Why spring and early summer is the best time to visit Sicily
How could anyone not fall in love with Sicily in the springtime? As we leave the cooler, winter months behind, temperatures start to inch up in to the 20°C’s, warm sunshine floods piazzas across the island, and delicately flavoured berries, beans and spring vegetables appear on market stalls. And, of course, with the emergence of brightly coloured flowers on hillsides and roadside verges, this is the perfect time to explore Sicily’s nature reserves and mountains, before the summer heat sets in.
How hot is Sicily in May and June?
With average daily temperatures hovering between a pleasant 18 and 25°C, May and June are some of the best months to holiday in Sicily. While sea temperatures remain cool, the air temperature couldn’t be more comfortable for sightseeing and for days on the beach. Maximum temperatures can climb as high as 27° in May and 31° in June but on the whole, you should enjoy long generally rain-free days with plenty of sunshine (up to 10 hours a day in June). Temperatures will, however, dip in the evening so you’ll probably need a light sweater or jacket.
The best spring floral displays in Sicily
Visit Sicily in spring and you’ll get to enjoy some of nature’s most dazzling floral displays. Across the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains in the north of the island, meadows are strewn with wildflowers, and the scent of wild thyme, mint, oregano and rosemary fills the air. Nature is also flourishing in the Vendicari Nature Reserve where wild orchids and colourful blooms pepper the dense vegetation. If you’re keen to stay close to this natural beauty, Oasivera, conveniently located just 200m from the beach, looks directly out across the nature reserve from its rooftop terrace.
On the south coast, spring starts early at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, with striking displays of snowy-white blooms in the almond orchards, and the ongoing spectacle of sprinklings of wildflowers throughout May.
In several towns, nature is given a helping hand with a series of spectacular floral displays – or ‘infiorate’. The best known is the Infiorata di Noto where the Via Corrado Nicolaci is carpeted with an intricate mosaic design made up of thousands of flower petals.
Hiking and cycling in Sicily in spring
If you’re planning on taking to the hills, May and June is the sweet spot. You’ll avoid the rain showers that can fall in April and the fierce temperatures that characterise July and August. Spring is one of the best times to hit the many hiking trails that traverse the island. The Madonie and Nebrodi mountains are perhaps the best known hiking areas in Sicily but if you’re staying in the east of the island, a guided hike on the slopes of Mount Etna or through the Pantalica Nature Reserve is a great alternative.
Spring food and flavours
Nothing says spring in Sicily quite as loudly as the food on your plate. Springtime stalls at markets are laden with asparagus, artichokes, fennel and fava beans alongside strawberries, the first juicy cherries and, as summer approaches, apricots and peaches. Fish appears on most menus: in the west of the island, couscous alla Trapanese features fish, seafood and vegetables, and delicious fresh sardines are often accompanied by wild fennel and pine nuts.
Spring festivals in Sicily
While most food festivals are associated with the autumn months, there’s still plenty going on during the spring. The season’s arrival in Sicily is marked by Agrigento’s Almond Blossom Festival, swiftly followed by Holy Week and Easter celebrations.
One of the biggest late spring events is the Syracuse Greek Theatre Festival, held annually in May and June, showcasing ancient Greek plays in the city’s historic amphitheatre. Check into Stella in Ortigia and stroll across the bridge to the Neapolis Archaeological Park for a magical evening performance.
Equally creative, the ‘Buongiorno Ceramica’ festival is a national programme dedicated to celebrating ceramics. In Sicily, the towns of Caltagirone, Burgio, Santo Stefano di Camastra and Sciacca organise activities in showrooms, workshops, galleries and historic centres over the third weekend of May.
And one for the family – the International Kite Festival at San Vito lo Capo, which this year is on 21-25 May 2025. In addition to kite shows, aerial acrobatics and performances, there are workshops and educational sessions to teach children about kite making and flying.
Visit the Aeolian or Egadi Islands in springtime
The Aeolian Islands are at their very best in springtime, before the peak season rush and the possible onslaught of slightly more unsettled weather that can disrupt ferry services in October. On the island of Vulcano, the closest to Sicily, the scent of jasmine fills the air and wildflowers bloom while on Salina, the greenest of the islands, vibrant flowers creep up the walls of pretty village houses and caper plants bloom.
Late spring is also a great time to visit Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, to the west of Sicily, particularly if you’re planning to hike or cycle on the island. Visit in May mand you’ll dodge the crowds that arrive in July and August and really get to experience the simple laidback charm of the island. Find out more about our boat and sailing trips to Sicily’s offshore islands and around its coastline.
