Things to Do in Palermo in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Palermo
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect walking weather with temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F) - ideal for exploring Palermo's medieval streets and markets without summer's oppressive heat
- Significantly fewer cruise ship tourists - major attractions like Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina have 60% shorter queues compared to summer months
- Christmas market season transforms Piazza Politeama and Via Ruggero Settimo into festive shopping areas with local crafts and seasonal foods from early December through January 6th
- Restaurant terraces use heaters and serve hearty winter specialties like pasta con sarde and caponata - you'll experience authentic Sicilian comfort food rather than tourist-focused summer menus
Considerations
- Daylight ends by 5:00 PM, limiting afternoon sightseeing time and making evening photography challenging for architectural sites
- Beach activities at Mondello are essentially impossible - water temperature drops to 16°C (61°F) and most beach clubs close from November through March
- Rain occurs on roughly 10 days throughout the month, often as sudden downpours that can disrupt outdoor market visits and walking tours for 30-60 minutes at a time
Best Activities in December
Historic Center Walking Tours
December's cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures make extended walking through Palermo's UNESCO sites comfortable without summer's draining heat. The Quattro Canti, Ballarò Market, and Cathedral district are perfect for morning exploration when crowds are minimal. Rain typically comes in short bursts, making covered markets like Vucciria ideal backup options.
Cooking Class Experiences
December is peak season for traditional Sicilian winter cooking - you'll learn to prepare seasonal specialties like pasta con broccoli arriminati and cuddura bread that aren't taught in summer classes. Indoor venues provide perfect shelter from December's variable weather while connecting with local culinary traditions.
Monreale Cathedral Excursions
The 8 km (5 mile) journey to Monreale is perfect in December's clear, crisp air when visibility for mountain views is excellent. The cathedral's Byzantine mosaics are dramatically lit during December's shorter days, creating an almost mystical atmosphere that summer's harsh light cannot match.
Street Food Market Tours
December brings seasonal specialties to Palermo's markets - warm arancini varieties, fresh ricotta-filled pastries, and hot spleen sandwiches that locals crave in cooler weather. The covered sections of Ballarò and Capo markets provide shelter during rain while offering authentic winter street food experiences.
Teatro Massimo Opera Performances
December marks the height of opera season at Europe's third-largest opera house. The theater's heating creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for evening performances when outdoor sightseeing becomes limited by early darkness. December programming typically features holiday-themed performances and classic Italian operas.
December Events & Festivals
Mercatini di Natale (Christmas Markets)
Traditional Christmas markets operate in Piazza Politeama and Via Ruggero Settimo featuring Sicilian crafts, nativity scenes, and regional holiday foods like buccellato cookies and cannoli. These markets showcase local artisans rather than generic European Christmas goods.
Feast of Santa Lucia
December 13th celebration honoring Palermo's beloved saint with special arancina di riso preparations and traditional foods. Local bakeries create special lucia bread, and families gather for communal meals featuring no wheat products in honor of the saint's legend.
New Year's Celebrations at Quattro Canti
Palermo's baroque crossroads becomes the center of New Year's festivities with live music, local food vendors, and midnight celebrations. Unlike tourist-heavy destinations, this remains a local celebration with authentic Sicilian traditions.