Sicily Travel Information

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When to Go to Sicily

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Sicily has a classic, Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters with relatively little rainfall. Winters are renowned for being short, and summers correspondingly long.

As everywhere temperatures are dictated by altitude and the best weather is usually found around the coast, with inland cities being very hot and humid. Average temperatures range from 35°C in the summer months to 10°C in the winter and as with other Mediterranean areas rainfall is mainly confined to the winter months, most notably November, December and January. Any rain that does fall is almost always light in nature.

A feature of the climate in Sicily, especially on southern and western coasts the hot, dry “Scirocco” wind that comes from the North African deserts, especially during the summer.

Seasonality

Sicily is a year-round destination. Spring is wonderful for blossoms and early flowers together with cooler temperatures inland, and, given the propensity for festivals at this time of year it’s great to visit. It’s perfect for walking and biking holidays. Summer is a time for more festivals and visiting the beach, but be aware that August a holiday month for most of Italy and the island can be busy.

Autumn, much like spring makes an ideal time to visit for a more active walking and biking break with warm temperatures on land and in the sea. Whilst winter is cool and rainy it’s a good time for those who prefer to explore without crowds.

National Holidays

Date	Description
01 Mar 08	Easter (different each year)
01 Mar 08	Easter Monday (different each year)
25 Apr 08	Liberation Day
01 May 08	Labour Day
02 Jun 08	Anniversary of the Republic
15 Aug 08	Assumption of the Virgin
01 Nov 08	All Saints' Day
08 Dec 08	Day of the Immaculate Conception
25 Dec 08	Christmas Day
26 Dec 08	Boxing day (known in Italy as "Santo Stefano")
01 Jan 09	New Year's Day
06 Jan 09	Epiphany

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Agrigento – Almond Blossom Festival	First half of February	Folk festival of song, dance, costumes, fireworks.
The Feast of Madonna del Mirto	The second Sunday of May	The town of Villafranca in northeast Sicily celebrates The Feast of Madonna del Mirto.
La Festa di Sant'Agata	For three days in February	Sant'Agata is the patron saint of Catania and her festival is a great time to visit. For three days in February the city is transformed into a giant feast, a must for anyone in the area.
La Festa Patronale	The second Sunday in September	In Pedara, close to Catania, a traditional religious feast takes place on the second Sunday in September, honouring Maria SS. Annunziata.
La Settimana Santa	Palm Sunday	In the western town of Enna Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the week long festival of La Settimana Santa. Expect processions and festivities all week.