Things to Do in Bari in December

December Weather in Bari

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Mild winter temperatures (14°C/57°F highs) perfect for walking Città Vecchia's stone streets without summer's scorching 35°C+ heat
December produces the year's best olive oil - frantoi (mills) across Puglia offer tastings and you'll find the freshest olio nuovo in markets and restaurants
Tourist numbers drop 75% from summer peaks, meaning you can explore Basilica di San Nicola and Castello Svevo without crowds, plus restaurant reservations are easy
Christmas markets transform Piazza del Ferrarese and Via Sparano with local crafts, taralli stalls, and mulled wine from early December through January 6th

Considerations

Daylight ends by 4:30 PM, limiting afternoon sightseeing and coastal activities - plan major attractions for 10 AM-2 PM window
Many coastal restaurants and beach clubs close from mid-December to February, reducing dining options outside the historic center
Rain occurs on 10 days throughout the month, often as sudden downpours lasting 1-2 hours that can disrupt outdoor market visits and walking tours

Best Activities in December

Città Vecchia Walking Tours

December's cool temperatures (14°C/57°F) make exploring Bari's medieval old town comfortable - no summer heat exhaustion while climbing Castello Svevo's ramparts or wandering narrow alleys. Fewer tourists mean better photos at Basilica di San Nicola and more interaction with locals making orecchiette pasta in Via dell'Arco Basso. The low UV index (3) means minimal sun protection needed.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead for €25-40 per person. Look for licensed guides certified by Puglia tourism board. Morning tours (10 AM start) work best given early sunset. See current options in booking section below.

Puglia Olive Oil Mill Experiences

December is harvest season's end, when frantoi produce olio nuovo - the year's freshest olive oil with peppery bite and bright green color. Mills within 30 km (18.6 miles) of Bari offer tastings paired with local breads and cheeses. Cool weather makes countryside drives pleasant, and you'll avoid summer's tourist bus crowds at premium producers.

Booking Tip: Reserve mill visits 10-14 days ahead, typically €35-55 per person including tastings. Many close Sundays. Transport usually not included - rent a car or book through tour operators with transfers. See current tours in booking section below.

Traditional Cooking Classes

December brings seasonal ingredients like cardoncelli mushrooms and winter vegetables perfect for Pugliese cuisine. Indoor cooking classes are ideal when afternoon rain interrupts outdoor plans. Learn orecchiette making, focaccia barese techniques, and winter specialties like cartellate Christmas sweets. Classes run 3-4 hours with lunch included.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead, prices range €65-95 per person. Look for classes in traditional homes or cooking schools with English instruction. Many offer market visits before cooking. See current options in booking section below.

Christmas Market Exploration

From December 8th through January 6th, Bari's Christmas markets fill Piazza del Ferrarese and surrounding streets. Cool evening temperatures (6-10°C/43-50°F) create perfect atmosphere for browsing local crafts, sampling taralli and panettone, plus drinking vin brulé (mulled wine). Markets stay open until 10 PM, taking advantage of early darkness.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - markets are free to enter. Budget €15-25 for snacks and drinks, €10-50 for crafts. Peak times are weekends 6-9 PM. Bring cash as many vendors don't accept cards.

Coastal Town Day Trips

December's mild weather and lack of summer crowds make Polignano a Mare and Monopoli perfect for day trips. Temperatures around 12-14°C (54-57°F) allow comfortable exploration of clifftop towns without beach activities. Train connections run hourly, taking 30-45 minutes. Historic centers remain fully accessible with restaurants and shops open.

Booking Tip: Regional trains cost €3-5 each way, no advance booking needed. Guided day tours cost €45-75 per person including transport. Private car tours accommodate 2-8 people for €200-350 total. See current tour options in booking section below.

Archaeological Site Visits

Cool December weather makes exploring outdoor sites like Egnazia (40 km/25 miles south) comfortable without summer's intense sun. The ancient Roman port city offers excellent preservation with minimal tourist crowds. Indoor museum sections provide warm shelter during rain showers. Sites typically close by 5 PM, aligning with short daylight hours.

Booking Tip: Entry fees €6-12, guided tours €20-35 extra. Book transportation separately or join organized tours for €55-85 per person. Many sites close Mondays. Check weather forecast and visit during clear morning periods. See current options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through December 25th

Festa di San Nicola Preparation

Throughout December, Basilica di San Nicola prepares for the saint's feast day with special decorations and extended visiting hours. Local bakeries produce traditional San Nicola cookies and sweets. While the main celebration is in May, December brings unique Christmas-themed observances.

December 8th - January 6th

Mercatino di Natale

Bari's official Christmas market transforms the historic center with over 60 stalls selling local crafts, regional foods, and holiday decorations. Live music performances occur weekends, and children's activities run Saturday afternoons. Local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like ceramic painting and wood carving.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots - Città Vecchia's ancient stone streets become slippery when wet, and rain occurs on 10 days

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 8°C (14°F) between day and night, plus indoor heating varies significantly

Compact umbrella - December showers are brief but intense, often lasting 1-2 hours in afternoon

Light wool sweater - essential for evening temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F) when exploring outdoor Christmas markets

Waterproof day pack - protects cameras and documents during unexpected rain while sightseeing

Comfortable indoor shoes - many churches require covered feet, and you'll spend time in museums during rainy periods

Power bank - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and increased phone usage for photos and navigation

Warm scarf - coastal winds increase perceived cold, especially near Porto Vecchio and lungomare areas

Quick-dry clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes longer to dry if caught in rain

Small flashlight - some historic building interiors have limited lighting, and sunset occurs by 4:30 PM

Insider Knowledge

Restaurant lunch hours shift in December - many close 2:30-6:30 PM instead of summer's longer breaks, so plan meals accordingly

Local buses run reduced Sunday schedules in December, but Christmas market shuttle buses operate free on weekends from Stazione Centrale

Book accommodation with heating - older buildings in Città Vecchia may have minimal heating systems, and nights reach 6°C (43°F)

Shop at Mercato Coperto (covered market) during rain - vendors move operations indoors and prices stay consistent unlike street markets