Palermo Weather in December
Palermo in December sees moderate temperatures, with highs around 17°C (63°F) and overnight lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall is at its peak this month, around 79 mm (3.1 in) on average, so waterproofs are essential.
Rainfall in Palermo in December
As the rainiest month, carrying an umbrella is advisable to manage the frequent rain. You can expect rain on around 12 days based on historical patterns, with 79 mm (3.1 in) average for the month. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Palermo in December
December in Palermo sees highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F) overnight. During December, the winter season is in full swing. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. Nights drop to around 11°C (52°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in Palermo in December
The month brings about 121 hours of sunlight, offering a comfortable mix of sun and overcast.
Average water temperature in December
The water is 16°C (61°F) this month — cool enough to feel refreshing on a warm day, but cold enough that most people won't stay in for long without a wetsuit.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. May, June, September, October and November typically offer the best weather for Palermo.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Italy, check out our Palermo's climate page.
Palermo Temperature in December
Min Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Water Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
41%
Precipitation
79 mm (3.1 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
73%
Sunshine
121 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Palermo typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 11°C (52°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Palermo in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Palermo spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Palermo historical weather extremes in December
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Palermo between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On December 15, 2022, temperatures climbed to 26°C (79°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- On December 31, 2014, Palermo saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 7°C (45°F).
- Palermo registered its coldest December night on December 16, 1988, with temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F).
Best Places in Italy in December
Find out more about the weather in Italy and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Italy in December →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in Palermo in December
For Palermo in December, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 16°C (61°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Palermo in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Italy, check out our Palermo's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Water Temp
See the full Palermo climate overview or explore weather in Italy.
