Weather in Sicily

About Sicily

Sicily breathes Greek temples, Norman churches, and Arab bazaars—a living archaeology of Mediterranean empires clashing and blending. Baroque churches dominate towns; Mount Etna smoulders nearby; Greek island spirit persists. This is where cultures collide and transform each other.

Country

Italy

Best months to visit

May, June, July, August, September, October

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian (Sicilian dialect)

Things to do in Sicily

Visit the Valley of the Temples (Greek archaeological site) Explore Palermo's chaotic markets (Vucciria, Ballarò, Capo) Tour Mondello beach near Palermo Visit the Aeolian Islands for volcanic landscapes Taste arancini, pasta alla Norma, and granita Hike Mount Etna's volcanic slopes

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

11C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

12C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Recommended

May

22C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

33C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

October

22C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Sicily is a world unto itself — Greek temples better preserved than many in Greece, Norman cathedrals with Arab-influenced mosaics, an active volcano looming over vineyards, and a cuisine shaped by every civilisation that has passed through. It's Italy's largest island, and large enough that a single visit barely scratches the surface of its layered history and dramatically varied landscapes.

Best areas to stay in Sicily

Palermo

The bustling capital, known for its markets, Arab-Norman architecture and street food culture.

Taormina

A cliffside resort town with a Greek theatre offering views toward Mount Etna and the sea.

Catania & Mount Etna

A lively city beneath Europe's most active volcano, a base for Etna excursions and wine tasting on its slopes.

Agrigento (Valley of the Temples)

Home to one of the best-preserved groups of Greek temples outside Greece itself.

Getting to Sicily

✈

Flights

Palermo and Catania airports both have direct flights from across Europe.

⏱

From London

~3 hours by air from London.

🚕

Getting around

A hire car is recommended for covering the island's varied sights; trains and buses connect major cities along the coast.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

April-June and September-October offer warm but manageable weather; July and August are very hot, especially inland, though peak season for the coast.

Is Mount Etna safe to visit?

Yes, with guided tours — Europe's most active volcano can be visited via cable car and guided hikes to view craters and lava fields, with access depending on current activity.

What are the must-see ancient sites?

The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, Greek theatre in Taormina, and Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale are among Sicily's most significant archaeological sites.

Do I need a car to explore Sicily?

A hire car is very useful, as the island is large and many highlights (Etna, the interior, smaller coastal towns) are not well served by public transport, though trains and buses link major cities.

What food is Sicily known for?

Arancini, cannoli, pasta alla norma, and a strong North African influence visible in dishes using couscous, citrus and spices, particularly in the west of the island.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The Valley of the Temples at sunrise was one of the most atmospheric historical sites I've visited anywhere. Sicily feels like several countries layered on top of each other.

Maria T. · May 2024

★★★★★

Did a guided Etna hike and the volcanic landscape was otherworldly. Catania's street food markets were a great contrast in the evenings.

Connor B. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Hired a car and covered Palermo, Taormina and Agrigento in ten days, which still felt rushed — Sicily rewards slower travel.

Federica L. · September 2024