Compared to September, the average daily temperature for October plunges and the rainfall amounts jump, signalling the official start of autumn. The average daily temperature for Palermo for this time of the year is 21°C (about 70°F), almost 4 degrees lower than the previous month. This part of the island of Sicily sees lows that drop down to 19°C (around 66°F), still great weather for the autumn, especially when compared to other parts of Europe.
The high temperatures reach up to 23°C (around 73°F), still warm enough to enjoy activities outside and even spend some time in the water taking part in watersports and swimming. Unfortunately, you'll have fewer hours to enjoy outside, with an average of 6.8 hours of sunshine this time of the year. Even with fewer daylight hours, you'll still want to bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin when you are outside.
When visiting the area this month, you'll want to bring along a light jacket or sweater for being out and about during the evening hours. The breezes blow along the coast, making a little cooler than inland. During the day, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and other summer clothes suffice. You also might want to bring along an umbrella or poncho, as the average rainfall for the month is 90 mm. That amount of rain falls over 10 days on average and there is a 20 percent chance of rain on any given day.
The average sea temperature remains steady this month, hitting 22°C (about 72°F). The water still feels warm enough to get in to swim and play, but be warned when you get out. The outside air temperature this month often matches or is lower than the water temperature, so you'll feel pretty chilly when you get out of the water.
If you need a little extra space or want some additional privacy during your October stay, consider the Hotel Marbela Residence, an all-suite and apartment hotel. All of the rooms comes equipped with full kitchen or kitchenette, separate sleeping areas, outdoor private terrace, and bathroom with shower or bath. Your furry friends are even invited to stay with you at this pet-friendly hotel. Other hotel amenities include television room, free Wi-Fi, welcome drink, and help desk.
Billed as an art hotel, the Hotel Principe di Villafranca houses an extensive collection of artwork for guests to view and enjoy. The hotel is set up similar to a private home, with all the public areas on the first floor and all the rooms on the second. The public spaces include a library, living room with fireplace, and computer room. In your room, you'll enjoy hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, soundproofing, and bathroom amenities made just for the hotel.
The Residenza d'Aragona enjoys a central location and provides guests with comfortable rooms. You're only a few blocks from the water and within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and stores. Each room has free Wi-Fi, LCD television with satellite channels, mini bar, microwave, safe, and private bathroom with bath and shower. If you need additional space or privacy, ask about the studios with kitchenette or the two-room apartments with kitchenette and balcony.
Trattoria I Compari is located near the centre of Palermo and the ferry docks. It has a casual atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. If you have no idea where to start or what to order, the chef himself will visit your table and help you decide on a meal. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant is also a fun place to stop for after-dinner drinks.
When you're looking for a little pick-me-up in the mornings, check out Bar Sicilia 2, a coffee shop and bakery in Palermo. The shop offers American and European-style coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes. The baristas add a little extra touch with foam art in your drink and exquisite whip cream creations. To accompany your coffee, try one of the beautiful and delicious pastries.
After dinner, head over to Don Gelato for a yummy and sweet end to your day. The ice cream shop and café serves many flavours of gelato, as well as coffee, tea, candy, and other desserts. It's also a great place to stop in for a midday snack or a little pick-me-up cappuccino, frappe, or latte.
Shopaholics will love Ceramiche Tre Erre, a high-end ceramics shop selling handmade pieces. From dinnerware to toys, you'll find all kinds of items made of ceramics to take home as souvenirs. The friendly shop owners can answer any questions you have about the products and also help you choose just the right piece for yourself or as a gift. They also ship items home for you.
Through City Sightseeing Palermo, you can take a tour of the city on a hop-on, hop-off bus. The open-top buses are reminiscent of London's double-decker red buses and provide a panoramic views of the city's sites you can enjoy during October. You can jump on and off the buses at different points throughout the city with your 24-hour ticket. Tours are offered year-round and include three different routes.
Housed in a beautiful building, the Biblioteca Regionale is a great place to visit even if you don't plan on checking out any books. The library features an elaborate courtyard with arched openings, fountains, and greenery. If you do want to check out some books, several book stores exist in the area where you can buy new and used books to take home.
