10 Things to Do in Palermo in Winter

Winter is an incredible season to visit Palermo, as the sunshine and low rainfall make it a very pleasant time to stroll through the streets of this city full of art, history and culture. Besides, in these months you will find much less crowds of tourists in all its attractions, so you will be able to appreciate them much better.

There are truly many things to see and do in Palermo, from visiting its temples, its countless ruins and archaeological finds, to the amazing natural landscapes that it boasts, such as its waterfalls or the majestic Etna volcano, where you can practice winter sports. All this and much more is what makes winter a splendid time to visit the city of Palermo.

Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated winter festivities in the northern hemisphere is Christmas, and if you have the opportunity to be in Palermo for this special time of year, you will be able to live a truly unique experience. During the Christmas season, the streets of Palermo dress up with the best lights and decorations, according to the occasion.

The monumental Teatro Massimo stands out in particular, which, as well as displaying a myriad of lights and Christmas motifs, offers musical and ballet performances every year. In addition, many first class hotels, such as the Hotel Palermo Ambasciatori, organise special Christmas Eve dinners, where you can enjoy the best typical Sicilian food in a luxurious atmosphere. In the particular case of the Hotel Ambasciatori, you can also enjoy unparalleled panoramic views, as its restaurant is located on the garden terrace, overlooking the city. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Palermo at Christmas.

An ideal excursion to do from Palermo during the winter months is a trip to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. With the pleasant temperatures and the winter sun, you will have a great time visiting the wonderful temples of the gods, built by the Greek settlers in antiquity. In summer, on the other hand, the high temperatures can be tedious. A unique experience to get to know part of the rich past of the region.

Another of the best tours to do from Palermo is the one that takes you to the village of Corleone. Here you can learn all about Sicily's relationship with the Mafia. If you've seen the Godfather trilogy countless times, this tour is definitely for you.

With the arrival of Christmas in Palermo, you will find a good number of Christmas markets, typical of the season. The tradition of festive markets is something that has been preserved throughout the history of the city, even dating back to the time of Arab domination. So a visit to Palermo at this time of year is the perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping and take home some lovely souvenirs of the city.

At the Christmas markets you will find handmade products of all kinds, from jewellery, ceramics, children's toys, clothes, Christmas decorations and much more. And of course, Sicily's gastronomy is always present. You will be able to delight yourself with handmade liqueurs, chocolates and typical Sicilian dishes that will conquer your palate.

Besides the Christmas markets, the winter season is also ideal to take advantage of the discounts in the shops, that's why this is an excellent plan to do in Palermo also in January.

A few kilometres from the city of Palermo is the village of Castelbuono, where year after year during the month of December the gastronomic festival Dolce Mente takes place. It is an unmissable event for lovers of good food.

The main protagonist of this celebration is the delicious Panettone, a typical sweet of the area. Here you can also try many other handmade delicacies, such as honey, manna, Christmas biscuits, truffles, modica chocolate, liqueurs, craft beers and regional savoury dishes. The festival also features concerts, artistic performances, workshops and seminars on various themes and guided tours of the iconic Abbazia Santa Anastasia winery.

Taking part in this festival is one of the best things to do with children in Palermo, as the little ones will enjoy tasting the most delicious Christmas treats.

During the first days of February, the Santa Agata Festival takes place in the town of Catania, dedicated to the patron saint of the Sicilian city of Agatha.

Catania is very close to Palermo, so you can visit it during the day. To experience this celebration with the locals is an excellent way to learn a little more about Sicilian popular culture.

During the celebration the streets are filled with people who accompany the procession, many of them wearing the typical costumes used in the 12th century, when the city received the relics of the saint from Constantinople. In addition, during the feast of St. Agatha, a number of traditional sweets are prepared and sold in the streets, such as the Cassateddi di Sant'Agata and the Olivette, which are typical of the town.

For many, thinking of Sicily means dreamy beaches and days of warmth, tradition and history, but winter has its charms too. If you are a mountain and winter sports lover, being in Palermo this season is the perfect occasion to live an unforgettable experience.

Experience one of the best snow experiences on the majestic Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. On its southern side you can also see the Gulf of Catania, and on the Nicolisi side there are some incredible slopes for snowboarding. In the northern part are the ski slopes of Piano Provenzana, where, in addition to snow sports, you can take a cable car to the top of the volcano.

Finally, in western Sicily is Piano Battaglia, a ski resort located in the centre of the Parco delle Madonie, which also stands out for the immense value and beauty of its natural environment.

Winter is the season of rest for nature, autumn is behind us and everything is on pause waiting for the rebirth of spring. Thanks to this, the landscapes have a unique charm, and among the natural wonders near Palermo I recommend you not to miss its waterfalls.

