Are you thinking about visiting Palermo, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Palermo worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. There are many beautiful buildings and a long running history to the city. There are also impressive beaches, a unique local cuisine, and a fun atmosphere that is filled with markets and activities.
Palermo, Italy
Reasons to Visit Palermo
Food
The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.
Beaches
The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.
Shopping
The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.
Museums
There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.
Authenticity
Palermo has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Palermo worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Palermo, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (76°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, spend time at the museums, and discover the big city activities. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Palermo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
Is Palermo worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Palermo. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 20°C (67°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Palermo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| December | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Palermo worth visiting in the Winter?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
The low season for travel in Palermo is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Palermo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| February | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| March | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Is Palermo worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Palermo. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (58°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Palermo
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| June | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
Related
What is Palermo most famous for?
Palermo is most famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. The city is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums and scuba diving & snorkeling. It is often described as colorful, diverse, dynamic, and fun.
What is the most famous sight in Palermo?
The most popular sight in Palermo is The Cathedral. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Palermo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Cathedral and other attractions here.
How touristy is Palermo? Is it a popular city to visit?
Palermo is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- The Ultimate Palermo Gourmand Experience: $107
- Guided tour of the historic center of Palermo + Palazzo dei Normanni: $76
- From Palermo Sicilian Retreat Erice & Marsala Tour with Lunch: $183
- Tour Historic Center, Catacombs & Monreale in CruiserCar: $83
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $151
- Monte pellegrino and Palazzina Cinese, from culture to adventure.: $217
- Tour Erice & Segesta: $217
- FOODIES DELIGHT and SICILIAN VILLAGE Private Exclusive Tour from Palermo: $271
How long should I spend in Palermo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Palermo is one to three days. Since Palermo has activities such as dining, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Palermo?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Palermo?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Palermo?.
More Things to Do in Palermo
- Is Mondello Beach Worth Visiting?
- Is Capuchin Abbey and Catacombs Worth Visiting?
- Is The Palatine Chapel Worth Visiting?
- Is The Norman Palace Worth Visiting?
- Is The Botanical Gardens of Palermo Worth Visiting?
- Is The Palermo Archaeological Museum Worth Visiting?
- Is Monte Pellegrino Worth Visiting?
- Is Massimo Theater Worth Visiting?
- Is The Cathedral of Palermo Worth Visiting?
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.