Sicily has a typical Mediterranean climate. Very hot and dry summers bring typical temperatures of between 30 and 33 °C along the coast, whilst mild, damp and windy winters offer daytime temperatures of around 14 to 17 °C. During summer heatwaves, temperatures can even exceed 40 °C.

Expect temperatures similar to those on other Mediterranean islands.

The annual average temperature along the coast is around 18 °C, so you can visit Sicily all year round. However, it always depends on whether you’re heading there for swimming, hiking or exploring the towns.

The best time for swimming is from the second half of June to the end of September.

In the first half of October, the sea is usually still warm, but the weather is no longer as reliable. May is ideal for day trips, but not if you’re looking for a guarantee of warm seas.

We consider June and September to offer the best balance between warm weather, swimming and fewer crowds.

Book your accommodation in advance

Where in Sicily is it warmest and rains the least?

Although Sicily is a large and mountainous island, the basic weather conditions are similar along all its coasts.

However, there are still differences between the various parts of the island.

• The northern coast around Palermo and Cefalù tends to be more humid, and it rains more frequently there during autumn and winter
• The east coast around Catania and Taormina experiences very hot summers, though the weather is locally influenced by Mount Etna
• The southern and south-eastern coasts around Agrigento, Ragusa and Syracuse are generally among the driest and sunniest areas
• The inland areas have greater variations between day and night temperatures; for example, in the vicinity of the town of Enna, winter nights tend to be significantly colder than by the sea
• Mount Etna and the other mountains have a completely different climate, characterised by strong winds, fog, snow and significantly lower temperatures

If you want to respond to the latest weather forecast during your holiday and move between different coastal areas, take a look at car hire options in Sicily.

When does it rain the most in Sicily?

The rainiest part of the year lasts roughly from October to February. This doesn’t mean it will rain every day, but the likelihood of showers, thunderstorms and spells of bad weather lasting several days is considerably higher than during the summer.

The northern, north-eastern and mountainous parts of the island usually receive the most rainfall. The southern coast is generally drier, though heavy autumn storms can occur anywhere.

From June to August, rain is extremely rare. July is usually the driest month, when some areas may go several weeks without any measurable rainfall.

Autumn rain is not always limited to short showers. Particularly in October and November, heavy localised storms and torrential downpours can occur. If you’re travelling outside the summer months, it’s therefore worth having a backup plan and some tips on what to see in Sicily’s cities.

When to visit Sicily depending on the type of holiday

What do you want to do in Sicily	Best time to visit	Bookings
Swimming and beach holidays	second half of June–September	Compare holidays
Warm sea without the worst of the heat	June and September	Find a seaside hotel
The warmest sea	August and the first half of September	Compare accommodation
Exploring towns and sights	March–May and October–November	Compare flights
Island tour by car	April–June and September–October	Car hire in Catania / Palermo
Hiking	April–June and September–October	Choose excursions
A trip or climb up Mount Etna	May–October	Browse trips to Mount Etna
Green and blossoming countryside	February–May	Hire a car
Cheaper accommodation	November–March	Compare hotel prices
Least rain	June–August	Browse holidays
Skiing on Mount Etna	January and February, subject to sufficient snowfall	Conditions and transport to Mount Etna

Weather in Sicily throughout the year

The temperatures given represent typical daily highs along the coast. It will be cooler inland and particularly in the mountains. Furthermore, the weather can vary significantly from year to year.

Weather in January

January, along with February, is one of the coldest months. Along the coast, expect daytime temperatures of around 14 to 16 °C and night-time temperatures of 7 to 10 °C.

It rains relatively often, and a few sunny days may be followed by windy and overcast weather. Prolonged rain is not the norm, but unlike in summer, you must be prepared for it.

January is particularly suitable for visiting cities such as Palermo or Catania. Snow is usually present on the highest slopes of Mount Etna, and depending on current conditions, it may even be possible to ski there.

• Things to do: Sights, cities, gastronomy, and, depending on snow conditions, skiing on Mount Etna
• 👉 Compare accommodation prices in Sicily

Weather in February

The weather in February is very similar to that in January. Daytime temperatures by the sea range from around 14 to 16 °C; nights tend to be cold, and inland temperatures can drop even more significantly.

Expect wind and regular showers, though there are also clear and sunny days in between. The sea is only 14 to 15 °C and is not suitable for swimming.

There is snow on Mount Etna and in other mountainous areas. When travelling to higher altitudes, therefore, check the current road conditions and cable car services.

