Palermo in January
Good time to visit
January is Palermo at its quietest and most authentic. You'll have the Palazzo dei Normanni practically to yourself, but bring layers and expect some soggy street food adventures.
Weather
January brings cool, damp weather to Palermo with frequent rain showers. Temperatures hover around a mild 15°C during the day, dropping to 8°C at night. The humidity stays high, and you'll see about 10 rainy days this month.
15°C high8°C low10 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$65/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Epiphany celebrations
- •La Befana festival
January Tips
- •Pack a good rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- •Many restaurants close on Mondays in winter - plan accordingly
- •Hotel rates are at their lowest, perfect for budget travelers
All Months
April through June is perfect — warm but not scorching, with fewer crowds than summer. The almond blossoms bloom in March if you catch them early, painting the countryside pink and white.
September through November brings the best weather. Temperatures hover around 24°C, the sea is still warm for swimming at Mondello, and locals return from August hibernation. October is particularly lovely.
Avoid July and August unless you enjoy 35°C heat and melting gelato. Many locals flee to the mountains, leaving behind a ghost town of tourist restaurants and overpriced hotels. The city shuts down for ferragosto in mid-August.
Winter is mild but wet. December through February sees temperatures around 15°C with frequent rain. But hotel prices drop by half, and you'll have the Cappella Palatina almost to yourself.
Palermo Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
6/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
5/10
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