Things to Do in Catania in December

December Weather in Catania

16°C (62°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

79 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Etna accessibility peaks - clearer skies mean better visibility to 2,900m (9,514 ft) elevation, with cable cars running consistently unlike summer's frequent weather closures
Peak citrus season transforms local markets - blood oranges, lemons, and mandarins are harvested fresh daily, creating incredible arancini and granita flavors unavailable other months
Christmas market season brings Via Etnea to life with local artisan stalls, roasted chestnuts, and evening concerts that showcase authentic Sicilian holiday traditions
Hotel rates drop 40-60% from October peaks while restaurants extend winter menus featuring wild boar, rabbit, and hearty pasta dishes that disappear in tourist season

Considerations

Unpredictable weather means outdoor plans need flexibility - morning sunshine can turn to afternoon rain within 30 minutes, requiring constant plan adjustments
Etna cable car closures happen without warning due to wind speeds exceeding 40 km/h (25 mph), potentially ruining planned volcano visits with no refunds
Many coastal restaurants and beach clubs close entirely December-February, limiting seaside dining options to just 3-4 year-round establishments

Best Activities in December

Mount Etna Winter Exploration

December offers the year's best Etna visibility with crisp air clearing volcanic haze. Snow caps create dramatic photography opportunities while lower tourist numbers mean unobstructed views from Rifugio Sapienza. Cable cars operate when wind permits, reaching 2,500m (8,202 ft) with guide access to 2,900m (9,514 ft). Morning tours have 85% success rate versus afternoon's 60% due to afternoon wind patterns.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures 7-10 days ahead through certified volcanic guides. Tours typically cost €45-75 including transport. Weather cancellations are common - choose operators offering same-day rebooking. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Historic Catania Walking Tours

December's cooler temperatures make extended walking comfortable through volcanic stone streets. Duomo, Roman Theater, and Castello Ursino are perfect in 16°C (62°F) weather versus summer's exhausting heat. Christmas decorations in Piazza del Duomo create magical evening atmospheres, while fewer crowds mean better access to architectural details and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking works well, but guided tours provide historical context for €15-25 per person. Book evening tours for Christmas lighting. Most tours last 2-3 hours covering 4-5 km (2.5 miles). See current options in the booking section below.

Sicilian Cooking Workshops

December brings winter ingredients perfect for authentic Sicilian cooking - fresh ricotta, seasonal vegetables, and citrus at peak ripeness. Indoor cooking classes are ideal during rainy days, with traditional dishes like caponata, arancini, and pasta alla norma using December's best produce. Local nonnas teach techniques impossible to learn in restaurants.

Booking Tip: Book classes 5-7 days ahead, typically €60-90 including meal and wine. Choose morning classes starting 10am to avoid afternoon rain. Most workshops last 4-5 hours with market visits. See current cooking class options in the booking section below.

La Pescheria Market Exploration

December fish markets showcase winter catches - swordfish, sea bream, and anchovies at peak quality. Morning visits (7am-11am) offer best selection while avoiding afternoon closures during rain. Vendors are less rushed than summer months, often explaining preparation methods and offering tastings of cured olives and cheeses.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but food tours cost €35-50 including tastings. Visit Tuesday-Saturday mornings before 11am. Bring cash for purchases - vendors rarely accept cards. Covered areas provide rain shelter. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Cyclops Coast Day Trips

December's clear air offers stunning views of the Faraglioni rocks at Aci Trezza without summer's haze. Cooler temperatures make coastal walking comfortable along the 8 km (5 mile) shoreline. Rough seas create dramatic wave action against volcanic rocks - perfect for photography but swimming is impossible.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost €25-40 including transport. Morning departures avoid afternoon rain. Bring wind-resistant jacket as coastal winds reach 30 km/h (19 mph). Most tours include Aci Castello visit. See current coastal tour options in the booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 13

Festa di Santa Lucia

December 13th celebration featuring traditional cuccia (wheat berry pudding) served throughout the city. Processions through Via Crociferi showcase elaborate religious artifacts while local bakeries create special arancini flavors available only this week.

Early December through January 6

Catania Christmas Markets

Via Etnea transforms into artisan market showcasing Sicilian ceramics, local wines, and traditional sweets like cannoli and cassata. Evening concerts feature traditional Sicilian folk music with performances typically starting 7pm weekends.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 6°C (43°F) but afternoons reach 16°C (62°F), requiring easy adjustment throughout the day

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - volcanic stone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-10 km (5-6 miles) daily exploring

Compact umbrella plus light rain jacket - December showers are brief but intense, often starting without warning

Wind-resistant outer layer - coastal areas and Etna generate winds up to 40 km/h (25 mph) that make temperatures feel 5°C (9°F) colder

Warm hat and gloves for Etna visits - temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) at cable car elevation with wind chill factors

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - cobblestone streets and uneven volcanic surfaces require stable footwear

Portable phone charger - December's shorter daylight hours mean more navigation app usage draining battery faster

Cash in small bills - many traditional vendors, especially at markets, don't accept cards for purchases under €20

Sunglasses despite winter season - UV index of 3 plus reflection from light-colored volcanic stone can cause eye strain

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants switch to winter menus featuring game meats and hearty stews unavailable in tourist season - ask for 'menu invernale' to access dishes like wild boar ragu

Etna's cable car weather updates post on Facebook at 7am daily - check before traveling as websites often show outdated information causing wasted trips

December fish at La Pescheria costs 30% less than summer months while quality peaks - vendors offer cooking tips for unfamiliar varieties like ricciola and dentice

Christmas Eve brings 'Vigilia' tradition where families skip meat for elaborate seafood meals - restaurants offer special seven-course fish dinners December 24th

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Etna tours without flexible cancellation policies - December weather closes cable cars 40% of days with no advance warning or refunds

Underestimating how cold volcanic stone feels in winter - wearing insufficient footwear leads to uncomfortable walking on chilled surfaces

Expecting summer restaurant hours - many establishments close 3pm-7pm in December, leaving tourists without lunch options if they arrive at 4pm