soloGuide to Sicily: General Information

Climate

The climate in Sicily is typically Mediterranean along the coasts, with hot but not torrid summers and mild short winters. Sicily is blessed with a perpetually sunny climate, the annual average of clear days is 98 in Palermo; 110 in Messina; 130 in Taormina; 133 in Syracuse, with coastal temperatures rarely dipping below 10°C.

Beaches and offshore islands warm up relatively early, usually around the end of March, and stay hot well into October. Inland, in the mountains, temperatures can fall to freezing in the winter, offering the chance to go skiing on the Etna and on Madonie mountains, but the weather remains gorgeously cool in July and August, when coastal temperatures exceed 30°C.

The ideal time for a trip to Madonie and Nebrodi mountains is between April and June, when an explosion of spring flowers covers up the mountainsides. However, we suggest to take advantage of our lovely climate organising your trip during one of the many festivals and events filling Sicilian calendar.

Spring
Spring is generally early in Sicily. In the open grounds the air is filled with the scent of spring blossoms, and the merry view of early flowers make this a particularly lovely time for visiting ancient sites. This is also the season with the greatest number of feast days, processions and festivals. Most of these events take place during Easter celebrations.

Sicily Villas in Spring >>


Summer
Sports, summer vacations, several major musical events, folk celebrations and food festivals characterize the long Sicilian summer. The weather gets extremely hot sometimes, especially in coastal locations; therefore, on those occasions, we suggest to move inland and look for a nice villa with pool.

Sicily Villas in Summer >>


Autumn
This season begins late in Sicily, as September and October are usually sunny and warm. In autumn fall many of the characteristic festivals celebrating local products - such as grapes and olive oil - and the theatre, classical music and ballet, the opera and soccer season all resume their annual cycle.

Sicily Villas in Autumn >>


Winter
Winter in Sicily is usually cool but not harsh. Christmas holidays come in a colourful and friendly atmosphere in the main cities, and are celebrated with very characteristic and touching events in the inland villages. In February you can see several Carnival festivities throughout the island. The most reknown are held in Sciacca, Acireale and Termini Imerese, and are famous for their originality and the enthusiastic participation of local people and tourists.

Sicily Villas in Winter >>

 

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Spring near Trapani
Spring near Agrigento
Selinunte in Sping
Calletta Tonnarella - Zingaro Nature Riserve in Summer
Sheep in Central Sicily in Autumn
Sking on Etna Volcano in Winter
Winter Rainbow in Noto