Sicily is one of those incredible destinations where you can visit at any time of year.
No matter the weather, no matter the season, you’ll be amazed by this island’s unique landscape, history and culture. This destination that has so much soul. And then, of course, there’s the food. Sicilians are incredibly proud of their culinary variations from the rest of Italy. As its autonomous region, the dishes served here are distinctive “Sicilian”, not “Italian”. With seasonal menus to be enjoyed year-round, it doesn’t matter when you arrive. You’ll find amazing specialities to try to warm you up or cool you down.
Whether you plan to have an action-packed holiday or you prefer to relax by a private pool and while away the hours, there’s really no bad time to experience the best of Sicily. Sun-worshippers swear by the sizzling summer months for their beach time. Those who wish to escape the crowds prefer to arrive in the shoulder season. And travellers in search of authenticity will find winter to be most charming. Here are the best times to book a luxury villa break to soulful Sicily.
April to June
As spring rears its head, we say goodbye to cool winter days and hello to warmer temperatures across the island. The region starts to dry up, with less precipitation as the season goes on. The days get longer at this time of year, making it ideal for those who love to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re planning on hiking in the mountain ranges or love to dine al fresco, springtime promises plenty of daylight hours.
Without the blistering heat of the summer, spring is a wonderful time to enjoy a spot of hiking around Mount Etna or Madonie Regional Natural Park. Many archaeological sites are nice to walk around at this balmy time of year.
Generally, the best time to visit Sicily for great weather and fewer crowds is May and June’s shoulder season. This is when the weather starts to get hotter. Still, the summer holidaymakers have not yet arrived—making it the perfect time to explore Sicily’s coastline when it’s less crowded, and to get the best deals on luxury villas and accommodation. If you’re looking for lovely beach weather, plan your trip in mid to late June.
Temperature
Expect highs of 18°C in April, average highs of 21°C in May and highs of 25°C in June. The weather goes through a transition from the start to the end of the spring, with sea temperatures still chilly in April but warming up for June’s perfect dipping conditions.
Festivals:
If you’re lucky enough to catch the island at Easter, you’ll witness something exceptional. Although it can get bustling during this holiday, Easter week promises events in every town and city. There will be something happening in Alcamo, Caltanissetta, Castelvetrano, Enna, Erice, Marsala, Messina, Milazzo, Noto, Piana Degli Albanesi, Prizzi, Ragusa, Scicli, and Trapani.
In the third week of May, Noto’s beautiful Baroque city transforms with the floral designs across its main street for the Infiorata Festival. And the Greek Classical Theatre Festival takes place across May and June, with a selection of classic plays in Siracusa.
Where to Stay:
What a fantastic time to experience the stunning and spectacular UNESCO towns of Noto and Ibla, with its Baroque architecture. We have some great holiday homes in these locations from fabulous beachfront villas to exclusive villas with pools.
What to Pack:
While the weather hots up in June, April and May could still have a few cooler days. Pack some layers and light jackets, especially if you’re travelling in April. Evening temperatures can also drop, even in June, so be sure to pack some warmer clothing items if you plan on stepping out to enjoy the nightlife.
Despite spring being much cooler than summer, the UV rating is still extremely high compared to the UK and other parts of Europe. The Best Times to Visit Sicily the rating is seven on April, 8 in May and 9 in June, so bringing high sun cream and protective UV accessories such as sunglasses is essential. If you intend on hiking, sightseeing or spending a lot of time outdoors, an umbrella or a lightweight waterproof may be needed for April. However, if it does happen to rain, it will unlikely last very long.
July & August
Summer is The Best Times to Visit Sicily. Holidaymakers and beach lovers flock here in their thousands every year, and everyone wants the same thing – sun, sea and sand. They’ll find plenty of it too. With over 1,000 kilometres of shoreline and some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Med, Sicily is perfect as a summer destination.
It can get boiling in the summer months, so be prepared to get a few tan lines when you’re out and about. Having a pool within jumping distance at all times is a must if you’re booking one of our villas, and staying hydrated is very important. If you want to go hiking at this time of year, we recommend The Best Times to Visit Sicily exploring one of the many coastal hiking paths. With the cooling sea breeze, you can prevent problems of overheating. This also makes a wonderful alternative to sunbathing on the beach, giving you another view of the island’s sparkling Mediterranean coastline.
Be warned though – popular beaches and tourist hotspots can get crowded. But don’t worry, as there are plenty of great villas with private outdoor space, giving you a place to relax and wind down on your own.
Temperature:
July promises a lot of heat in the afternoon, with highs of 26°C, but most days you can expect it to be 30°C (or even higher). By August, the hot season will be at its peak and daily afternoon temperatures can reach well over 30°C. What’s great about the summer is the sea temperatures – expect it to be around 26-27°C, making it perfect for enjoying a swim in the ocean.
