Italy, Europe
Sicily in September
The sea is at its warmest and crowds thin after mid month. Early September can still feel like summer.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Sicily. The sea is at its warmest and crowds thin after mid month. Early September can still feel like summer.
- Weather
- Hot to warm, highs near 83F (28C), warm sea
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in Sicily
September keeps summer warmth with the sea at its warmest. Highs are about 83F (28C), early September can still feel like summer, and crowds thin after mid month once the Italian holiday season ends. Prices stay fairly high, but beach towns and islands are still open.
It suits beach lovers, couples, and families who can travel outside school terms. Ruins are more comfortable late in the month, when the midday heat eases and the tour groups shrink. If you want cooler sightseeing and lower prices, aim for October, which still has plenty of warm swimming days.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Sicily this month.
The warmest sea
September is the best month for swimming, with the Mediterranean at its warmest.
Crowds thinning
After mid month, beaches and towns calm down as Italian holidays end.
Island trips
The Aeolian and Egadi islands are still running full schedules and are calmer than August.
What to pack for September
- Swimwear and a beach towel
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Light clothes
- A light layer for evenings
Our timing tip
Book the second half of September for warm sea, thinning crowds, and easier-to-find rooms.
Book Sicily for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in SicilyOpens a hotel search for Sicily in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in SicilyWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in SicilyTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sicily for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Sicily
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.
Mount Etna
Cable car and 4x4 access on the south side; summit crater hikes need a licensed guide. Activity sometimes closes the upper zones.
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.
Teatro Antico, Taormina
A Greco-Roman theater with Etna and the sea behind it. Mornings beat the midday cruise crowds.
Palermo and Monreale
Street markets, Arab-Norman chapels, and the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral a short drive above the city.
Teatro Massimo, Palermo
One of Europe's largest opera houses. Guided tours run most days and the season runs roughly autumn to spring.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Sicily?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Sicily. The sea is at its warmest and crowds thin after mid month. Early September can still feel like summer.
What is the weather like in Sicily in September?
Hot to warm, highs near 83F (28C), warm sea.
Is Sicily crowded in September?
Crowds in Sicily are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Sicily.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
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