Weather in Palermo

Planning a trip or just curious about the weather in Palermo? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and useful charts.

Palermo, located on the sunny island of Sicily in Italy, boasts a typical Mediterranean climate. This means travellers can expect hot, dry summers and mild, moderately wet winters here. The city enjoys a large number of sunny days per year, making it an attractive destination at almost any time.

The summer months, especially July and August, are characterised by high temperatures that can reach 29-30°C, and minimal rainfall. This is the perfect time for a beach holiday and enjoying the warm sea water. Winters in Palermo are mild, with an average temperature of around 10-13°C, and although the number of rainy days increases (especially in November and January), the total amount of precipitation remains low. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with comfortable temperatures and a moderate amount of sunny days, perfectly suited for excursions and walking around the city.

The climate of Palermo is characterised by noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations, but without extreme values. The hottest months are July and August, when the average temperature hovers around 26.4°C, and daytime highs regularly reach almost 30°C. January and February are considered the coolest, with an average temperature of about 10.7-10.9°C and minimum night-time values dropping to 8.2-8.3°C. Overall, the annual temperature range is comfortable for visiting the city at any time of the year, depending on your preferences.

The summer months in Palermo are a realm of sun and warmth. Starting from June, when the average temperature is already 23.1°C (with highs up to 26.7°C), the thermometer steadily climbs. In July and August, the daytime heat can be quite palpable, with maximum air temperatures reaching 29.7-29.9°C. Nights bring pleasant relief but remain very warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 22-23°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer average 6-7°C, ensuring comfortable evenings after a hot day, ideal for walks along the promenade or dining al fresco.

Winter in Palermo is distinguished by its mildness and lack of severe cold. From December to February, average daytime temperatures range between 13-15°C (for example, in December the maximum average temperature is 14.5°C, and in January 13.0°C), making city walks and sightseeing quite pleasant. At night, the temperature drops but rarely falls below 8-9°C (minimum average in January is 8.3°C, in February 8.2°C), so severe frosts are practically non-existent here. Daily temperature variations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to about 4-5°C. Such weather is ideal for those who prefer to avoid summer heat and the harsh winter conditions typical of many other regions.

In Palermo, as in many Mediterranean cities, there is a clearly defined seasonality in precipitation distribution, although the total amount throughout the year remains low. Winter and late autumn bring more rainy days, while summer is characterised by dry weather. Snow is an extremely rare phenomenon for Palermo, so precipitation here is predominantly in the form of rain.

The summer months, especially July, are the driest of the year. In July, as a rule, there is no precipitation at all (0 mm) and there are only about 2 rainy days. June and August are also very dry: on average, only 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is small – 3 days in June and 5 days in August. This period is ideal for those who want to enjoy the sun without fear of getting caught in the rain.

The highest amount of precipitation and rainy days occurs in late autumn and winter. The "wettest" month is considered to be November, when about 3 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 13. January also stands out with a high frequency of precipitation (12 rainy days), although the total amount is about 2 mm. Overall, even during the rainiest periods, precipitation in Palermo is most often not heavy downpours, but rather moderate or light rains alternating with clear spells. Spring months, such as March and April, and the beginning of autumn (September) are characterised by a moderate amount of precipitation and rainy days.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Palermo, it is important to consider its Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Regardless of the season, comfortable shoes for long walks along cobblestone streets are your main companion. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also be useful all year round, as the sun in Sicily is active even in the cooler months. The principle of layering clothes is an excellent strategy for Palermo, as it will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, especially in the off-season when the weather can be changeable.

If your trip falls during the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature can reach 26-30°C and precipitation is extremely rare (especially in July, when there is practically none), focus mainly on light and breathable clothing. Cotton and linen items, shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, swimwear (if you plan a beach holiday or a trip to the sea), and a hat for protection from the scorching sun will be very appropriate. Don't forget sandals or other open, comfortable footwear. Even with minimal precipitation, a light cover-up may be useful for evening walks.

For a trip to Palermo in winter (December-February), when the average temperature stays around 10-13°C and rains are possible (especially in November, January, and December, when there are 11-13 rainy days per month), it is worth taking warmer clothes with you. A light but windproof jacket or raincoat, a sweater or fleece, jeans or thick trousers will be appropriate. A compact umbrella or raincoat will also be useful, given the probability of precipitation, albeit not very abundant (2-3 mm per month). In the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) months, the weather is changeable: it can be warm during the day, up to 18-23°C, and cooler in the evening. Therefore, T-shirts, light jumpers, jeans, and a jacket that can be removed will be the optimal choice. Keep in mind that rainy days are possible even in these seasons, so a light waterproof jacket or umbrella will be useful.