Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Palermo in January
This is the coldest month in Palermo: highs average 57°F (14°C) and lows 48°F (9°C), with about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 69/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 57°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 69/100 · Good
What January feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 57°F (14°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 48°F (9°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.8 in (97 mm).
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort slips from 73/100 in December to 69/100.
- Our Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Palermo in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Taverna Azzurra
Old Vucciria tavern pouring cheap local wine to a crowd spilling into the street.
Why now January scores 69/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ballarò Market
Busy street market for produce, fish and fried snacks like panelle.
Why now Highs near 57°F and 3.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Mondello Beach
Sandy bay with clear water and Art Nouveau bathing pavilion.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Palatine Chapel
12th-century royal chapel in the Norman Palace, lined with gold mosaics.
Quattro Canti
Baroque crossroads where four ornate facades frame the old town's quarters.
Nearby in January
- Taormina in January~106 mi · highs 55°F, 3.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
- Syracuse in January~128 mi · highs 59°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Sorrento in January~182 mi · highs 56°F, 4.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Amalfi in January~186 mi · highs 56°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~222 m to Palermo's ~28 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Palermo in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Palermo?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 69/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – June and September. Expect highs of 57°F (14°C) and 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain. Our Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse route recommends Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Palermo in January?
Average highs are 57°F (14°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Palermo in January?
Some: about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.0 in (712 mm).
What should I pack for Palermo in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Palermo
Planning Palermo in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.