Things to do in Montalcino in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Montalcino. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 37—52°F (3—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Montalcino during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a scenic hike in the Val d'Orcia, visit the Montalcino Christmas Nativity Scene, indulge in a traditional Italian hot chocolate, and more!

Montalcino has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Montalcino. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Montalcino in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Montalcino in December

Top experiences in December
Take a scenic hike in the Val d'Orcia
The rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the Val d'Orcia are particularly beautiful in December, with the soft winter light casting a magical glow over the countryside. Embarking on a hike in this UNESCO World Heritage site allows you to soak up the natural beauty of the region and enjoy the tranquility of the winter season.
Visit the Montalcino Christmas Nativity Scene
The town of Montalcino is known for its elaborate and beautifully crafted Christmas Nativity Scene, which is displayed in a prominent location for all to admire. Visiting the Nativity Scene in December allows you to witness this cherished holiday tradition and marvel at the intricate details of the handmade figurines and scenery.
Indulge in a traditional Italian hot chocolate
In December, the chilly weather provides the perfect excuse to warm up with a decadent cup of Italian hot chocolate. Montalcino's charming cafes and pastry shops offer the perfect setting to savor this rich and creamy treat, which is often served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Visit the Abbey of Sant'Antimo
This ancient Benedictine monastery, located just outside of Montalcino, is a stunning architectural and historical gem. In December, you can experience the abbey's serene atmosphere and perhaps even attend a traditional Gregorian chant performance, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to your visit.
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Explore the Christmas markets in Montalcino
During December, the town comes alive with festive Christmas markets, where you can browse a variety of stalls selling local crafts, artisanal goods, and delicious holiday treats. The markets offer a wonderful opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere and pick up some unique gifts and souvenirs.
Take a winery tour and tasting at a local vineyard
Montalcino is renowned for its world-class wines, particularly the famous Brunello di Montalcino. Visiting a local winery in December offers a unique opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, sample some exceptional wines, and enjoy the picturesque vineyard views in the winter season.
Attend a traditional Italian cooking class
December is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Italy. Joining a cooking class in Montalcino allows you to learn how to prepare classic Italian dishes, such as homemade pasta and hearty winter stews, under the guidance of a skilled local chef.
Go truffle hunting in the surrounding countryside
December is truffle season in Montalcino, and the region is known for its prized white truffles. Embarking on a truffle hunting excursion with a knowledgeable guide offers a unique opportunity to search for these elusive treasures in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
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Holidays in Montalcino in December
December
  • The Feast of St. Ambrose (December 7)
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • St. Stephen's Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Montalcino in December

Temperatures on an average day in Montalcino in December

The average temperature in Montalcino in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 37°F (3°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Montalcino, August, has days with highs of 90°F (32°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 49°F (10°C) and lows of 35°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Montalcino in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
52°F
highs
37°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
19%
Chance of rain
0.077 in
Amount
12.1 mph
Wind speed
87%
Humidity
9.1 hrs
Daylight length
7:36 AM
Sunrise
4:40 PM
Sunset
48%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 37°F (3°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Montalcino in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Montalcino has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Montalcino that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Montalcino for December.
Abbey of Sant'Antimo
1. Abbey of Sant'Antimo
4.7
(4006)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Romanesque abbey in a scenic area with regular Mass times & a tranquil garden.
Enoteca la Fortezza di Montalcino Srl
2. Enoteca la Fortezza di Montalcino Srl
4.3
(841)
Wine store
Sights & Landmarks
Warm wine merchant in a 14th-c. fortress offering local & international wines, with tastings.
Ciacci Piccolomini D'Aragona
3. Ciacci Piccolomini D'Aragona
4.8
(113)
Winery
Food & Drink
Enoteca la Fortezza di Montalcino Srl
4. Enoteca la Fortezza di Montalcino Srl
4.3
(841)
Wine store
Sights & Landmarks
Warm wine merchant in a 14th-c. fortress offering local & international wines, with tastings.
Castello Banfi - Il Borgo
5. Castello Banfi - Il Borgo
4.8
(523)
Hotel
Food & Drink
Chic luxury hotel in a converted medieval castle with 2 restaurants, a wine bar & an outdoor pool.
Podere Il Cocco
6. Podere Il Cocco
4.8
(115)
Winery
Food & Drink
Cozy rooms in a 15th-century farmhouse offering wine tastings, free breakfast & a garden.
Fattoria dei Barbi
7. Fattoria dei Barbi
4.3
(196)
Winery
Food & Drink
Castiglion del Bosco
8. Castiglion del Bosco
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
Poggio Rubino
9. Poggio Rubino
4.7
(45)
Vineyard
Food & Drink
Enoteca Di Piazza WINE ROOM Of Fedolfi Andrea Sas
10. Enoteca Di Piazza WINE ROOM Of Fedolfi Andrea Sas
4.3
(104)
Wine store
Food & Drink
Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencioni - Brunello di Montalcino Winery
11. Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencioni - Brunello di Montalcino Winery
4.8
(203)
Winery
Food & Drink
Máté Winery
12. Máté Winery
4.9
(34)
Winery
Food & Drink
Podere Le Ripi
13. Podere Le Ripi
4.7
(119)
Winery
Food & Drink
Altesino Suites
14. Altesino Suites
4.8
(18)
Hotel
Food & Drink
Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino
15. Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino
4.6
(110)
Winery
Food & Drink
Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo
16. Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo
4.7
(18)
Winery
Food & Drink

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Montalcino?

Get inspired for your trip to Montalcino with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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