The Weather in Sicily

Index

• Temperatures in Sicily during the four seasons
• Why you should visit Sicily in October
• What to pack in your suitcase

Generally speaking, temperatures may vary not just for the period you are choosing, but also according to the location: if you are in a busy city, in a village near the sea level or in a hamlet up on the mountains, there might be a temperature difference of 10 degrees or more. Let’s not forget Sicily is a huge island!

In Summer you can benefit from sun and light until late evening, but for those who are not used to the heavy heat, coming in the hottest months might not be the best solution. Depending on the seasonal forecasts we get, temperatures can raise up to 45-48 degrees in the hottest time of the day, from 1 to 4 pm and even at night can be difficult to rest. Something to keep in mind.

The Winter season, which is the coldest one (between 5-16 degrees C) may also be an interesting period to discover the island, especially if you are looking for a quieter type of vacation. No seaside, but more history and culture can seal the deal for a completely different experience, but nonetheless charming and full of surprises thanks to the many places to visit and amenities.

The middle seasons, Spring and Fall, are ideal to travel because the temperatures are certainly more gentle and clement. Temperatures can go from 15-16 to 24-25 C in months like April and May, as well as October up to mid November.

One of the best and more attractive period to visit Sicily still remains the month of October. Here there are 3 reasons why you should visit Sicily in October.

1. It’s low season! – If you are financially minded, whether you choose a luxury villa, a hotel or a B&B for your accommodation, prices are definitely cheaper.
2. A mild climate – Temperature in the warmest hours can go around 19-22 degrees while at night it drops to 16-18 degrees, which allows you to sleep like a baby, a night, and go around during the day,  being able to enjoy the seaside, as the water is still warm for the summer heat wave.
3. “Le vie dei Tesori” – Culture-wise, one of the greatest attraction in the month of October is the so-called Festival “Le vie dei Tesori”, an event that lasts 4-5 weeks every year and offers visitors a number of enjoyable activities: from walking tours, to visiting historical residences, palaces and old churches which are normally closed to the public during the rest of the year. You can learn a lot about Sicilian history and heritage. Plus, it is very popular among the locals too!

Icing on the cake, for those who like food and love to try local products, the end of October also marks the festivity of All Saints and All Souls, on November 1^st and 2^nd.

These two days come with plenty of traditional treats that are prepared only in this period. This means that throughout the whole month of October you will find patisseries and bakeries full of typical biscuits and sweets, from the colourful marzipan fruits “Frutta Martorana”, to the “Tetù e Catalani”, black or white cookies that used to be made with all the other biscuits left overs.

From the “Sammartinelli” made with clove seeds that can be eaten either filled with ricotta cream or just plain with a shot of Marsala or Moscato wine, to the Rame di Napoli, a chocolate treat traditional of Catania and its surroundings.

In terms of luggage, in October you can still pack your summer clothes while adding a cotton cardigan or jumper for the cooler evenings. To be on the safe side, a k-way could also be a great addition, as there might be some sporadic showers.

All in all, October allows you to take advantage of your Sicilian holiday to the fullest, without giving in to the scorching heat of the summer months. No matter what type of solution you want to experience, it will be the perfect time to explore, learn, smell, taste and feel every bit of this vibrant and wonderful island!