Sicily in September 2024 – what to do? Weather, sea temperature, is it possible to swim, hotels & tours prices. What to see in Sicily in early September an close to October, where to visit – in the review of good Time fop Trip.
If it’s true that people mostly go to Sicily for sightseeing, not on the beach vacation, summer isn’t the best time for it. As the period from June to August here is usually completely African-style hot and therefore poorly suitable for all kinds of trips and excursions.
On the contrary, the middle and end of spring, as well as the first half of autumn, look more promising in this sense. After all, the weather in this time will almost certainly allow you to see (some of) the main sights of Sicily. At the same time – escaping overheating.
The island’s weather conditions in May I described in the following article. As for Sicily in September, it’s even the better choice, allowing you to fully realize your beach aspirations.
To enjoy swimming and sunbathing. And doing it in between trips to Taormina or Syracuse, Modica or Agrigento, visiting Palermo or climbing Mount Etna
Maybe you don’t know, but it’s possible to drive around the island without missing a single (true) attraction, in 7-8 days. Is it any wonder that most tourists come on holidays on Sicily for about a week?!
Those people who are more experienced and know a lot about a real relax, of course, will plan at least a 2-week vacation. Because during this period of time, of course, you will not get bored in the (biggest!) Italian island!
Weather in Sicily in September
Fully justifies the desire of experienced tourists to go here on holiday at this time. If to exclude the increased probability of cloudy and rainy days compared to the peak summer months, in early September Sicily looks an extremely attractive place.
The air temperature on the island in the first two decades of the month rises up to + 25-35 °C during the day and drops to +20-24 °C at night. It usually happens with so stability as if it has signed a contract.
Only towards the end of September the weather in Sicily hint to tourists that it’s time to think about returning home. But does it in a gently way and then – not every year!
On the eve of October, the daytime air temperature may drop to +24-26 °C, although in some years it does not want to fall below +27-29 °C. After sunset, however, even on the coast it gets quite cool – no higher than +18-20 °C.
That is, you don’t have to cringe and think longingly about warm jackets and gloves forgotten at home. As a maximum, you will have to find a pullover at the bottom of the suitcase and throw it over shoulders in the evenings.
In any case, during September tourists in Sicily not often remembered about the existence of warm clothes. Unless at the very end of the month or if they are going to climb Mount Etna, the main volcano in Europe.
Rains
The average number of rainy days in Sicily in the first month of autumn does not exceed 4-5. But the usual rainfall rate seems to be a bit high for such a geographically close to the Sahara territory – up to 50-60 mm.
This shouldn’t scare! On the contrary, the possession of such kind of information allows you to plan the most adequate itinerary in advance. And without a twinge of conscience, to alternate lazy resting on the seashore with rich long outdoor tours.
After all, in so not overcrowded time you simply must see Palermo and Trapani, Catania and Syracuse, Agrigento and Selinunte. And it’s a sin not to make an ascent to Mount Etna on a cool, but relatively clear day!
Sea Temperature
In the beginning of autumn both the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Sea, hugging the island, are warmed up to + 26-28 °C and parting with this degree extremely slow. In any case, you should not expect a sharp drop in water temperature, treating hypothermia.
On the contrary, everything will be leisurely and predictable – by the end of September, the sea in Sicily will cool by a maximum of a couple to three of degrees. And you can swim without choosing “proper” time of day.
Naturally, closer to the third decade of the month, it’ll be a bit cool in the morning. And it will turn out to swim after persuasion yourself – once arrived on seaside vacation, you must to do that!
But by 10-11 a.m. even small kids can flounder in the sea. And closer to 4-5 p.m. you are unlikely to find even small differences from the summer time.
Where to Go
In my opinion, in all (coastal) parts of Sicily, the weather is about the same in September. So choose the resort that you like best!
If you are an independent traveler, it’s best to stay in San Vito Lo Capo on the west coast. The sea here is always a little warmer there, and you won’t meet much package tourists.
