Italy
Palermo
Italy
Palermo
Updated Thu, Dec 25, 2025
Overview
Palermo captivates with its layered history spanning millennia. Wander through bustling Ballarò market sampling arancini and fresh ricotta. Explore hidden Norman churches adorned with Byzantine mosaics. Join locals at neighborhood trattorias for pasta con le sarde. The city's raw energy and multicultural soul create an intoxicating Mediterranean experience.
Best time to visit. April through June offers perfect weather and blooming gardens. September and October provide warm temperatures with fewer crowds. Avoid July and August's intense heat and peak tourism.
City stats
Population
676,000
Land area
62 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
734 BCE
Official language
Italian
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Sicily
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
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Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
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Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
Map
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F - 47°F | 57°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:11 am | 5:10 pm | 9 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 61°F - 48°F | 59°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:50 am | 5:47 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| March | 64°F - 51°F | 63°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:14 am | 6:24 pm | 8 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 68°F - 55°F | 68°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:32 am | 7:01 pm | 6 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 75°F - 61°F | 76°F - 60°F | Sunny | 4:59 am | 7:35 pm | 3 days 0.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 82°F - 68°F | 84°F - 69°F | Sunny | 4:44 am | 7:58 pm | 1 days 0.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 86°F - 72°F | 90°F - 74°F | Sunny | 4:52 am | 7:56 pm | 1 days 0.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 87°F - 73°F | 91°F - 76°F | Sunny | 5:18 am | 7:31 pm | 2 days 0.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 82°F - 68°F | 85°F - 70°F | Sunny | 5:52 am | 6:51 pm | 5 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 75°F - 61°F | 76°F - 60°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:27 am | 6:08 pm | 7 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 68°F - 55°F | 67°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:06 am | 5:32 pm | 8 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| December | 61°F - 49°F | 59°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:28 am | 5:01 pm | 10 days 3.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. | Limited services, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection with church services and family meals. | Many closures, religious observances. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Extended Easter celebration with outdoor activities and picnics. | Some closures, but lively atmosphere. | ||
| Liberation Day | April 25 | Commemoration of Italy's liberation from Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with parades and demonstrations. | Many closures, possible transportation issues. | ||
| Republic Day | June 2 | National holiday celebrating the birth of the Italian Republic with parades. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Catholic observance of the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven. | Many closures, religious processions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints and deceased loved ones. | Some closures, solemn atmosphere. | ||
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Catholic celebration of Virgin Mary's conception without original sin. | Some closures, religious observances. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth with religious services and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, nearly everything closed. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations honoring the first Christian martyr. | Limited services, festive atmosphere. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festa di Sant'Agata | February 3-5 | Major religious festival honoring Palermo's patron saint with processions and celebrations | Crowded but culturally rich experience | ||
| Settimana delle Culture | mid-May | Week-long cultural festival featuring free museum access, concerts, and exhibitions | Excellent time with free cultural activities | ||
| Festino di Santa Rosalia | July 14-15 | Palermo's biggest festival celebrating the patron saint with parades and fireworks | Very crowded but spectacular local experience | ||
| Kals'Art | late July | Contemporary art festival showcasing local and international artists in historic venues | Great for art lovers, minimal disruption | ||
| Mondello Jazz Festival | August | Jazz music festival held at the popular Mondello beach area with outdoor concerts | Pleasant evening entertainment option | ||
| La Lunga Notte dei Musei | late September | Night when museums stay open late with special exhibitions and reduced admission | Perfect for cultural exploration |
1 | Italians take their food seriously. Don't ask for modifications to dishes or cut pasta with a knife. Respect local dining customs and enjoy meals as they're traditionally served. |
2 | Dress modestly when visiting churches. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats. Some popular sites may refuse entry if you're not dressed appropriately. |
3 | Learn basic Italian phrases like 'grazie' (thank you) and 'per favore' (please). Locals appreciate the effort, even if you're not fluent. It shows respect for their culture. |
4 | Embrace the Italian concept of 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life). Slow down, savor your meals, and enjoy leisurely strolls. Don't rush through experiences like locals don't. |
5 | Tipping isn't expected in Italy like in North America. Many restaurants include a service charge. If not, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory. |
6 | Be aware of 'coperto,' a per-person cover charge in restaurants. It's standard practice, not a tourist trap. It usually covers bread and table setting. |
7 | Avoid loud behavior in public, especially on public transport. Italians generally speak softly in public spaces and appreciate when tourists do the same. |
8 | Don't drink cappuccino after 11 AM. Italians consider it a breakfast drink. Opt for an espresso after meals instead to blend in with local customs. |
Brainstorm ideas, plan your way, then navigate on the ground with personalized recommendations that adapt in real time.
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