Palermo Weather in March

March weather in Palermo

March feels like early spring, with mild afternoons and cooler evenings. The average high is 16°C, but clouds and showers can interrupt a day out. Rain falls on about 10 days, so outdoor plans may need to bend.

You can still enjoy Palermo's historic centre on foot, from the Quattro Canti crossroads to the Cathedral. When rain sets in, duck into the Palazzo dei Normanni and its Palatine Chapel. Save long beach days for warmer months; Mondello can feel cool and exposed now.

What to do in March

March 19 is the feast of Saint Joseph, marked in Sicily with special pastries called sfince. Palermo bakeries sell these cream-filled treats around the day. Easter can also fall in March, but its date changes each year, so local processions aren't guaranteed every March.

Families who like short outings can mix a stroll through the Ballarò market with a pastry stop. The market's lively lanes are more fun in dry weather, so keep an indoor sight in reserve.

Crowds and practical tips

March is quieter than Palermo's popular April-to-June stretch and summer, though it isn't empty. You'll usually find fewer visitors at major sights, and accommodation is often less costly than in peak months. April is warmer and drier, so March suits you if you'd trade beach weather for a calmer city break.

For a rainy spell, use the covered stretch of Via Maqueda between Quattro Canti and the Teatro Massimo, then step into nearby churches or cafés. On clear days, climb to the Cathedral's rooftop for views over the city; skip it when the roof is wet or windy.