Festivals:
The International Festival of the Arts takes place across July and August in Taormina. Held inside a stunning Greco-Roman theatre, there will be exciting performances from global pop stars, orchestras and operas.
Where to Stay:
This is the perfect time to stay in one of Sicily’s many charming beach towns like Cefalu. With a coast that faces out onto the Tyrrhenian Sea and pretty sandy beaches, Cefalu is a great place to relax when it’s too hot to do anything else. The small town is also known for its winding medieval streets, lovely shops, and authentic restaurants serving fresh seafood.
What to Pack:
Sun cream, sun cream and more sun cream! July and August are sweltering, and protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays should be a priority. Evening temperatures are cooler, but still warm enough not to wear a jacket.
September & October
In Sicily, the heat begins to disperse by now, with September seeing a big transition. It will still be quite hot at the start of the month but will cool gradually as we enter into October. The summer holiday crowds will diffuse along with the heat, meaning that towns and cities will be less crowded, beaches less noisy, and hiking trails unobstructed by other tourists. With the hot conditions over and done with, this is the perfect time of year for a spot of sightseeing or a culinary adventure. Etna wine tours and tastings are divine in autumn with the harvest, so if you’re interested in ecotourism, September and October are ideal for you.
Temperature:
As it begins to cool, expect average highs of 27°C in early September. Sea temperatures lower too to a nice 25°C, which is wonderful for swimming. By October, daily temperatures will drop quite a bit, with afternoon highs of just 22°C. But sea temperatures are still not bad for swimming at 23°C. Wind and rainfall will also increase, but it’s nothing to be concerned about in September.
Festivals:
The Cefalu festival is in full swing in September. Across the whole month, local fishers cook fresh fish on the docks of the harbour. This is a wonderfully atmospheric time to be in the city. In October, there’s also the Sagra del Miele (Honey Festival) not to be missed in Sortino. This event celebrates the famous honey of Hyblea, which the Greeks and the Romans enjoyed.
Where to Stay:
The Best Times to Visit Sicily Don’t miss the amazing fish festival in Cefalu. We have some exclusive villas in this area with incredible views of the sea or surrounding mountains, with spacious outdoor areas and large swimming pools, with lovely breakfast terraces, children’s play areas, tennis courts and much more.
What to Pack:
September is still going to feel like summer for the most part. Still, you’ll need to pack extra layers and perhaps some lightweight waterproofs or an umbrella for October when precipitation increases. Although there’s less visible sunshine, the UV rating is still high at 7 in September and 5 in October. Sun cream and sunglasses are a must. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors hiking, be sure to bring a hat too.
November to March
The coolest time of year in Sicily, November to March is the island’s off-season. Time for recovery and reflection, the tourist industry takes a break. But that doesn’t mean that winter should be discounted as a good time to travel. While sun-seekers devote themselves to the summer, some prefer to enjoy this autonomous island in its quietest period. With such a unique culture fused by Italian influences and influences of the Med, discovering the Sicilian way of life appeals to many. Arrive in the cool days of winter, and you will witness the authentic Sicily, the one that few tourists ever see. Come in December, and you’ll be lucky enough to experience the festive spirit in one of the most devoted Catholic areas in Europe.
Temperature:
Expect afternoon highs of around 17°C in November, 13°C in December, 12°C in both January and February, and 16°C in March. If you want to avoid the chill, November and March are the best times to visit as lows can be 5°C or less in the peak of winter. And although it’s sporadic for lowlands or low peaks to see any snow, you will be able to witness a snow-capped Etna from December onwards.
Festivals:
On December 8th, every town in Sicily celebrates the Virgin Mary for the Immaculate Conception Festival. There are processions and fireworks after dark, and there’s a great atmosphere in every commune. There’s also Festa della Santa Lucia in Siracusa on the 13th and 20th of December, the most important event.
In February, don’t miss Festa di Sant’Agata in Catania, where locals celebrate their own Saint Agata for two days straight. There will be events around the clock, including parades, amazing food and drink, and a great outdoor market.
Where to Stay:
Areas like Selinunte, Noto or Ibla are perfect for cold weather as there’s so much to see (not just the beaches). Taormina is also a lovely town to walk around, and there’s a charming atmosphere around this period as you get to skip the tourist crowds and rub shoulders with locals. The views of snow-capped Etna are also spellbinding.
What to Pack:
Pack plenty of layers for changeable weather conditions, and be sure to bring an umbrella or waterproof in case it rains. This is the wettest time of year, and evening temperatures are also the coldest. A coat is definitely advised if you’re going to be out and about. Although many travellers do not bring sun protection, it’s important to know that the UV rating can be as high as five by March. So a low factor is highly recommended even through the winter months.
Are you looking for some holiday inspiration? Whether you want to beachfront villas, luxury villas to accommodate the whole family, romantic holiday homes to celebrate a special anniversary, or villas with breathtaking views, we can inspire your next adventure.
