Italy, Europe

Sicily in November

Quiet and cheap, with the olive harvest in the countryside. Some seaside hotels close.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 68F (20C), rainy spells

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

The straight answer

November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Sicily. Quiet and cheap, with the olive harvest in the countryside. Some seaside hotels close.

Weather: Mild, highs near 68F (20C), rainy spells
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What November is like in Sicily

November is quiet and cheap. Highs are about 68F (20C), with rainy spells mixed with mild sunny days. The olive harvest is underway in the countryside. Some seaside hotels close, but cities and archaeological sites stay open with shorter hours.

It suits budget travelers, food lovers, and anyone who wants peaceful ruins. It is not a beach month. If you want warmer days and a bit more going on, aim for October. November is a good time for Palermo's street markets, the golden mosaics of Monreale, and a slow, rainy-day food tour.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Sicily this month.

Olive harvest

Groves across the island are being harvested, and fresh oil appears in markets.

Quiet ruins

The Valley of the Temples and Siracusa are peaceful and cool.

Palermo markets

Street markets and Arab-Norman chapels make a great city break.

What to pack for November

A rain jacket
A warm layer
Walking shoes with grip
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Check hotel availability on the coast, since many seaside hotels close from late October.

Book Sicily for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sicily
Opens a hotel search for Sicily in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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.