Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in December

December Weather in Amalfi Coast

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic winter seascapes with powerful waves crashing against cliffs - photography conditions are spectacular with moody skies and clear, crisp air
Hotel rates drop 60-70% from summer peaks - luxury clifftop hotels with sea views available for €80-120/night compared to €300+ in July
Authentic local experience as restaurants and shops cater to residents, not tourists - you'll eat where locals eat and see genuine daily life
Perfect hiking weather with temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) during the day - the Path of the Gods offers crystal-clear views without summer's oppressive heat

Considerations

Most beach clubs and seaside restaurants close from November through March - the glamorous summer beach scene simply doesn't exist
Ferry services to Capri run limited schedules (often only weekends) and cancel frequently due to rough seas - island hopping becomes unpredictable
Daylight hours are short with sunset around 4:30 PM - you'll have limited time for outdoor sightseeing and coastal walks

Best Activities in December

Coastal Hiking Tours

December offers ideal hiking conditions with cool temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) and crystal-clear visibility. The Path of the Gods and Valle delle Ferriere trails are accessible without summer crowds, and winter light creates dramatic photographic conditions. Morning hikes (9 AM start) take advantage of the best light before afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Book through certified mountain guides 7-10 days ahead. Group tours typically cost €25-45 per person, private guides €150-200 for up to 6 people. Look for guides with CAI (Italian Alpine Club) certification. Check weather 24 hours before as trails close during heavy rain.

Authentic Cooking Classes

Winter cooking classes focus on seasonal ingredients like chestnuts, citrus, and preserved vegetables. Local families offer intimate sessions in their homes rather than tourist-oriented venues. December menus include traditional Christmas preparations like struffoli and capitone. Classes run 3-4 hours and include market visits.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead through local cultural centers or farm stays. Expect €60-90 per person including meal and recipes. Look for classes that include market visits to Amalfi's Tuesday and Saturday markets. Family-run experiences offer better value than hotel programs.

Historic Villa and Garden Tours

December is perfect for exploring Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo without crowds. Gardens showcase winter blooms and architectural details are visible without summer's lush overgrowth. Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity offers unobstructed views, and indoor spaces like the cloisters provide shelter during brief rain showers.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets on-site - no advance booking needed in December. Entry fees: €7-12 per villa. Visit between 10 AM-2 PM for best light. Combined tickets for multiple villas save 15-20%. Audio guides available in multiple languages for €5.

Traditional Ceramics Workshops

Vietri sul Mare's ceramics workshops welcome visitors during the quiet season. Master artisans have time for detailed instruction in traditional Amalfi coast designs. December workshops focus on creating pieces perfect for holiday gifts. Sessions include painting, glazing, and learning about 500-year-old techniques.

Booking Tip: Contact workshops directly 5-7 days ahead. Half-day sessions cost €45-75 including materials and firing. Pieces can be shipped internationally for €15-25. Look for workshops in the historic ceramic quarter near Vietri's marina.

Lemon Grove and Limoncello Tours

December is harvest season for Sfusato Amalfitano lemons. Private grove tours include tastings of fresh citrus, traditional preservation methods, and limoncello production. Winter weather is ideal for walking through terraced groves without summer heat. Tours often include visits to family-run operations closed to summer tourists.

Booking Tip: Book directly with agriturismi (farm stays) 3-5 days ahead. Tours cost €20-35 per person including tastings and bottle to take home. Many combine with lunch featuring lemon-based dishes. Transportation often included from main coastal towns.

Thermal Spa Experiences

Indoor spa treatments and thermal baths provide perfect refuge during December's cooler, wetter days. Natural thermal springs in nearby Castellammare di Stabia offer heated pools year-round. Spa hotels provide day packages combining thermal baths, massages, and regional cuisine. Ideal for rainy afternoon activities.

Booking Tip: Reserve spa packages 1-2 weeks ahead. Day passes for thermal facilities: €25-45. Full spa packages with treatments: €80-150. Many hotels offer half-day packages including lunch. Check for midweek discounts up to 30%.

December Events & Festivals

December 26-January 6

Presepe Vivente (Living Nativity) in Maiori

Traditional living nativity with local residents in period costume, set in Maiori's historic center. Features authentic crafts, traditional foods, and torch-lit processions through medieval streets. One of the coast's most atmospheric Christmas traditions.

December 13

Feast of Santa Lucia

Traditional celebration in coastal towns featuring processions, special foods like cuccia (wheat berry dessert), and evening torch-light walks. Particularly beautiful in Amalfi's historic cathedral square with candlelit ceremonies.

December 31

New Year's Concert in Ravello

Annual classical concert in Villa Rufolo featuring internationally acclaimed musicians. Intimate setting with stunning views over the Gulf of Salerno. Part of Ravello's year-round classical music program.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - coastal paths become slippery when wet, and you'll walk on uneven stone steps daily

Packable down jacket for evening temperatures dropping to 8°C (46°F) - essential for sunset viewings and evening walks

Compact umbrella plus lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers are brief but frequent (10 rainy days expected)

Layered clothing system - mornings start cool at 8°C (46°F) but afternoons reach 15°C (59°F) with lots of microclimates

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - you'll climb hundreds of stone steps between towns, and surfaces are often damp

Warm sleepwear - many historic hotels have minimal heating and stone buildings stay cool even with radiators

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - winter sun reflects strongly off white stone buildings and sea, UV index still reaches 3

Power bank for phones - shorter daylight means more navigation in low light, and you'll take many photos in dramatic conditions

Cash in small bills - many family restaurants and small shops prefer cash, especially during slower winter season

Warm hat and light gloves for early morning and evening activities - wind chill off the sea makes it feel colder than actual temperature

Insider Knowledge

Take hydrofoil ferries in the morning (before 11 AM) when seas are calmest - afternoon services to islands frequently cancel due to winter swells

Restaurant lunch service often ends at 2 PM and dinner doesn't start until 7:30 PM in December - plan your meal times accordingly or you'll find everything closed

Book accommodations with heating and hot water guarantees - some budget places turn off heating during the day to save costs, and old buildings can be surprisingly cold

Public buses run reduced schedules on Sundays and holidays in December - check SITA bus timetables the day before travel to avoid being stranded between towns