Sicily in December is mild, quiet, and refreshingly uncrowded. From Palermo’s historic streets to Mount Etna’s snow-dusted views, you’ll experience a slower-paced Mediterranean winter with charm and flavor.
While you won’t face harsh cold, Sicily in December brings rain, sea breezes, and cooler nights. You’ll need layers, a water-resistant jacket, and comfy shoes for hilly towns. Packing smart keeps you warm without overstuffing your suitcase.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Sicily in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- 🌡️ Palermo: 11–17°C (52–63°F), with about 9 rainy days
- 🌧️ Catania: 8–16°C (46–61°F), occasional showers
- ❄️ Etna region: 0–10°C (32–50°F), snow at high elevation
What to Pack for Sicily in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Medium suitcase – Easy for trains and old-town streets
- 🎒 Daypack – For food tours, hikes, and museums
- 🧼 Packing cubes – Organize layers vs. rain gear
- 👟 Shoe bags – Protect from wet soles
- 🧴 Toiletry kit – Essentials with leakproof bottles
- 📁 Document organizer – For ID, itinerary, insurance
- 👜 Foldable tote – For beach towns or groceries
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Keep damp or dirty items separate
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Especially if you’re flying budget
- 🔒 TSA lock – For intercity trains or storage
- 🪙 Small pouch – Euros and metro tokens
- 🛁 Travel towel – Optional for hikes or guesthouses
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – For bus or train rides
- 😴 Eye mask – Great for bright rooms or midday naps
👗 Clothes
- 👕 Long-sleeve shirts (3–4) – Base for layering
- 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool or cotton for warmth
- 🧥 Waterproof jacket – Light but effective
- 🧥 Mid-weight coat – Especially at night or near Etna
- 👖 Jeans/pants (2–3) – Casual and dinner-appropriate
- 🧦 Leggings – Great for hiking or lounging
- 👗 Midi dress/skirt – Style with tights and boots
- 🛌 Pajamas – Warm enough for tiled floors
- 👙 Swimsuit – Many hotels have heated pools or spas
- 🩲 Underwear (7+) – Breathable and easy to wash
- 👙 Bras (2–3) – Supportive and versatile
- 🧦 Wool or cotton socks (6–7 pairs)
- 🧦 Tights (2 pairs) – Under dresses or skirts
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Gentle cleanser – Removes grime and makeup
- 💧 Hydrating toner – Prevent dryness from sea air
- 🧴 Rich moisturizer – Morning and night
- 🌞 SPF 30 – For sunny coastlines
- 🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water is best
- 🧼 Exfoliant – Use sparingly
- 👁️ Eye cream – For puffiness or late nights
- 💦 Facial mist – Refresh mid-day
- 😴 Sheet masks – Easy to travel with
- 💋 Lip balm – Wind-protective
- 🔴 Spot treatment – For sudden flare-ups
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Foundation – Hydrating with light coverage
- 🖌️ Concealer – For under eyes or blemishes
- 🧽 Setting powder – Compact and pressed
- 🌸 Blush – Adds glow to winter skin
- ✨ Highlighter – Subtle shimmer
- 🌞 Bronzer – Optional warmth
- 🎨 Eyeshadow palette – Earthy tones
- ✏️ Eyeliner – Waterproof preferred
- 👁️ Mascara – Smudge-resistant
- 🧴 Brow gel – For shaping
- 💋 Lip balm or tint – Color + moisture
- 💨 Setting spray – All-day wear
- 🖌️ Small brush kit – Lightweight and efficient
💇 Hair Care
- 🪮 Brush or comb – Foldable or travel size
- 🪢 Hair ties – For windier towns or beach visits
- 🧴 Shampoo/conditioner – Travel bottles
- 💨 Dry shampoo – Saves time
- 🔥 Heat protectant spray – For tools
- 💇 Styling cream – Frizz control
- 💨 Hair dryer – Check if hotel provides one
- 💇 Flat iron or curler – Compact tool
