The climate of Palermo
Noted for its Mediterranean climate with hot summers, the weather in
Palermo,
Italy, is classified under the Köppen climate classification as Csa. Geographically, situated in the southern part of Italy, the city is on the island of Sicily's northwest coast.
Throughout the year, climatological patterns in Palermo show a well-defined shift from cooler to warmer temperatures, accompanied by variable humidity levels and inconsistent rain patterns. An examination of the monthly averages reveals the temperature reaching a peak of 29.8°C (85.6°F) in
August and lowering to 6.8°C (44.2°F) in
February. The coastal city sees humidity levels drop to 59% in
July while rising to 79% in
January.
Monthly rainfall displays an irregular pattern, rising from 5mm (0.2") in July to 57mm (2.24") in
September and
October - the months with the highest humidity levels. Interestingly,
December witnesses an unusual anomaly in the otherwise dry winter season with a snowfall of 1mm (0.04"), albeit a rarity in a Mediterranean climatic zone like Palermo. In general, there is a trend of decreasing cloudiness from 40% in January, reaching a minimum in July and August at 7%, before ascending again.
The best time to visit Palermo
Based on weather parameters, the optimal time to consider for a visit to
Palermo would be from
April through
June. During this period, visitors can expect average temperatures ranging from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F), making it a pleasantly warm climate for leisure activities and sightseeing. These months also see sunlight reaching its highest levels for the year, with daylight extending from 12 hours in
March to a high of 14.2 hours in
May. Furthermore, relative humidity during this period is considerably lower than the rest of the year, which enhances the overall comfort for tourists.
The worst time to visit Palermo
The months from
November through
February prove to be less ideal for visiting
Palermo due to the relatively lower temperatures and higher rainfall. Average temperatures during this time range from 12.5°C (54.5°F) to 7.3°C (45.1°F), and the city experiences its peak rainfall of 45mm (1.77") in February. The shorter days, increased cloud cover, and the relative increase in wind speed, peaking at 13.9km/h (8.6mph) in February, might make sightseeing and outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Palermo
Spring in
Palermo unfolds from
March through
May. Temperatures during these months steadily rise from an average of 7.8°C (46°F) to 12.8°C (55°F). A noticeable decrease in rainfall accompanies warmer temperatures, dropping from 35mm (1.38") in March to a mere 21mm (0.83") by May. In the meantime, the relative humidity also follows a declining trend from 77% to 72%.
Summer weather in Palermo
Typical of a Mediterranean climate, summers in
Palermo are quite warm. With temperatures soaring to a peak average of 29.8°C (85.6°F) in
August, this season extends from
June to
September. Rainfall is at its lowest during these months, dropping to a minimal 5mm (0.2") in
July. Despite searing summer temperatures, the coastal city provides relief with relatively less humidity that varies marginally from 64% to 68%.
Autumn weather in Palermo
Autumn arrives in
Palermo in
October and lasts until
December. During this season, the city experiences a drop in average temperatures from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 13.9°C (57°F). Rainfall marks a significant rise during this period, from 57mm (2.24") in October to a sizable 39mm (1.54") in
November. In contrast, relative humidity also witnesses an increase, peaking at 77% in November.
Winter weather in Palermo
Winter in
Palermo, spanning from
January to
February, exhibits relatively cool temperatures, with averages ranging from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Although the presence of snow is almost negligible during this season, the city sees its peak rainfall of 45mm (1.77") in February. These months are also marked by the highest average relative humidity of 79% and 78% respectively, possibly leading to a slightly damp atmosphere.
Weather in January
As the calendar turns to
January,
Palermo,
Italy welcomes mild winter weather conditions. The daytime sees high temperatures dipping modestly to 12.6°C (54.7°F), while night times can be moderately cooler at 7.3°C (45.1°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Compared to
January,
February has subtle shifts in
Palermo's weather patterns. The lowest temperatures marginally decrease to 6.8°C (44.2°F), while sea temperature touches 14.3°C (57.7°F), urging residents to keep their swimwear at bay.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March marks the onset of spring in
Palermo. As expected during such transitional periods, the weather sees gradual shifts from the winter chills. Sea temperature begins to warm up, reaching 14.7°C (58.5°F), hinting at the promising beach season approaching.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Palermo indicates the deepening of spring, with palpable changes from
March. The city starts to warm up, with high temperatures increasing to 17.6°C (63.7°F) on average. Sunshine hours jump to 10.2, affirming the progressive increase in day length towards the summer solstice.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings significant alterations to
Palermo's weather, manifesting in conspicuous signs of early summer. Daylight stretches to 14.2 hours with high temperatures soaring to 20.9°C (69.6°F), making outdoor activities delightful. The drop in relative humidity to 72% offers a more comfortable environment, alleged by decreasing cloud cover to 20%.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June sets a distinct summer vibe within the weather landscape of
Palermo, building upon the alterations initiated in
May. A substantial rise in high temperatures to 25.7°C (78.3°F), accompanied by minimal rainfall of 8mm (0.31") and longest daylight hours of 14.8, fortifies the summer spirit.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July records the zenith of summer weather in
Palermo. There is a significant leap in the average high temperatures, peaking at 29.2°C (84.6°F), coupled with an escalation of sea temperature to 25.8°C (78.4°F) - the perfect settings for sunbathing and swimming.
Weather in July » Weather in August
CPalermo’s weather in
August mirrors that of
July, maintaining the typical summer climate. Even if temperatures slightly increase to 29.8°C (85.6°F), sea temperature also sees a minor hike to 26.3°C (79.3°F), ensuring the continuity of beach activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The arrival of
September indicates the commencement of shoulder season in
Palermo's weather dynamics. While still pretty warm with high temperatures averaging 25.5°C (77.9°F), rainfall increases markedly to 57mm (2.24"), signalling autumn's advent.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October furthers the change towards autumn weather conditions. Daylight hours reduce further to 11.2, hinting at the shortening of days towards the winter solstice. Rainfall records an increase to 57mm (2.24") while the high temperatures decline to 21.8°, offering a cooler yet comfortable environment.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Palermo brings deeper changes with early winter effects noticeable in the weather. A clear drop in high temperatures to 17.6°C (63.7°F) along with a decrease in sea temperature to 19.9°C (67.8°F) suggest a tighter embrace of fall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By the time
December rolls in,
Palermo's weather has transitioned to a full-fledged winter pattern. The city experiences the lowest sea temperature of 16.7°C (62.1°F) for the year and possible traces of snowfall, indicative of the winter onset.
Weather in December »