By the end of the year, the crowds have thinned greatly and the temperatures in Palermo have dropped. Even with the cooler temperatures, this is a great time of the year to visit, as you'll still get warmer temperatures than most of Europe gets this time of the year. Plus, with fewer people, it'll be a quieter and more peaceful vacation. The average daily temperature for December is 14°C (about 57°F), well above the UK's normal temperature for this month.
The lows drop down to only 12°C (around 54°F), so even at night, it's still nice enough to be outside with a sweater or jacket. The highs go up to 16°C (about 61°F), a great temperature for being out and about during the day, exploring the area. Unfortunately, this time of the year, you'll only get about 4.3 hours of sunshine each day. If you plan accordingly, you can still get outside and see the numerous area attractions before the sun goes down for the day.
The chance of rain this time of the year is about 20 percent on any given day, with an average of 110 mm falling for the month. This month sees about 17 days of rain, almost 3 days more than the average for November, so you'll want to bring along the umbrella or poncho. During the day, long-sleeved shirts, light-weight sweaters, and long trousers are fine, and some people will also want a jacket or sweater.
You'll probably not be doing much swimming this month either, as the sea temperatures have dropped to 17°C (about 62°F). That's pretty chilly for getting in the water, unless you're well-prepared with the right gear. You can definitely walk along the beach and enjoy time near the water, though; there aren't many other areas in Europe where you can do so in December.
With modern amenities, Hotel Garibaldi provides guests with four-star accommodations near Palermo's theatre. Guests get free indoor parking, business centre, computer access, conference rooms, and lobby bar. All the rooms have free internet access, satellite television, mini bar, coffee maker, and private bathrooms. The junior suites come with Jacuzzi tubs for a romantic touch.
With tasteful décor and a historic setting in a Baroque building, the Eurostars Centrale Palace is an ideal choice for your December holiday away to Palermo. Wake up each morning to an extensive breakfast buffet and enjoy lunch and dinner in the on-site international restaurant. The rooftop bar has a terrace to enjoy views of the city and guests can utilize the free Wi-Fi, tour desk, and 24-hour reception desk. Other hotel amenities include a spa with hot tub, massage services, gym, and solarium.
Reminiscent of a great Italian palace, the Villa Bonocore Maletto is a great choice for a chic stay in Palermo. The 15 rooms in the four-star hotel all offer a television, mini bar, and garden views. Choose from the superior or classic room, or indulge in the junior suite with lots of space and a loft. Other hotel amenities include free parking, sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms, and a heated outdoor Jacuzzi pool, open even through the winter months.
Regulars to Panificio Graziano sing the praises of the restaurant's traditional Sicilian pizza. The bakery is also known for local specialties like sfincione. Be sure to try out the freshly made breads and pastries, as well. Sit outside and watch the people go by on the streets of Palermo. The restaurant also offers take away if you need your food to go.
Badalamenti Cucina e Bottega is a traditional Italian and seafood restaurant that also houses a wine bar. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves beers and cocktails along with its extensive wine list. The menu is all in Italian, but the helpful servers can assist you in deciding exactly what you want to eat. After dinner, check out the dessert menu with dishes like tiramisu and gelato.
If you're looking for something a little different to try for a night out in Palermo, mosey on over to Kursaal Kalhesa. Here, you'll find part restaurant, part disco, and all fun. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you'll be awed by the high arched stone walls combined with cool purple and blue lighting. Start off with an Italian dinner and stay for the dancing at this unique Palermo club.
When visiting the Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, you'll see a mix of Byzantine and Baroque architecture and art. Though not as large as some of the other churches in Palermo, the smaller size of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio allows you to get closer to the mosaics and artwork. The Greek Orthodox church still holds weekly services, so plan your visit accordingly.
One of Palermo's many piazzas, or plazas, Piazza Pretoria is easy to get to in the centre of town and one of the more popular plazas. The beautiful fountain is a great backdrop for photographs and the area has played a large role in Sicilian history. On the weekends, the city puts on a spectacular light show in the plaza for people of all ages to enjoy.
A creepy part of Sicily's history, the Catacombs of the Capuchins are a unique site to behold. Here, corpses are displayed out in the open, rather than buried underground or in tombs. They are preserved with clothing and other items, and signs tell when the person died and who they were. The catacombs are open daily, except for Sunday afternoons from October to May.