The first of them is the Cascate Catafurco. Then, following the valley of the Cascate di Mistretta, you will come across the Cascata delle Due Rocche, the Cascata Cataolo and the Cascata Alcantara. All of them are only a few kilometres from the capital of Sicily, so you can visit them all in a half-day walk.

Another detail for hiking and nature lovers is that almost all of them have perfectly signposted paths, so you will be able to appreciate all the beauty of nature without suffering the high temperatures of the summer months. Winter is the perfect time to make the most of your visit.

Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most joyous festivals in Sicily. Fun, merriment and euphoria pervade everyone in the region. The Sicilian carnival celebrations take place from the 7th of January until the beginning of Lent, so if you are in Palermo for these winter dates, you can enjoy one of the most awaited events by all.

Among the typical carnival celebrations you can see a lot of parades, ancestral dances, costumes and traditional masks. In Palermo, the masks called Jardinara and Varca, created centuries ago to mock the upper classes, especially counts and barons, stand out.

In addition to these shows, you will also find a wide gastronomic offer, with typical dishes and sweets, meats and pastas with the traditional Cavatieddi sauce. And if culinary delights are your thing, I recommend you sign up for one of the best gastronomic tours in Palermo, where you will taste the most typical flavours of Sicilian street food. An adventure to enjoy with all your senses.

One of the best ways to get to know a city is on board of a tourist bus. With it you will be able to visit the most important places of the city in an organised itinerary. Moreover, thanks to the hop on-hop off mode, you can get off as many times as you want, travel at your own time, and get back on at one of the many predetermined stops along the route.

Among the best tourist buses in Palermo you have two lines with different routes, where you can visit the most important attractions of the capital of Sicily, such as the Teatro Massimo, the Palazzo Steri, the Stazione Centrale or the Cathedral of Palermo, among many others.

And while this type of tour can be done at any time of year, the great advantage of touring the city in the winter months, is that you avoid the large crowds. In addition, the temperatures are much more pleasant, both for being on the open-top bus and for getting off and walking around on foot.

Near Palermo is the town of Custonaci, in the Sicilian province of Trapani. This site is famous and remarkable for containing an ancient prehistoric settlement known as the natural caves of Scurati.

During the month of December, an event known as the Living Cradle takes place, which brings together hundreds of Sicilian artisans and traders to offer their works and creations. A huge number of religious figures, figurines and cribs of different sizes, also created by local artists, are also on display at this celebration.

Below I will answer some of the most common questions that come up when organising a trip to the Sicilian capital in winter.

What is the winter weather like in Palermo?

Winters in Palermo are usually cold, but not to the extreme, which allows you to enjoy the city without difficulty. Temperatures are between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night. The probability of rainfall is very low, up to 7 days per month.

In general, Palermo's winters have a climate that is closer to temperate, making it perfect for walking around the streets and attractions of the historic centre without too much shelter. In any case, always check a weather website to avoid surprises on your walk.

What should I take into account when packing my suitcase if I travel to Palermo in winter?

With such mild temperatures, you don't need to think about packing warm jackets, scarves or woolly hats. You may want to include some jumpers or light jackets. Sometimes the rule that less is more works, so I recommend that you don't carry unnecessary luggage, include comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you good mobility, as Palermo is a very walkable city.

Is Palermo a city to be enjoyed in the winter months?

Absolutely! Palermo has plenty of options for you to have a great time. From museums, festivals, carnival, Christmas and New Year celebrations, Sicily's capital is an incredible destination to visit in winter. With moderate temperatures and no extreme cold, you can also venture to some of its natural wonders, such as the Etna Volcano or its fantastic waterfalls.

How busy is Palermo during the winter months?

Experience all the charm of the Sicilian capital without the crowds. Visiting Palermo during the winter ensures that you can visit monuments, palaces, museums, castles and all the attractions without having to queue. Crowds can dampen any trip, and Palermo is no exception.

In the months of December, January, February and March, however, you will be able to take beautiful photos, observe the details of the buildings, admire the panoramic views from the viewpoints and take as much time as you want to enjoy what you are seeing. This is why visiting the city in low season is an excellent idea.

Another thing to bear in mind is that you will be able to get better prices, both in hotels or airbnb and in excursions, which, as they are less crowded, will give you a much more personalised experience.

Is it easy to get around Palermo in winter?

Of course it is! Palermo is mainly a walking city, and without the sweltering summer temperatures, you can easily stroll around the historic centre, visit monuments, museums and open-air food markets. However, if you prefer, or if you are physically challenged, you can get around on the local buses, trams, taxis or uber.