The best times to visit the incredible island of Sicily include April through early-June and September through October. These months provide consistent, comfortable daytime temperatures of about 75°F, and the crowds aren’t too bad.
Weather in Sicily
The weather in Sicily, Italy stays pretty mild and relatively dry throughout the year, to be honest, with average daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 60°F and few months having more than 2.5″ of rainfall on average. That said, any time of year you visit Sicily, chances are high that you’ll have some great weather.
Like most other places in Italy, we will suggest trying to visit in spring or fall, particularly May, June, September, and October. Throughout these months, the average daytime temperatures will be around 75°F to 83°F, and the rainfall will be extremely light, especially during May and June.
September and October have about twice as much rain, although still very little. But if you want the slightest chance of getting wet, consider going to Sicily in May or June.
The summers in Sicily, although not quite as bad as central Italy, still do get incredibly hot. With daytime temperatures reaching up to 86°F to about 88°F in July and August, the highs can occasionally spike and become uncomfortable enough to put a damper on your trip.
Speaking of a damper, the rainy season in Sicily runs from October to January, although it still stays relatively dry compared to most places. The winter temperatures tend to hover around 60°F or so during the day.
Best Time for Outdoor Activities: April through June and September through October
The best times to visit Sicily for outdoor activities will be April through June or September through October. These months offer mild temperatures that aren’t too hot, and they’re part of the shoulder travel season, so the crowds aren’t too bad either. But it really depends on what kind of outdoor activities you’re looking to do.
If you want to visit the beaches, we recommend May, early June, September, or October. Surrounding the official beach season, temperatures remain warm enough while crowds remain relatively small. We suggest the same timeframe for those looking to hike Mount Etna for much of the same reasons.
But if you’re wanting to spend time outside doing a little bit of everything without necessarily hopping in the water, you could consider April as well. The temperatures are starting to rise, the skies stay dry, and the crowds are still small. It’s a great time to visit Sicily.
If you’re not planning on swimming, you can realistically visit Sicily just about any time of year. The island’s great weather means you can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. Sicily stays drier than most other places throughout the year, and temperatures only dip down into the 50s and 60s during the days in winter. It’s a great place to visit year-round.
Best Time for Sightseeing & Museum Hopping: April through early-June and September through October
For many of the same reasons as above, the best time to go to Sicily for sightseeing are April through early-June and September through October. During this time, the temperatures are pleasant, and the crowds are far smaller than they will be during the summer months.
There’s nothing worse than going somewhere like Sicily to see some of the most spectacular sights and visuals in the world, only to have your trip sullied by large crowds, long lines, and searing temperatures roasting you alive. That’s what awaits visitors who choose to go during the peak summer travel season, which is why we recommend more of a spring and fall approach.
For the best possible chance of avoiding the rain and staying dry, plan your Sicilian adventure during the spring time frame rather than the fall. Also keep in mind that on Sundays throughout the year, admission to many museums and galleries in Sicily is free, making that the single best day of the week to go museum hopping.
Best Time for Honeymooners: April through May and September through October
Taking a honeymoon to the beautiful island of Sicily would be a dream come true for any newlywed couple. Still, you want to make sure you’re traveling at the right time to avoid big crowds and uncomfortable temperatures. Therefore, the best time for a honeymoon to Sicily is April through May and September through October.
These months are right before and right after the peak summer travel season, meaning that you and your spouse will have far smaller crowds to deal with, and the beaches will be much more relaxing since there are fewer people everywhere you look.
But perhaps the biggest reasons for going to Sicily for your honeymoon during this time is more so because of the weather. The weather in Sicily during late-spring and early-fall is simply stunning — mild temperatures, less rain, a gentle breeze. It’s a picture-perfect place for a honeymoon that will be one of the best trips of your life.
Best Time for Budget Travelers: November through February
Traveling to Sicily can be expensive, so it’s important to know when to visit if you’re on a budget and need to save money. The best time for budget travelers to visit Sicily is late-fall through most of the winter, particularly November through February.
The only thing you’ll need to keep in mind during this time is the holiday season, so we suggest not traveling from Christmas through the Epiphany (late-December through early-January). But as long as you avoid the holidays, traveling to Sicily during this time is far cheaper than the majority of the year.
As one of the most popular islands in the region, it’s understandable that Sicily gets so crowded during the high travel season of summer. But during that time, prices are raised throughout the area, and everything is more expensive. If you don’t plan on visiting the beaches and don’t mind a few chilly temperatures, you can score a great trip to Sicily at a more affordable price by going during these months.
Best Time for Heading to the Beaches: May, September, and October
One of the main reasons people flock to Sicily from all over the world is the slew of incredible beaches that the island offers. The best times to visit Sicily for the beaches are May, September, and October.
During these months, the temperatures outside are comfortable without being too hot, and the water temperature is also warm enough to enjoy. The reason we suggest May is that the official beach season in Sicily kicks off in June, and droves of visitors — tourists and locals alike — head to Sicily to enjoy the beaches right away.
Coming in May before the crowds get there is a great way to enjoy the waters without having to deal with the crowds. September and October are great times as well because the crowds are gone, but the water and outside temperatures are still more than warm enough to offer visitors a relaxing day at the beach.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Sicily?
With how beautiful it is and how much there is to do in the area, we recommend a minimum of 3 days to explore Sicily. But if you want to take it all in, we suggest booking at least five days if not a whole week.
What is the rainiest month in Sicily?
Compared to most other places in Italy, Sicily stays relatively dry. That said, December is the rainiest month of the year, producing just about 3″ of rain on average. But in all honesty, the weather in Sicily stays incredible year-round, and there isn’t much of a rainy season.Â
When should I not visit Sicily?
There’s truly no bad time to visit Sicily, but we don’t recommend visiting during July and August as the scorching summer sun means it just gets too hot. While being on an island and enjoying the beaches in the summer sounds great, the heat can be unbearable, especially if you plan on sightseeing and enjoying the island’s rich historical and cultural sights.Â
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