Weather in Puglia in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Puglia and ranks 103rd of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Italy it is 4th of 16 (Italy in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Puglia is 5.4°C warmer by day and 6.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Puglia peaks at 13.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 16.5°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 8.7°C; one night in ten drops to 5.4°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 21.0°C (2010-12-01) and the coldest night 0.8°C (1991-12-09).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 10 days with 1 mm or more, 61 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2008 with 133 mm, the driest 2015 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 76%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 14.8°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.9°C to 15.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.1°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 07:11 and sets about 16:25 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is December a good time to visit Puglia?

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

Comfortable for walking, cool when you stop

December's temperatures make walking a more realistic focus than sitting outside for hours. A jumper and jacket are sensible daytime choices, with a warmer layer for evenings. The mildest days can reach 16.5°C or more, so you may occasionally want to shed a layer, but that is not the everyday expectation. At the colder end, nights can fall to 5.4°C or below, which makes a light summer wardrobe a poor fit. Plan outdoor time around the warmer middle of the day rather than expecting early mornings and evenings to feel mild. This is a month for adjustable layers, not packing for heat.

Leave room for rain and short days

Rain is a meaningful part of the December decision, so avoid building a trip around uninterrupted outdoor days. Pack a waterproof jacket and shoes you can comfortably wear in wet weather, and leave scope to move outdoor plans when rain arrives. There are about 4.1 hours of sunshine within 9.1 hours of daylight: enough to make bright weather useful, but not a promise of clear skies throughout the day. Start outdoor plans earlier rather than leaving them until late afternoon. December works best if you can enjoy a dry spell without feeling that a wet afternoon has spoiled the trip.