Sicily in winter - is that a good idea? Here's your answer!

Should you really plan a trip to Sicily in winter? After having visited the island both during winter and summer, I’ve put together this comprehensive answer.

What’s my favorite season for traveling to Italy, and especially Southern Italy, and the why behind it? In the past 10 years, I’ve lived, studied, worked, and traveled to Italy extensively. I can easily say I know Italians who haven’t been to all the places I’ve been to in their country.

Because I’ve been there during all seasons, I can help you decide if winter is the time for you).

I’ll try to answer all your questions, but if I miss something, please go ahead and leave me a comment. I’ll be more than happy to answer!

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Sicily in winter – is that a good idea?

Sicily in winter – is that a good idea?

Should I Visit Sicily in Winter?

The short answer to that question is: absolutely!

I have been to Sicily in February and the weather was lovely, we only got a few hours of rain, and we could even stay on the beach and enjoy the sun.

Of course, you won’t be able to bathe in the sea, but if you want to go sightseeing, Sicilian can be a perfect vacation.

Just so you can make an impression, here are the average temperatures in Sicily throughout the year:

Please keep in mind that these are the average temperatures. Normally, can expect between 14 – 16 degrees C during winter (48 – 62 degrees F). Also, the island can become unbearably hot during summer.

How cold does Sicily get in winter?

As you can notice from the above table, Sicily has a Mediterranean climate and doesn’t get extremely cold during winter.

The lowest temperatures are expected between December and February, and they range between 9C (48F) and 11C (53F) degrees during the night. The daylight temperatures are higher.

In my opinion, that’s not too low, and if you know what to pack for winter in Sicily, you will be just fine. Temperatures during the day, are perfect for exploring and sightseeing.

How long does winter last in Sicily?

Like the rest of Italy and most parts of Europe, winter in Sicily lasts for three months: from December to February.

How to Get Around Sicily

Getting around Sicily is not difficult and can be easily done no matter how you choose to travel.

Of course, public transportation is not as well connected and frequent as in Northern Italy, for example, and it will take more time to get from one place to the other, but it is not impossible.

Major towns are linked by trains or buses, but if you want to explore at your own pace, I strongly recommend renting a car and driving around Sicily.

Getting around Sicily by car

We traveled by car around Sicily, and it was for the best. Some foreigners think it is dangerous to drive around the island. Admittedly, Sicilians can be a bit crazy in traffic. Moreover, parking can be challenging, but it is not impossible. And if I can do it, so can you!

If you have decided that renting a car is the way forward, at least for a part of your itinerary, my go-to destination for the best prices is DiscoverCars. They can help you save up to 70% and have a flexible cancellation policy.

Get your best offers here!

Getting around Sicily by train and/or bus

Make your life easier and check the timetables and prices of trains and buses online at Bookaway.com

You can easily book your tickets online, create your itinerary beforehand, and forget about having to search for the best options – you have it all there: public and private trains, buses, and every other means of transportation.

What is the best month to visit Sicily?

I visited once during February, and judging by the average temperatures, I don’t think there is much of a difference, no matter what month of winter you choose for your trip.

If you want to visit Sicily during winter, go there in December for the Christmas vibes and festivities, or head over in February to participate in the Carnival in Taormina.

When you are looking to spend some time at the beach as well, maybe it would be better to plan your vacation for April, May, October, or November. I am a big fan of the shoulder season.

Why visit Sicily in winter?

The same as visiting any other part of Italy during winter, here are a few of the good reasons why you should consider planning a Sicily holiday for the colder months:

You can see Sicily with fewer crowds – unlike the summer months, the colder season is not as popular for many.
Take advantage of the low season prices both for hotels and tourist activities. However, many tours and activities won’t be available, so keep that in mind and check before you go. If there is something you really want to do, investigate if the activity is available during winter.
Feel the true Italian vibe. You’ll experience the authentic places where locals go.
Exploring and sightseeing become much easier and bearable at normal temperatures. Archeological and historical sites such as the Valley of the Temples are much easier to see during Sicily’s mild winters.
You can take advantage of the winter sales and do some shopping.
Explore the local markets and take part in the winter festivities such as the Christmas Markets or Carnivals.

Why not visit Sicily in winter?

While Sicily is a captivating destination with a mild climate even in winter, there are some considerations to keep in mind if you are contemplating a visit during this season:

Weather and Rainfall: While Sicily’s winter climate is generally mild compared to many other European destinations, it can still be cool and wet.
Limited Beach Activities: Sicily’s beaches (such as San Vito lo Capo) are super during the warm months but not in winter. Some locals swim all year round, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Some Attractions May Be Closed: Some attractions, especially those dependent on good weather or seasonal tourism, may close or operate on reduced schedules during the winter months. This could impact your ability to experience certain activities or visit specific sites.
Less Festive Atmosphere: Sicily is known for its lively festivals, outdoor events, and vibrant street life. While the island still maintains its charm in winter, the atmosphere may be less festive compared to the peak tourist seasons.
Limited Availability of Tours and Activities: Some guided tours, excursions, or outdoor activities may have limited availability during the winter months. If you have specific activities or tours in mind, it’s advisable to check in advance for their availability.
Challenging Driving Conditions: While Sicily doesn’t experience extreme winter conditions, there might be rainy and windy days. If you plan on renting a car to explore the island, be aware that driving conditions can be less favorable during the winter.
Fewer Open-Air Markets: Sicily is known for its vibrant open-air markets, but some of these markets may be less lively or have fewer vendors during the winter months.
You cannot visit the islands – places like the Aeolian Islands are not easily reached during winter, and ferries are limited.

