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Best time to visit Sicily: month by month
Short answer
April to June and September to October are the best times: highs of about 18-28°C, a warm sea from June and fewer crowds. July and August are hot (31-32°C on the coast, above 33°C inland) and busy, while winter is mild on the coast (14-17°C) and quiet.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | 9°C | 13 | low |
| Feb | 15°C | 8°C | 7 | low |
| Mar | 16°C | 9°C | 11 | low |
| Apr | 18°C | 11°C | 9 | medium |
| May | 22°C | 15°C | 10 | high |
| Jun | 28°C | 20°C | 5 | high |
| Jul | 32°C | 23°C | 1 | very high |
| Aug | 31°C | 23°C | 3 | very high |
| Sep | 28°C | 21°C | 7 | high |
| Oct | 24°C | 18°C | 12 | medium |
| Nov | 20°C | 14°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 17°C | 11°C | 10 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from 16°C in March to 18°C in April and 22°C in May, with wildflowers around the temples and about 9-11 rainy days a month.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and dry, highs of 28-32°C and lows of 20-23°C, with almost no rain in July; peak beach season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September (28°C) and October (24°C) are warm with the sea still pleasant; November cools to 20°C with more rain (about 15 days).
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild on the coast, highs of 14-17°C and lows of 8-11°C, with 7-13 rainy days a month and snow on Etna.
Events worth planning around
- Festa di Sant'Agata in Catania, 3-5 February
- Holy Week processions, notably in Trapani (March or April)
- Greek theatre season in Syracuse, roughly May to July
- Festino di Santa Rosalia in Palermo, 14-15 July
- Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento, February or March
When to avoid
Avoid August if you dislike heat and crowds, especially around 15 August (Ferragosto), when Italians fill the beaches and prices peak.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Sicily?
May, June, September or October, with warm weather and fewer crowds.
When is the sea warm enough to swim?
From about June to October.
Is Sicily worth visiting in winter?
Yes for sightseeing: the coast is mild (14-17°C), sites are quiet and prices low, though some beach resorts close.