rather than leave most of your walking until late afternoon. December works best if a wet spell would change your plans rather than spoil the trip.