Italy, Europe

Sicily in February

Almond blossom around Agrigento, Sant'Agata in Catania, and Carnival in Acireale. A strong winter pick.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 60F (16C), some rain

Taormina, Sicily — SicilyPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Sicily. Almond blossom around Agrigento, Sant'Agata in Catania, and Carnival in Acireale. A strong winter pick.

Weather: Mild, highs near 60F (16C), some rain
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Sicily

February is mild, with highs near 60F (16C) and some rain, but it is one of Sicily's best winter months thanks to its festivals. Catania holds the huge Festival of Sant'Agata from February 3 to 5, almond trees bloom around Agrigento, and Acireale's Carnival fills the streets with giant floats when it falls this month. Prices and crowds are low.

It suits culture lovers, photographers, and budget travelers who want a lively winter trip. Beach towns and many seaside hotels are still closed, so swimmers should wait for June. Book Catania rooms early if you want to be there for Sant'Agata, since the festival draws huge crowds.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Sicily this month.

Sant'Agata in Catania

From February 3 to 5, one of the world's largest religious festivals fills Catania with processions day and night.

Almond blossom at Agrigento

The almond trees bloom below the Valley of the Temples, and the Almond Blossom Festival brings folk music and dance. Dates vary by year.

Carnival of Acireale

When Carnival falls in February, Acireale's huge papier-mache floats are among the best in Italy.

What to pack for February

A rain jacket and umbrella
A warm layer for evening processions
Comfortable walking shoes
A small crossbody bag for crowds

Our timing tip

Check the Carnival and almond festival dates for your year, since both move, and you can sometimes catch both on one trip.

Book Sicily for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sicily
Opens a hotel search for Sicily in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Sicily
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Sicily
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sicily for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Festival of Sant'Agata, Catania

February 3 to 5 every year

One of the largest religious festivals in the world, with enormous processions through the city day and night.

Almond Blossom Festival (Mandorlo in Fiore), Agrigento

February or early March, varies by year

Folk music and dance groups from around the world celebrate the blossom below the temples.

Carnival of Acireale

The weeks before Lent, February or March

One of Italy's best-known carnivals, famous for its huge papier-mache floats.

Things to do in Sicily

Full guide

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

Go at opening or late afternoon; the site is exposed and brutal at midday in summer. Some evening openings run in season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mount Etna

Cable car and 4x4 access on the south side; summit crater hikes need a licensed guide. Activity sometimes closes the upper zones.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ortigia and the Neapolis park, Siracusa

The island old town for evenings, and the ancient Greek theater that still hosts classical plays in spring and early summer.

Tickets and tours →

Teatro Antico, Taormina

A Greco-Roman theater with Etna and the sea behind it. Mornings beat the midday cruise crowds.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Palermo and Monreale

Street markets, Arab-Norman chapels, and the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral a short drive above the city.

Tickets and tours →

Teatro Massimo, Palermo

One of Europe's largest opera houses. Guided tours run most days and the season runs roughly autumn to spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Time the Valley of the Temples for opening or the last two hours; you avoid both the tour buses and the worst of the sun.
Visit Taormina in the evening or early morning. Cruise and bus day-trippers fill it from late morning through mid afternoon.
Base yourself in two or three towns rather than driving a loop every day; Sicily is bigger than it looks and the roads are slower than maps suggest.
Swap August for September. The sea is warmer, the Italian holiday crowds have gone home, and prices ease.

Know before you go

Major archaeological parks and city museums stay open all year, with shorter winter hours. Some offer longer evening hours in summer.
Beach resorts, beach clubs, and many small seaside hotels close from about late October to April.
Ferries and hydrofoils to the Aeolian and Egadi islands run far fewer routes in winter, and rough seas can cancel sailings any time of year.
Etna summit access depends on volcanic activity and weather. Upper zones can close with short notice, and flights at Catania are occasionally disrupted by ash.

Sicily in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Sicily?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Sicily. Almond blossom around Agrigento, Sant'Agata in Catania, and Carnival in Acireale. A strong winter pick.

What is the weather like in Sicily in February?

Mild, highs near 60F (16C), some rain.

Is Sicily crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Sicily; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Sicily in February?

Festival of Sant'Agata, Catania (february 3 to 5 every year); Almond Blossom Festival (Mandorlo in Fiore), Agrigento (february or early march, varies by year); Carnival of Acireale (the weeks before lent, february or march).