• Things to do: Towns, sights, food and drink, day trips without the crowds

Weather in March

Spring is slowly beginning in Sicily in March. Daytime temperatures along the coast rise to between 16 and 19 °C, and on sunny days, day trips can be very pleasant.

However, showers are still common, and you’ll need a jacket in the evenings. The sea remains cold, with water temperatures hovering around 15 °C.

Sicily is green in March, and the meadows and gardens are beginning to bloom. It is a good time to explore the sights in Agrigento, Syracuse and other places that get very hot in summer.

• Things to do: Sights, towns, road trips, short walking tours
• 👉 Car hire: Catania Airport/Palermo Airport/ Trapani Airport

Weather in April

April is the month of flowering meadows, gardens and rapidly rising temperatures. During the day, expect temperatures mostly between 18 and 22 °C.

Showers gradually become less frequent, but the weather remains changeable. One day you might find yourself in short sleeves, whilst the next might bring wind and rain. The sea temperature is only around 16 °C.

April is excellent for hiking in the Zingaro Nature Reserve or in the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains. However, during Easter, hotel occupancy rises significantly in towns known for their processions and festivities.

• Things to do: Hiking, sightseeing, road trips, nature excursions
• 👉 Book your hotel for Easter in advance

Weather in May

May is a great time for travelling and spending time outdoors in nature. Daytime temperatures usually range between 22 and 26 °C; everything is in bloom and the countryside is still a fresh green after the winter and spring rains.

Rain is less frequent by this time, though a few consecutive rainy days cannot be ruled out. Conditions in May can vary more significantly than in summer.

The sea is on average only 18 to 19 °C. Hardier travellers may take a dip, but May is too early for a traditional holiday by the warm sea.

• Things to do: Road trips, hiking, sightseeing, sunbathing on the beaches

Weather in June

Summer is in full swing by the first half of June. Daytime temperatures range from around 27 to 31 °C, rain is rare and evenings remain pleasantly warm.

The sea warms up quickly during the month to around 22 to 23 °C. Whilst the water may still be a bit too cold for some at the start of June, the main swimming season begins in the second half of the month.

We consider June to be one of the best months for combining swimming, day trips and sightseeing. The beaches are not yet as crowded as they are in July and August. You’ll find tips on the best coastal spots in the section on activities and beaches in Sicily.

• Things to do: Swimming, beaches, road trips, hiking and Mount Etna
• 👉 Compare holiday deals to Sicily

Weather in July

July is one of the hottest and driest months. Typical daily highs range from 30 to 34 °C; in the Catania area and when hot air flows in from Africa, temperatures can even exceed 40 °C.

Rain is extremely rare and the sea is a pleasant 25 to 26 °C. The weather is ideal for a seaside holiday, though spending the whole day strolling through towns or going on challenging hikes can be tiring.

Set off to visit the sights early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During the hottest part of the day, it’s best to stay by the sea, for example in San Vito Lo Capo, Cefalù or on the south-east coast.

• Things to do: Swimming, beaches, snorkelling and boat trips
• 👉 Find a seaside holiday in Sicily

Weather in August

August is very hot and often even more exhausting than July. Daytime temperatures usually range between 30 and 34 °C, but during heatwaves they can again rise above 40 °C.

The sea is at its warmest in August, typically reaching 26 to 27 °C. Rain is rare, and when it does fall, it usually takes the form of a brief thunderstorm.

The downsides are high prices and the largest number of visitors. Around the Italian holiday of Ferragosto on 15 August, the beaches, ferries, car hire companies and popular accommodation in Sicily tend to be very busy.

• Things to do: Swimming, beaches, boat trips and evening visits to towns

Weather in September

Average September temperatures still range from 27 to 31 °C. The first half of the month in particular offers stable, sunny weather, warm evenings and significantly fewer people than during the summer holidays.

The sea cools slowly and remains at around 25 to 26 °C. September is therefore, along with June, the best month for a seaside holiday.

In the second half of the month, the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms gradually increases, though most days are still suitable for swimming. Accommodation prices usually fall, particularly after the end of the main holiday season.

• Things to do: Swimming, diving, boat trips, a road trip and Mount Etna
• 👉 Find the cheapest accommodation on Booking.com

Weather in October

October is still pleasantly warm, but it can no longer be considered a reliably summery month. Expect daytime temperatures of around 22 to 26 °C, whilst in the evening temperatures often drop below 18 °C.

