Palermo has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with one of the warmest winters in Europe. The city sits on Sicily’s north coast in the Conca d’Oro (Golden Shell) plain, sheltered by Monte Pellegrino. Summers are long, hot and dry. Winters are mild and relatively wet. Palermo receives 610mm of annual rainfall, less than most Italian cities, with nearly all rain falling October through March.
Palermo Weather in January
January is the coldest month. Daytime highs average 15°C (59°F) with nighttime lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall totals 71mm over 10 rainy days. The Tyrrhenian Sea temperature sits at 15°C (59°F). Four hours of daily sunshine. This is the cheapest month for Palermo accommodation with empty streets and no queues at the Palazzo dei Normanni.
Palermo Weather in February
February is similar: highs of 15°C (59°F), lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall is 57mm over 8 days. Sea temperature at 14°C (57°F). Five hours of sunshine. The almond trees around the Conca d’Oro begin to blossom. The Carnevale di Palermo brings parades to the city streets.
Palermo Weather in March
March warms noticeably: highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is 47mm over 7 days. Sea temperature at 15°C (59°F). Six hours of sunshine. Good month for walking the markets of the Albergheria and Vucciria without summer heat or winter rain.
Palermo Weather in April
April brings spring proper. Highs reach 19°C (66°F) and lows 11°C (52°F). Rainfall drops to 43mm over 6 days. Sea temperature warms to 16°C (61°F). Seven hours of sunshine. Easter processions fill the streets of the Kalsa district.
Palermo Weather in May
May delivers warm, pleasant conditions. Highs climb to 23°C (73°F) and lows to 15°C (59°F). Rainfall is just 25mm over 4 days. Sea temperature at 18°C (64°F), still cool for swimming. Nine hours of sunshine. This is one of the best months for visiting, combining warmth with manageable tourist numbers. The Mondello beach begins its season in late May.
Palermo Weather in June
June starts the hot, dry summer. Highs average 27°C (81°F) and lows 19°C (66°F). Rainfall plummets to 9mm over 2 days. Sea temperature jumps to 21°C (70°F). Ten hours of sunshine. The summer beach season is in full swing at Mondello. Hotel prices begin their summer climb.
Palermo Weather in July
July is the hottest month. Highs reach 30°C (86°F) and lows 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is virtually zero at 5mm over 1 day. Sea temperature at 25°C (77°F). Eleven hours of sunshine. Sirocco winds from Africa can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for 2-3 day spells. Air conditioning is essential in your accommodation. Sightseeing is best before 11:00 or after 17:00.
Palermo Weather in August
August matches July’s heat: highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is 12mm over 2 days. Sea temperature peaks at 26°C (79°F). Ten hours of sunshine. This is the peak tourist month with the highest prices. Many Palermitani leave the city for coastal holidays, and some small shops and restaurants close for Ferragosto (August 15). The Festino di Santa Rosalia on July 14-15 is the city’s biggest celebration.
Palermo Weather in September
September remains summery. Highs average 27°C (81°F) and lows 20°C (68°F). Rainfall increases to 38mm over 5 days. Sea temperature stays at 25°C (77°F). Eight hours of sunshine. The sea is warmer than June and crowds thin after the first week. An excellent month for combining beach and sightseeing.
Palermo Weather in October
October brings autumn warmth. Highs reach 24°C (75°F) and lows 17°C (63°F). Rainfall jumps to 66mm over 7 days. Sea temperature at 22°C (72°F), still swimmable. Seven hours of sunshine. Rain frequency increases but days between showers remain warm and pleasant for exploring the street markets and Norman monuments.
Palermo Weather in November
November marks the rainy season. Highs drop to 20°C (68°F) and lows to 13°C (55°F). Rainfall totals 71mm over 9 days. Sea temperature at 19°C (66°F). Five hours of sunshine. Hotel rates drop 30-40% from October. The wet streets of the historic centre empty of tourists.
Palermo Weather in December
December is the wettest month. Highs reach 16°C (61°F) and lows 10°C (50°F). Rainfall peaks at 77mm over 11 days. Sea temperature at 17°C (63°F). Four hours of sunshine. Christmas markets appear in Piazza Politeama and the city decorates for the holidays. The second-lowest tourist month after January.
Palermo Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp (°C/°F) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 71 | 10 | 15 / 59 | 4 |
| Feb | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 57 | 8 | 14 / 57 | 5 |
| Mar | 17 / 63 | 9 / 48 | 47 | 7 | 15 / 59 | 6 |
| Apr | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 43 | 6 | 16 / 61 | 7 |
| May | 23 / 73 | 15 / 59 | 25 | 4 | 18 / 64 | 9 |
| Jun | 27 / 81 | 19 / 66 | 9 | 2 | 21 / 70 | 10 |
| Jul | 30 / 86 | 22 / 72 | 5 | 1 | 25 / 77 | 11 |
| Aug | 30 / 86 | 22 / 72 | 12 | 2 | 26 / 79 | 10 |
| Sep | 27 / 81 | 20 / 68 | 38 | 5 | 25 / 77 | 8 |
| Oct | 24 / 75 | 17 / 63 | 66 | 7 | 22 / 72 | 7 |
| Nov | 20 / 68 | 13 / 55 | 71 | 9 | 19 / 66 | 5 |
| Dec | 16 / 61 | 10 / 50 | 77 | 11 | 17 / 63 | 4 |
