Palermo in December
In December, Palermo averages 16°C (61°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (73 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Palermo is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Palermo
December is one of the coolest months in Palermo (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (20°C) and cools 2°C in January (14°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Palermo
Times shown for Palermo local time (Europe/Rome), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Palermo — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Palermo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Palermo in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Palermo's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Palermo
This is a busy month in Palermo — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Palermo
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Palermo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 58°F | 9°C / 47°F | 83 mm | 12 | — |
| February | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 85 mm | 10 | — |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 49°F | 98 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 53°F | 43 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 15°C / 59°F | 53 mm | 8 | — |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 67°F | 20 mm | 4 | — |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 9 mm | 2 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 23°C / 73°F | 25 mm | 4 | — |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 21°C / 69°F | 63 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 24°C / 74°F | 17°C / 63°F | 90 mm | 11 | — |
| November | 20°C / 67°F | 14°C / 57°F | 106 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 16°C / 61°F | 11°C / 51°F | 73 mm | 10 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Palermo in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Palermo in December?
In December, Palermo averages a high of 16°C (61°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Palermo in December?
December can be fairly wet in Palermo, with about 10 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Palermo?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Palermo in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Palermo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.