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Palermo Weather in May
Palermo in May sees high temperatures, with highs around 23°C (73°F) and overnight lows of 16°C (61°F). Overall excellent conditions make it one of the better months to visit.
Rainfall in Palermo in May
Records from the past 30 years suggest around 5 days of rain, with 29 mm (1.1 in) average for the month. When rain does fall, showers tend to be light and brief. Most days will be dry.
Temperature in Palermo in May
May tends to be one of the excellent months in Palermo, with 23°C (73°F) in the afternoon and 16°C (61°F) overnight. This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. With overnight lows of 16°C (61°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.
Sunshine in Palermo in May
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 288 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Palermo.
Average water temperature in May
The water temperature is 17°C (63°F), chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, May is a great time to visit.
Palermo Temperature in May
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
23°C (73°F)
Water Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
18%
Precipitation
29 mm (1.1 in)
Rainy days
5 days
Humidity
72%
Sunshine
288 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Palermo Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Palermo - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Palermo typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 23°C (73°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 18°C (64°F).
Average temperatures in May
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 May
Historical weather records for Palermo in May
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 May
Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Palermo.
- Palermo recorded its highest May temperature of 39°C (102°F) on May 27, 2008.
- On May 6, 2019, Palermo saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 15°C (59°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 7°C (45°F) on May 1, 1989, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Italy in May
Find out more about the weather in Italy and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Italy in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Palermo in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Light rain is possible, so consider bringing a small umbrella or rain jacket. Expect water temperatures of around 17°C (63°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Palermo in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling10/10 -
Walking10/10 -
Barbeque9/10 -
Camping10/10 -
Outdoor sports10/10
Palermo 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Palermo
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Water Temp
See the full Palermo climate overview or explore weather in Italy.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
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