Early winter · Weather & things to do
Syracuse in December
Syracuse cools off: highs slip to 61°F (16°C), from 69°F in November, with lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain.
It scores 82/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (82 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 28 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 61°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 48°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.2 in (82 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 28 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March – May and October & November).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 28 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 88/100 in November to 82/100.
- Our Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Syracuse in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
One of Europe's major Greek archaeology collections.
Ortigia
Island old town of limestone lanes, sea walls and small piazzas.
Planeta Buonivini
Planeta's Noto estate offering Nero d'Avola and olive oil tastings.
Caseificio Borderi
Ortigia market cheesemonger known for huge made-to-order sandwiches.
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Coastal reserve with lagoons, flamingos and undeveloped beaches.
Why now December scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in December
- Taormina in December~54 mi · highs 58°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Palermo in December~128 mi · highs 60°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Amalfi in December~249 mi · highs 59°F, 4.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Ravello in December~250 mi · highs 55°F, 4.0 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~243 m to Syracuse's ~20 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Syracuse in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Syracuse?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 82/100 against a best of 97 in March – May and October & November. Expect highs of 61°F (16°C) and 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain. Our Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Syracuse in December?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Syracuse in December?
Some: about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 21.2 in (539 mm).
What should I pack for Syracuse in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.2 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Syracuse
Planning Syracuse in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.