The weather for Palermo remains consistent, moving from February into March. Similar to nearby Altofonte, the resort has an average daily temperature of 14°C (about 56°F). These temperatures are ideal for daytime exploring and sightseeing, and maybe even trying some more active pursuits like hiking and biking. The lows still drop down to 11°C (around 52°F); fairly cool, but very tolerable for this time of the year.
The highs go up to an average of 16°C (about 61°F), very comfortable and moderate. You may even be able to get away with just short-sleeves during some of the later days in the month, especially with the increase in sunshine. Most of the time, however, you'll want long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and long trousers. Bring along some comfortable shoes too, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking to get around the resort area.
During this month, you can expect about 6.3 hours of sunshine each day, plenty of time to get out and about. The chance of a sunny day is excellent, at 80 percent, while the chance of a rainy day is only 20 percent. The rainfall amounts remain steady, with about 70 mm falling in the month. The number of rain days is around 11, so you might want to have an umbrella handy just in case. Fortunately, if it does rain, any that does fall is light and short-lived, so you can get back to your holiday.
While it's getting warm enough to walk along the beach, you probably won't want to get in the water quite yet. The average sea temperature during the month only gets up to 15°C (about 58°F), still pretty cold unless you're properly geared up with a wet or dry suit. If you're feeling brave, you can at least dip your toes in.
The Politeama Palace Hotel is a mod, contemporary space with cool furnishings and a hip atmosphere. The 94 guest rooms, which include standard room and suite choices, all have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite television. Start your day off right with breakfast, which includes gluten-free options for those with allergies, as well as continental and hot choices. The tea room is the ideal spot to cosy up with a good book or get a little work done.
With bright and fresh décor, Bio Hotel Palermo provides a cool backdrop for your holiday away in Palermo. The hotel focuses on being a good environmental steward, using only organic furniture, materials, and products. Right down to the traditional and organic Sicilian breakfast, you'll be treated to a unique hotel experience. From the comfortable and simple single rooms to the spacious deluxe suite with private terrace, you're sure to find a room to fit your needs.
Another member of the Accor hotel family, Mercure Palermo Centro provides travellers with affordable and comfortable accommodations. With 93 guest rooms, the hotel has a convenient location in central Palermo, close to two town squares. Room amenities include satellite television, air conditioning, comfortable mattress, minibar, and windows that open so you can get some fresh March air. Guests will appreciate the babysitting services, laundry, and airport shuttle.
Sesto Canto is a classy establishment that has a menu full of Italian favourites. You can also enjoy Mediterranean and fusion dishes that incorporate international flavours. As you dine, enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz to set the mood for a romantic dinner. The intimate dining room also helps create a soothing atmosphere. The drink menu includes wine, beer, and cocktails to complement your meals.
As you walk into the chic dining room of Carizzi d'Amuri, you'll appreciate the mix of traditional and modern. The exposed brick walls pair well with the contemporary tables and chairs. The menu at Carizzi includes everything from appetizers to dessert. After dinner, head into the restaurant's bar and lounge for post-dinner drinks and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.
The Old Wild West steakhouse brings delicious American dishes right to Palermo. The menu includes favourites like hamburgers, BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, and all kinds of steaks. You can also get steakhouse sides like loaded nachos, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and chicken nuggets. The restaurant is good for families too, with its kids' menu and fun atmosphere.
Another historic church in Palermo, Chiesa del Gesu, called the Church of Jesus in English, features Baroque architecture and a rich history. Part of the church was destroyed in an air raid in World War II, but was restored back to its originally beauty not long after the war ended. The tour includes a look at the museum, L 'Oratory of the Sabbath, the crypt, and the sacristy.
The Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina is another amazing palace in the city of Palermo. It currently serves as the seat of Sicily's parliament. In both the palace and the chapel, you'll see intricate mosaics that tell of the history and culture of the island of Sicily. You can also take in the amazing painted wood ceiling. If you want an in-depth history lesson, opt for the video guide during your tour.
Take advantage of the warming March temperatures and visit the Orto Botanico di Palermo, an outdoor museum of sorts that showcases over 500,000 species of plants. With over 100,000 square meters, the gardens include exhibits like Aquatic Systems, Herb Gardens, and Tropical Fruit. The botanical gardens also house the Herbarium Mediterraneum, with plants from the Mediterranean and Sicily, as well as species from around the world.