Palermo Holiday Weather Overview
As the capital of Italy's most famous island Sicily, Palermo is a popular tourist destination. Although not as popular as Rome, Venice or Naples, Palermo offers its own distinct history and insight into Italian culture. With its own unique language and heritage, there is much to be explored in the coastal city.
Once its own independent state, Sicily is unique in its culture and will offer a different experience for those familiar with traditional Italy. Situated on the Gulf of Palermo, the city is a large port town that is slowly recovering from the devastating effects of WWII.
There are still several notable monuments that visitors will find interesting. These include the catacombs of the Capuchin convent, which house the ancestral remains of the ancient city. The Gesu Church offers to best example of the Sicilian Baroque period, which is responsible for putting Sicily's national architectural identity on the map.
Tourists are warned to avoid traveling alone outside the city centre. However, there is plenty to see in the city centre with several restaurants offering excellent Sicilian food and live entertainment. The most famous eatery is Antica Focacceria S. Francesco located across from the S. Francesco church.
When is the best month to visit Palermo?
The most popular time to visit the island city is during the height of summer. During July and August, when temperatures are at their highest, Sicily becomes inundated with holidaymakers from both abroad and the Italian mainland. However, since weather in Palermo can be quite warm, the winter months are a better time for sightseeing. Since Palermo weather can be quite hot during the summer, those that plan on doing walking tours of the city may find fall or winter a more pleasant time to visit.
Climate in Palermo
Boasting a hot Mediterranean climate, temperatures in Palermo rarely drop lower than 15°C. Weather in Palermo is fairly consistent and rainfall light throughout the year. The summer months (July to September) are the hottest with temperatures reaching 30°C. The cool months of January and February see skiing on Mount Etna. Spring spans March to June and is pleasant while the autumn months of October and November see olive harvest.
Palermo, a city in Southern Italy, enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate.
Summer in Palermo
Summer, from June till September, experiences both the hottest and dry climate with the average high of 27°C while the low stands around 21°C. July and August are the hottest months of the year when the average high climbs to 29°C. During the season, Palermo receives a little rainfall. Sea temperatures, on the other hand, become mild and enjoyable with the average high of 25°C.
Autumn in Palermo
Autumn in Palermo sees abundant of rainfall. The season brings mild temperatures with the average high of 20°C and plenty of sunny weather. October is the wettest month of the year when the city receives around 100mm of precipitation. Although October sees around 160 hours of sunshine, November, the last month of the season gets no more than 110 hours.
Winter in Palermo
The winter months, from December till February, brings more enjoyable climate than many other European cities. Throughout the season temperature hardly drops bellow 12°C while the high stands at 15°C. However, winter sees a great level of rainfall as January, the coldest month of the year, receives around 70mm of rainfall.
Spring in Palermo
Spring, March till May, is one of the best seasons to visit Palermo. Temperatures of the season fluctuates between 12°C -18°C and the climate remains temperate and warm enough for peaceful and enjoyable days. The level of precipitation decreases during the season as May gets only 25mm of precipitation.
What to pack and wear in Palermo?
Most of the city is fairly casual and tourists will find they are most comfortable in lighter clothing due to the high temperatures. As most of the city can be explored on foot, sturdy walking shoes are a good idea. During the cooler months (December to February), visitors will want a heavier jacket as Palermo weather can sometimes drop into cooler temperatures ranging in the low teens.
Best months to visit Palermo?
May and June are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Palermo. The weather averages gathered from Palermo weather forecast and Palermo weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 22°c and average of 275.7333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Palermo?
February and January are the coldest months with temperature at around 8°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Palermo?
October and February receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 108.97mm.
Travelling to Palermo? Check out our Weather averages of Palermo to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Palermo section.