Which is the warmest place in Sicily in winter?

Sicily is not such a large island to register significant temperature differences by region. Still, there are a few of the places you should check out during winter.

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is located in the northern part of the island. It is packed with things to do and places to see. While there, I recommend a trip to the nearby village of Cefalu.

Choose the perfect place to stay in Palermo!

Catania is in the eastern part of the island, and I visited it during my winter trip to Sicily. The temperatures were okay, and besides a few showers and some wind, we could easily explore the city and the region.

Choose the perfect place to stay in Catania!

Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples, and the Stairs of the Turks.

Choose the perfect place to stay in Agrigento!

What to do in Sicily during winter?

As I’ve previously said, there are no limits to the things you can see and do in Sicily during winter.

Follow my comprehensive one-week Sicily guide, and you will find it easy to plan your unforgettable vacation. No matter if you have one week or less, the guide includes a map and highlights all the most important tourist attractions on the whole island.

There are beautiful cities, Mount Etna, archaeological sites, magnificent ruins, Isola Bella, Taormina, and much more.

Here are a few things worth doing and seeing:

Go skiing on Mt. Etna or other beautiful mountains on the island

Explore the natural beauty of Sicily by going skiing at one of the 3 major ski resorts: Etna Nord – Linguaglossa, Etna South – Nicolosi, or Piano Battaglia outside of Palermo.

Enjoy the Hot Springs and Geothermal Waters

Relax in the thermal baths and hot springs of Ali Terme, Acireale, Sciacca, or Termini Imerese. The warm waters provide a soothing escape from the cooler temperatures.

Visit Historical Sites

Explore Sicily’s rich history by visiting historical sites and landmarks such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the ancient ruins of the theater in Taormina, and the UNESCO World Heritage site in Syracuse.

Winter Holidays and Festivals

Experience the local culture by participating in winter festivals.

Many towns and cities host events and celebrations, such as the Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania, which takes place in early February, the Sciacca Carnival in February, or the Christmas Nativity play in Termini Imerese.

You should also visit the Botanical Garden of Kolymbetra, the citrus garden that will enchant you during the winter season.

Spending Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve in Sicily is the perfect time to eat like and with the locals.

The Almond Blossom Festival takes part in the first 10 days of February in Agrigento. The festival dates from 1934 and celebrates the early coming of spring.

What to pack for a vacation during winter in Sicily?

As mentioned previously, a winter holiday is perfect when you know what to pack and how to dress.

I always like to pack light, and especially when traveling during the colder months, I always like to wear layers. Temperature differences can be pretty high between night and day, and when you want to see it all, you will spend lots of time outside and want to be prepared.

Here are a few essential tips you must have in mind:

Bring some comfortable shoes you can walk in, but that can also protect you from the rain. I like my leather Converse shoes, and I think they are perfect for that.

Have a cashmere scarf that you can easily wrap around your neck or wear over your jacket.

During the evening, temperatures will drop, so you must have a leather or suede jacket.

Bring clothes that can be easily worn in layers.

Have a colorful umbrella that doesn’t take up much of your luggage space, and that can also be used as a prop for your pictures.

Make sure your shoes don’t have a smooth sole. Otherwise, you will risk slipping on the stone pavements.

Other tips for visiting Sicily

Internet and WIFI

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Restaurant timetables

If this is your first time visiting Italy, you should be aware of the fact that you cannot eat at any time of the day.

Restaurant timetables in Italy can vary, but here are some general guidelines:

Lunch Hours: Lunch is typically served from around 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Some restaurants, especially in tourist areas, may start serving lunch as early as 12:00 PM, while others might continue serving until 3:00 PM.
Dinner Hours: Dinner service usually starts around 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM and can extend until 10:30 PM or later. Italians often eat dinner later than some other Western countries.
Closed Days: Many restaurants in Italy close one day a week, often on Sundays or Mondays. However, this can vary, and some establishments may choose a different day to close.
Siesta Periods: Many restaurants may close for a few hours in the afternoon (usually between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM), especially in more traditional areas and outside of tourist season.

Other useful travel resources for when you go to Italy

Not sure if Sicily is for you? Why not spend a stunning weekend in Puglia?

The Amalfi Coast can also be an option for early spring and late autumn. See where to stay in Positano, go there on a budget, your perfect 7-day itinerary.

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Sicily in winter – is that a good idea? Here’s your answer!

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