Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Perfect Trip in Sicily, Italy.

Have you been waiting for a summer holiday in sunny Sicily? There are lots of things to think about, and planning a perfect Sicily trip can be challenging. What’s the best time to go? Is it going to be too crowded or too expensive? What are some must-see sights and things to do?

Here are tips and information to help you plan a great Sicily vacation that fits your interests and preferred travel season.

Best Time to Go to Sicily?

when do you plan your Sicily trip to make the most of the weather and sights without it costing an arm and leg in massive crowds?

Here’s the pros, cons and seasons-by-season breakdown of the weather and things happening:

Spring (March-May)

In Sicily, spring marks one of the best times to travel. You’ll get:

  • Daytime warmth on average 16-22°C (60-72°F), often pleasant.
  • Less rainfall; average April is 7-9 days of rain.
  • Flower fields that can make any scenery extra perfect
  • Fewer crowds and more affordable prices than in summer.

This is a great time of year for hiking, biking, sightseeing and countryside explorations before summer crowds roll in.

Summer (June-August)

Summer and sunny hot weather mean beach holidays. But also the height of tourist season. Expect:

  • Hot and dry with average daily highs of around 27-32°C (80-90°F) or better
  • The hottest sea temperatures, good for swimming and water sports.
  • Big crowds and the highest prices for flights and hotels – book well in advance!

Summer is great for sunbathing, island-hopping and outdoor adventures if you don’t mind the heat and crowds.

Fall (September-November)

Fall welcomes mild temperatures, fewer tourists, wine harvests and local celebrations.

In terms of average temperatures expect temperatures of around 20-25°C (68-77°F) in September and 16-22°C (61-72°F) in October.

  • In some places, the sea remains warm enough for swimming into October.
  • You’ll miss the sweltering summer temperatures and the crush of tourists.
  • It’s a great time for hiking, cycling, sightseeing or attending its food and wine festivals.

Winter (December-February)

In winter, Sicily has:

  • Mild, wet weather – average 10-16°C (50-61°F)
  • A lot of rain – don’t forget your umbrella!
  • The least touristy and the best value on flights and hotels.
  • Snowcapped Mount Etna – skiing before February.

It’s peak season for budget travelers who want to roam cities such as Palermo without hordes.

Top Sights and Experiences

What you’ll be able to see and do in Sicily differs by season. Here are some top picks for activities, according to the weather and timing:

Spring

  • Wildflowers are in season in: nature reserves and countryside The Valley of the Temples outside Agrigento is particularly stunning!
  • Hike in places like Madonie Regional Park before summer heat sets in.
  • Explore archeological sites such as Selinunte, Segesta, and Villa Romana del Casale.
  • Visit cities like Palermo, Catania and Syracuse without the summer crush.

Summer

  • Hit the beaches! The finest are in Taormina, Cefalù, and near San Vito Lo Capo.
  • Join locals along the shores for summer festivals and events in cities like Palermo.
  • Sail, snorkel, and scuba dive the Aeolian Islands.
  • Yes this means more that you need to visit wineries on Mount Etna to taste the delicious wines produced in the volcano’s lava soil!

Fall

  • Walk in parks and nature reserves – the fall foliage is stunning.
  • Explore castles, churches and medieval villages, including Erice and Cefalù.
  • Pick almonds at farms and groves in Agrigento.
  • During autumn food festivals, sample Sicily’s seasonal produce and wines.

Winter

  • Ski on a volcano – snow in the spot for Mount Etna!
  • Christmas and New Year’s in Palermo, Catania and other Cities
  • What to know: Visit during the low tourism season for discounted flights and hotels.
  • Explore sites such as Villa Romana del Casale and archaeological ruins without other tourists.

Guide to Sicily Regions and Major Cities

Across its regions, Sicily boasts a variety of landscapes and attractions. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights:

  • Palermo – The frenetic capital is filled with palaces, churches and museums showcasing Sicily’s unique mix of cultures. The street markets are full of colors!
  • Northwest Sicily – This rugged coastline has quaint seaside towns such as Cefalù, ancient archaeological sites and superb hiking.
  • Agrigento – The breathtaking Valley of the Temples, an archaeological park featuring ancient Greek temples
  • Southeast Sicily – The Hyblaean Mountains here have pretty medieval towns. Explore the baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa and Modica.
  • Northeastern Sicily – The volcano Mount Etna is the main attraction here. Trek across its moonlike landscape of lava flows or ski down its slopes!
  • Southwest Sicily – Laze on white-sand beaches in places like San Vito Lo Capo. The Egadi and Aeolian Islands offshore also provide excellent scuba diving.
  • Centro Sicilia – Enna: to admire the inland mountainous landscape. The beautiful ancient Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina.

A Sample of 2 Week Itinerary

Planning your best Sicily itinerary can be tricky though, with so much to see and do. This is a proposed route to cover the highlights in 2 weeks –

Week 1

Days 1-3: Discover Palermo and the nearby Monreale. Visit the Palatine Chapel, the cathedral, the astronomical clock and more. Markets – eat street food at –

Days 4-5: Daytrip to coast (Cefalù), hike in Madonie Regional Park, Tyndaris: ancient ruins.

Days 6-7: Admire the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, lounge on beaches in Scala dei Turchi and Realmonte.

Week 2

Days 8–10: Hike Mt. Etna, have wine tastings, visit Taormina on the east coast.

Days 11–12: Southeast: Noto/Modica/Ragusa/Syracuse

Days 13-14: Fly home from western End in Trapani. Hop a ferry to the Egadi Islands for beaches or dive spots such as Favignana and Marettimo.

Bonus Tips for an Amazing Trip

Use these tips for an epic trip to Sicily:

  1. Fly to Palermo or Catania, the two big international airports.
  2. Whenever you do decide to go, allow yourself a good amount of time – preferably a week or two. Sicily is big!
  3. Renting a car is an easy way to see the variety of landscapes and major sights.
  4. For best rates and availability, book hotels and activities in advance (a few months ahead).
  5. If you can, avoid the crowds (and heat) of July and August. April, May, June and October are great.
  6. Eat your way through Sicily! Enjoy pasta, seafood, cannoli and other specialties at home-grown restaurants and markets.
  7. Bring lightweight layers, hats, sunscreen and an umbrella – Sicilian weather is notoriously changeable.

Now you’re ready for a wonderful trip to Sicily, customized to your interests!

If you have any further questions, do let us know – we’re more than happy to provide tips to help you get an itinerary just right.

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