The sea is on average 22 to 23 °C. In the first half of October, most travellers can still swim without any problems, especially on sunny, windless days.

At the same time, however, the rainier part of the year begins. The weather can be summery for several days and then quickly turn windy and stormy. If you’re travelling solely for swimming, October therefore presents a certain risk.

In large cities and well-known resorts, such as Taormina, most services remain open. In small, purely beach-based resorts, however, some seasonal restaurants, hotels and hire shops may gradually start to close.

• Things to do: Sightseeing, exploring towns, walking, road trips and, weather permitting, swimming
• 👉 Car hire: Catania Airport/Palermo Airport/ Trapani Airport

Weather in November

Autumn is in full swing in November. Evenings in particular tend to be windy and cooler, but daytime temperatures still rise to around 18 to 21 °C.

November is one of the rainiest months. Showers may be brief, but there can also be all-day rain or heavy thunderstorms. The sea is around 20 °C, but due to the wind and changeable weather, it is no longer suitable for a traditional beach holiday.

Larger cities such as Palermo, Catania or Syracuse make good bases, as restaurants, attractions and other services remain open as usual.

• Things to do: Historic towns, sights, gastronomy and museums
• 👉 Compare hotel prices in Sicily

Weather in December

The weather in December is changeable. Sunny spells alternate with wind and showers, and heavier rain can sometimes occur. Daytime temperatures along the coast range from around 14 to 17 °C, whilst night-time temperatures are usually between 7 and 10 °C.

December is a good time to visit towns, sights and Christmas markets. It’s not ideal for a beach holiday, but outside the peak season you may find better deals on flights and accommodation.

It commonly snows on Mount Etna and in other high-altitude areas. If travelling to the mountains, expect significantly lower temperatures than on the coast.

• Things to do: Towns, sights, the Christmas atmosphere and, weather permitting, Mount Etna
• 👉 Compare flight prices to Catania and Palermo

Sea temperatures in Sicily and when to swim

Sea temperatures are similar all around the island. Minor differences are caused by current conditions, wind, water depth and the nature of the specific beach.

During the main swimming season, expect the following approximate temperatures:

• May – 18 to 19 °C
• June – 22 to 23 °C
• July – 25 to 26 °C
• August – 26 to 27 °C
• September – 25 to 26 °C
• October – 22 to 23 °C

Most people have no trouble swimming from the second half of June until the end of September. In warm weather, the swimming season often extends into the first half of October.

May is particularly suitable for sunbathing and day trips. Water temperatures below 20 °C will feel cold to most travellers. During winter, the sea cools to around 14 to 17 °C.

For long sandy beaches, head to Lido di Noto or the south coast, for example. The most beautiful rocky scenery can be found near Taormina, in the Zingaro Nature Reserve and around San Vito Lo Capo.

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Sicily

When is it warmest in Sicily?

The hottest months are July and August. Typical daily highs range from 30 to 34 °C, but during heatwaves they can exceed 40 °C.

Is it warm in Sicily in May?

Yes, May is usually pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures of around 22 to 26 °C. It’s a good time for day trips and exploring the island. However, the sea is only around 19 °C and isn’t yet suitable for everyone.

Can you go for a swim in Sicily in October?

Yes, you can often go for a swim, particularly in the first half of October. The sea is around 22 to 23 °C. The problem is not usually the water temperature, but the higher risk of wind, rain and storms.

Which part of Sicily is the warmest?

The southern and south-eastern coasts are among the warmest and driest areas. The lowlands around Catania also experience very high summer temperatures. The northern coast tends to be slightly wetter, particularly from autumn to spring.

Is it worth travelling to Sicily in winter?

Yes, if you want to visit towns, sights and restaurants without the large crowds. Palermo, Catania or Syracuse are the best bases. Do bear in mind, however, that you can expect wind, rain and temperatures of around 14 to 17 °C.

Purely beach-based resorts are very quiet in winter and some seasonal services tend to be closed.

What’s the weather like on Mount Etna?

The weather on Mount Etna is significantly cooler and more changeable than by the sea. Even in summer, higher altitudes can experience strong winds, fog and temperatures several degrees lower than in Catania.

In winter, there is usually snow on the ground and temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure to pack sturdy footwear, a warm layer and a windbreaker, whatever the season. Access to the highest parts of the volcano also depends on the weather and current volcanic activity.