Late spring · Weather & things to do
Palermo in May
Palermo warms up: highs climb to 74°F (24°C), from 67°F in April, with lows of 60°F (15°C) and about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 60°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (27 mm)
- Humidity
- 71%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 74°F (24°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 60°F (15°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain.
Plan around May
May is one of Palermo's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 74°F, up from 67°F in April.
- Comfort improves from 90/100 in April to 95/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct window our Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse route recommends.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes74°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Palermo in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Mondello Beach
Sandy bay with clear water and Art Nouveau bathing pavilion.
Why now May scores 95/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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.
Antica Focacceria San Francesco
Historic eatery since 1834 known for pane con la milza and arancine.
Taverna Azzurra
Old Vucciria tavern pouring cheap local wine to a crowd spilling into the street.
Why now Highs near 74°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Taormina in May~106 mi · highs 73°F, 0.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Syracuse in May~128 mi · highs 79°F, 0.5 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sorrento in May~182 mi · highs 67°F, 1.6 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Amalfi in May~186 mi · highs 68°F, 1.6 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Palermo?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 74°F (24°C) and 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct window our Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse route recommends.
How hot is Palermo in May?
Average highs are 74°F (24°C) and average lows 60°F (15°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Palermo in May?
Not much: about 1.1 in (27 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.0 in (712 mm).
What should I pack for Palermo in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (74°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Palermo
Routes in season in May
- Sicily: Palermo to Syracuse Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct
Planning Palermo in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.