- 💧 Hair serum – Adds shine in humid towns
- 🎀 Headband or clips – Easy accessories
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 👢 Waterproof ankle boots – For cobbled streets
- 👟 Sneakers – Comfy for day trips
- 🥿 Flats – For dinners or evenings
- 🧤 Gloves – Especially for Etna or windy days
- 🧣 Scarf – Light wool or cotton
- 🎩 Hat – Beanie or brimmed for sun
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Still useful in winter sun
- 💍 Jewelry – Simple and mixable
- 👜 Crossbody purse – Keep things safe
- ☔ Umbrella – Compact and windproof
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + copy – Digital and paper
- 📄 Visa (if required)
- 🧾 Travel insurance
- 🎟️ Train/plane tickets
- 📆 Full itinerary – Offline and cloud-based
- 💳 Credit/debit cards + some euros
- 📱 Emergency contacts – Offline backup
- 🗺️ Offline maps – Google Maps or Maps.me
- 🖊️ Pen + notebook
- 👛 Wallet – RFID-safe is ideal
- 💎 Valuables – Carry-on only
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister pads – Walking is unavoidable
- 🧻 Antiseptic wipes
- 🩼 Gauze and tape
- 📏 Thermometer
- ✂️ Nail scissors
- 🪥 Q-tips or cotton pads
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescriptions – Labeled
- 💊 Pain relief – Ibuprofen, paracetamol
- 🌸 Allergy meds – For dust or pets
- 🌊 Motion sickness pills – For ferries or winding roads
- 💊 Vitamins – Optional
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene – Bring preferred brands
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer
- 🧻 Wet wipes – Multi-use
- 👁️ Eye drops – Sea breeze dryness
- 👓 Contacts + glasses
- 🪞 Compact mirror
- 🪥 Toothbrush/paste
- 🧵 Floss
- 🧼 Deodorant – Solid preferred
- 🪒 Razor – Checked bag
- 💅 Nail kit
- 🌸 Perfume – Rollerball ideal
- 🤧 Tissues – Easy to carry
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – With eSIM or unlocked
- 💻 Tablet or laptop – Optional
- 📷 Camera – Optional, Sicily is photogenic
- 🔌 All chargers – Keep in pouch
- 🔋 Power bank – Full days out
- 📎 Cable organizer
- 🌍 Plug adapter – Italy uses type C/F/L
- 💽 Backup drive or cloud for photos
- 🗺️ Offline apps for directions, restaurants
- 📶 SIM or eSIM plan
- 📖 Kindle or e-reader
- 🎧 Headphones
- 📱 Waterproof pouch – Coastal protection
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book or e-reader
- 📺 Downloaded movies or shows
- 🎙️ Podcasts – Sicily history or food culture
- 📓 Journal or sketchpad
- 🎲 Travel games
- 📰 Magazines
🎁 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks – For hikes or long walks
- 💧 Water bottle – Tap water safe
- 🛍️ Shopping tote – For markets or shops
- 🧴 Laundry sheets – Great for sink washing
- 🧵 Sewing kit – Just in case
- 📯 Safety whistle – For peace of mind
- 🧽 Lint roller – For dark wool coats
- 🦶 Foot rest – Flights or trains
- 👃 Shoe deodorizers – Especially if hiking
- 🌙 Jet lag sleep aids – Melatonin or tea
🌍 Travel Tips
- 📏 Know airline rules
- 📲 Download Sicily bus/train apps
- 👕 Carry outfit in your hand luggage
- 📸 Photograph luggage contents
- 🏦 Notify banks of travel
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🕐 Check visa if outside EU/Schengen
- 🖨️ Bring printed confirmations
- 📸 Have passport photo backups
- 🛫 Return ticket proof may be requested
- 🚫 Know what’s restricted at customs
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport
- 🧾 Insurance
- 📱 Phone + charger
- 💳 Cash + cards
- 🧴 Health essentials
- 🗺️ Maps/apps
- 🎟️ Travel confirmations
- 🎒 Day bag
- 💧 Water bottle
👍 Good-to-Have
- 💦 Travel steamer
- 😴 Sleep mask and plugs
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🧣 Extra scarf or shawl
- ☔ Backup umbrella
- 📶 Local SIM/eSIM
- 🛍️ Extra bag for souvenirs
