When to Visit Palermo
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the heart of Palermo's mild winter, with temperatures hovering around 14°C (58°F) during the day and dipping to 9°C (48°F) at night. Rain is fairly common with nearly 4 inches for the month, so you'll want an umbrella handy. The city is quiet with few tourists, making it a good time for budget travelers who don't mind the occasional drizzly day.
February
February stays similarly cool and wet, actually bringing the second-highest rainfall of the year at 4.3 inches. Temperatures remain mild though, with highs around 14°C (58°F), so it never feels truly cold. The almond blossoms start appearing toward month's end, which is lovely if you catch a sunny day between the showers.
March
March marks the beginning of spring with temperatures climbing to 16°C (61°F) and rainfall starting to ease up a bit to 3.1 inches. You'll see more sunny days mixed in with the rainy ones, and the city starts coming alive with spring blooms. It's still shoulder season, so prices remain reasonable and crowds are manageable.
April
April is when Palermo really starts to shine, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 18°C (65°F) and rainfall dropping to 2.6 inches. The weather is perfect for exploring the city's markets, Norman palaces, and outdoor cafes without overheating. This is one of the best months to visit if you want pleasant weather without the summer crowds.
May
May brings genuinely warm weather with highs around 23°C (73°F) and rainfall dropping significantly to just 1.4 inches. The Mediterranean is warming up enough for brave swimmers, and the city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor dining. Crowds are picking up as summer approaches, but it's still more manageable than peak season.
June
June kicks off summer proper with temperatures hitting 27°C (80°F) and rainfall becoming almost negligible at 0.7 inches. The beaches fill up with locals and tourists alike, and the long daylight hours make it perfect for extended sightseeing. This is the start of high season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices, though it's slightly less intense than July-August.
July
July is peak summer with temperatures climbing to 29°C (85°F) and virtually no rain—just 0.3 inches for the entire month. The heat can be intense for walking around the city during midday, but the beaches are perfect and the evening passeggiata culture is in full swing. This is the busiest month with the highest prices, so book accommodations well in advance.
August
August is the hottest month at 30°C (86°F), and interestingly, many Palermitans actually leave the city for vacation, which can give parts of town a quieter feel despite the tourist crowds. Rainfall ticks up slightly to 1.3 inches, though it's still quite dry. The heat is real, so plan indoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours.
September
September is many travelers' favorite month—temperatures moderate to a very pleasant 27°C (81°F), the sea is at its warmest after a summer of heating up, and crowds start thinning out after schools resume. Rainfall increases slightly to 2.6 inches, but you'll still have plenty of sunny days. Prices begin dropping from peak season rates.
October
October offers lovely autumn weather with highs around 23°C (74°F), though rainfall picks up noticeably to 4.2 inches as the wet season approaches. Early October tends to be more reliable than late October for dry weather. The tourist season is winding down, making it a good time for those seeking fewer crowds while still enjoying decent weather.
November
November sees temperatures cooling to 19°C (66°F) and brings the second-wettest conditions of the year with 4.6 inches of rain. The city takes on a quieter, more local feel as tourism drops off significantly. It's not unpleasant if you don't mind the rain—temperatures are still mild—and you'll find great deals on accommodations.
December
December is the wettest month with 4.9 inches of rain, though temperatures remain mild at 16°C (60°F)—you definitely won't need a heavy winter coat. The Christmas markets and decorations add charm to the rainy days, and tourist numbers are low except around the holidays. It's a good time for budget travelers who want to experience authentic local life.