Italy, Europe

The Amalfi Coast in December

Nativity scenes and Christmas lights in Amalfi town are charming, but most of the coast is closed.

Quiet valueCool, highs near 59F (15C), wet

Positano, the Amalfi Coast — The Amalfi CoastPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit the Amalfi Coast. Nativity scenes and Christmas lights in Amalfi town are charming, but most of the coast is closed.

Weather: Cool, highs near 59F (15C), wet
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in the Amalfi Coast

December is cool and wet, with highs near 59F (15C). Most of the coast is closed. Amalfi town is the exception, with Christmas lights and nativity scenes that give it a cozy feel. Ferries barely run, so travel is by bus or car. It is quiet and inexpensive.

It suits travelers who want a peaceful Christmas-season stop, maybe paired with Naples or Sorrento. It is not a beach or boat trip, and many of the famous hotels and restaurants will be shut. For the full Amalfi experience, with the sea warm and every town open, plan for May, June, or September.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about the Amalfi Coast this month.

Nativity scenes in Amalfi

The town sets up nativity scenes around the season. They are charming on an evening walk.

Christmas lights in the piazza

Amalfi's square and cathedral steps are lit for the holidays. It feels local and calm.

Winter sea views

On clear days, the coast looks sharp and empty. Short walks between Amalfi and Atrani are easy.

What to pack for December

A warm, waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes
Layers for cool evenings
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Stay in Amalfi town, where more places stay open, and plan transport by bus or car since ferries are rare.

Book The Amalfi Coast for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Amalfi Coast
Opens a hotel search for The Amalfi Coast in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The Amalfi Coast
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The Amalfi Coast
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Amalfi Coast for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

Full guide

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

Start in Bomerano above Agerola and walk down toward Nocelle and Positano. Go early; there is little shade and it gets hot by late morning.

Tickets and tours →

Villa Rufolo, Ravello

The terrace garden view that inspired Wagner, and the stage for the summer Ravello Festival concerts.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Walk the long garden path to the Terrace of Infinity at the end; mornings are quieter before tour groups arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea)

The striped facade at the top of the steps dominates the town square. The Cloister of Paradise sits beside it.

Tickets and tours →

Positano by ferry

Arriving by boat is faster and prettier than the road in summer. Ferries run roughly spring through autumn, not in deep winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Pompeii

A full day trip. Go at opening and bring water; the site has very little shade.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Stay in one of the smaller towns (Praiano, Atrani, or Minori) and day-trip into Positano and Amalfi before 10am or after 5pm, when the tour buses and day boats are gone.
Use the ferries instead of the SITA buses between Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano in summer. Buses fill fast and the road traffic can double journey times.
Hike the Path of the Gods at first light. By late morning the trail is busy and exposed to full sun.
Shift to the first two weeks of June or the second half of September for the best balance of warm sea and manageable crowds.

Know before you go

From roughly November to March, a large share of hotels and restaurants in Positano and the smaller towns close. Amalfi town and nearby Sorrento stay more open through winter.
Ferry service between Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri generally runs from about Easter to late October or early November, then shrinks sharply or stops. Always check the current timetable.
Beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas generally operate from May to early October only.
Around Easter and Italian public holidays, especially Ferragosto on August 15, expect sold-out hotels and packed buses.

The Amalfi Coast in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit the Amalfi Coast. Nativity scenes and Christmas lights in Amalfi town are charming, but most of the coast is closed.

What is the weather like in the Amalfi Coast in December?

Cool, highs near 59F (15C), wet.

Is the Amalfi Coast crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in the Amalfi Coast; most sights can be done without long waits.