Sicily in December

Everything you need to know for your Sicily holiday in December.

By Oskar Golde

Founder & Owner, Terra Mia Immobiliare

Years of working with Sicily, its regions and destinations.

Sicily climate & sea temperature in December

In December, the average daytime high in Sicily is 15.5 °C, dropping to 10.6 °C at night. The Mediterranean sits at around 17.8 °C, with rain on roughly 12 days in the month. These climate normals are based on multi-year measurements for Sicily’s north coast.

Air max: 15.5 °C
Air min: 10.6 °C
Sea: 17.8 °C
Rain days: 12

Data source: Open-Meteo (ERA5 reanalysis & Marine), CC-BY 4.0. Climate averages: air 1995–2024, sea temperature 2023–2025; reference point Sicily's north coast. As of 2026-06-15.

Weather in December

December is cool but rarely cold: daytime highs around 15 °C and lows near 11 °C, with a sea temperature of about 18 °C. With roughly 12 rainy days it is one of the wetter months, yet between showers it often stays sunny and pleasant along the coast. Snow lies on Mount Etna – a wintry contrast between beach and ski slope.

Activities in December

December revolves around Christmas: elaborate nativity scenes (presepi) – Caltagirone is famous for its ceramic cribs –, Christmas markets in towns like Erice, and festively lit old towns in Palermo and Catania. Add living nativity scenes (presepe vivente, e.g. in Custonaci), wintry Etna excursions and hearty holiday cuisine.

Events in December

The Christmas season opens with the Immaculate Conception (8 December). On 13 December Syracuse and Palermo especially honour Saint Lucy – tradition calls for eating “cuccìa” instead of bread and pasta that day. Christmas markets and nativity scenes define the month, and New Year’s Eve is celebrated with concerts and fireworks in Taormina and Palermo.