Bologna in December

In December, Bologna averages 9°C (48°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (63 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December in Bologna is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

9°C
Avg high
2°C
Avg low
9
Rain days
63 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Bologna

11th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
8 h 51 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Bologna (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (19°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (14°C) and cools 1°C in January (9°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Bologna

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:35 PM
Day length
8 h 51 min

Times shown for Bologna local time (Europe/Rome), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Bologna — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Bologna's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:44 AM – 7:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:24 AM – 8:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:55 PM – 4:55 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:55 PM – 5:35 PM

📅 When to book — Bologna in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Bologna's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Bologna

Shoulder

Bologna is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Bologna

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
3.7
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Bologna in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 9°C / 47°F 1°C / 34°F 48 mm 7
February 11°C / 52°F 3°C / 37°F 90 mm 9
March 15°C / 58°F 5°C / 40°F 58 mm 8
April 18°C / 65°F 8°C / 47°F 61 mm 9
May 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 129 mm 12
June 28°C / 83°F 18°C / 64°F 57 mm 8
July 31°C / 89°F 20°C / 69°F 51 mm 8
August 31°C / 87°F 20°C / 67°F 51 mm 8
September 25°C / 78°F 16°C / 60°F 67 mm 8
October 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 53°F 61 mm 8
November 14°C / 56°F 7°C / 44°F 101 mm 11
December 9°C / 48°F 2°C / 36°F 63 mm 9

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bologna in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Bologna in December?

In December, Bologna averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Bologna in December?

December sees occasional rain in Bologna, with about 9 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Bologna?

December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Bologna in December?

Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Bologna for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Bologna on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.