As well hotel prices are falling there with the advent of fall: the main flow of vacationers has gone home, and hoteliers are forced to adjust
Tourists gravitating towards (famous) sights and beautiful medieval towns should probably consider Cefalu, 70 km from Palermo. However, in early autumn it’s over flooded with tourists.
This town is small, and therefore many run the risk of getting bored, having settled here for 7-10 days. So active citizens should pay attention to another worthy option – the extensive Mondello beach near Palermo.
Travelers who have bought a package tour, usually go to the east coast of the island: to the beaches of Taormina and Catania. The sea area there is bit colder, but you will hardly have to complain about this. Since in general the sea near the Sicily’s coast in early autumn is warmed up to decent temperatures.
What to Do in Sicily in September
A detailed guide on what to see there in 2-3 days or even a week, we have created earlier. So if you don’t know, check out our list of the main Sicilian attractions.
Of course, you may create your own itinerary, based on your preferences and mobility! Since, although public transport on the island isn’t especially bad, you are unlikely to travel from Taormina to Trapani by train or bus.
A similar trip in a car is also a mental stability test. After all, only in one direction (from East to West) you will have to overcome at least 370 km!
Therefore, perhaps many vacationers will limit themselves to exploring places of interest located near the chosen resort.
Those, who settle in San Vito Lo Capo can visit Trapani and Erice, see the temple in Segesta. The also may go to the Selinunte Archaeological Park, unique place whit eight ancient Greek temples of varying degrees of destruction.
From the same resort you can easily get out to see main attractions in Palermo (105 km) and the cathedral in Montreal. Naturally, for such a trip it’s better to choose not the hottest day – walking around the Sicilian towns sun is hard even in September!
For 1 day from San Vito lo Capo you can go even to Agrigento. Indeed, who will refuse to see the famous Valley of the Temples and wander along the “Ladder of the Turks” near Porto Empedocle?
Etna, Catania and Syracuse
Seeing Modica and Ragusa, having settled on the western coast of Sicily or in Palermo, is problematic but still possible in a day. Just keep in mind that the distance along the highway in only one direction is 270-330 km!
Those staying on the east coast should focus on the narrow streets of Taormina and the churches of Catania, a large local city by. Which, by the way, is considered the best starting point of trips towards Etna’s slope’s.
Naturally, you must see Syracuse also – the exceptionally interesting town and birthplace of Archimedes.
Tourist guides don’t recommend visiting Messina – the main sights of the city were destroyed during a strong earthquake that happened at the dawn of the 20th century. But a cruise from it to the Aeolian Islands can be a very interesting experience.
Fortunately, the local “ideal” volcano Stromboli rarely behaves calmly. And much more regularly throw out puffs of smoke!
Prices
Renting a car right at the airport gives you “a free hand” when it comes to travel. The pleasure will cost from 50 € per day, and it’s a bit overpricing.
There are also some special difficulties when driving – although the traffic in Sicily isn’t very dens, the mountain highways are very serpentine. And require a certain composure.
Again, it’s tough to avoid contact with walls and other cars in local towns. Where the width of the streets sometimes looks completely insufficient for oncoming traffic
Don’t forget about the prices for gasoline in Italy, claiming the championship in Europe. And also about the almost non-alternative payment of local parking lots – they require money on all days of the week, except Sunday.
Staying in some B&B hotel (there are a lot of them here) is the most budget-friendly solution of the issue of accommodation. But remember that there may not be free rooms at a distance of about 1 km from the beach closer to your vacation – September is a popular beach time in Sicily.
I especially recommend paying attention to the lovely guest home Abbadia in San Vito lo Capo (in Sept. from 90 € per two) located in 900 meters from the local beach. “Fabulous breakfast” is included in the price, staff is very friendly.
In Taormina, I always prefer to stay at B&B La Terrazza Sul Mare Taormina, nestled on a hillside with a beautiful view of the surroundings. But in recent years it has become hard to book a room there…
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