Pondering a visit to the bucolic rural region of Umbria during the winter, but aren't sure if it’s worth the effort to visit in the off-season?

Though the best times of year to explore the hill towns and rolling countryside of central Italy are spring and fall—with mild temperatures, sparse crowds, and a plethora of cultural and food festivals—Umbria can still captivate during the somber winter months, given some advance planning. If you are contemplating a winter trip between December and March, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.