sicily first week of April: weather and packing

We were there in early May and hit unseasonably cool weather and rain. I had not expected the weather to be as cool as it was.

We had raincoats which you definitely should bring. I did not bring any full length pants that were not cotton and was really sorry about that. The one pair I had got soaked more than once and was very unpleasant. Last year we went to Portugal in the fall and hit rain again. This time I had two pairs of ankle pants from Athleta that worked really well-they were stylish and repelled water.. So my advice is to bring at least one pair of pants that are not cotton. .

And then layers. I had a cashmere sweater, and a very lightweight denim jacket, in addition to rain jacket. I also brought a long sleeved thin tee shirt that I never wore during the day but did wear at night. Some of the places we stayed were damp at night.

I brought white leather sneakers and low hiking shoes as well as a pair of flat sandals. I mostly wore sandals around places we stayed as I can't go barefoot. The hiking boots were great because of the traction they have. They aren't any bulkier than many sneakers.

Yes. One year we went in late March and I was wearing thin long johns plus two pairs of lightweight pants and then several top layers. Also, spray your shoes with waterproofing spray before you go.

During the day expect temperatures in the 60s F (about 15 C).
At night you are looking at high 40s low 50s F (around 10C or even lower).
Rain is definitely a possibility and over a week it is likely you might encounter at least some rain.
That is the weather we have in California around the same time, and with that weather I wear a light sweater and a light jacket that is good in case of rain. If temperatures happen to above average you can shed the sweater or the jacket and place it in a light travel backpack. Wear shoes that will be suitable in case of rain. Material/cotton sneakers are not good, because they will get soaked in rain. There are lots of comfortable walking shoes that have rubber soles and leather (of fake leather) top. Some of them are nice enough that can be worn in less informal occasions.

We’ve been in Palermo for three days now. I would not describe the weather as being ALL over the place (since where we live the temperature fell 40 degrees in one day a few weeks ago), but here I have been both too hot and too cold in the same day. Packed layers, so this wasn’t a problem, and today it looks like I’ll need the raincoat I packed very reluctantly.

We’ve been eating street food and loving it, and I had the best pistachio gelato in my life at Capo Dolce. Our only restaurant so far was a winner, just the kind we love, Osteria Trapani. Very very small.

Sorry, it was Trattoria Trapani.

Gee, I really should not rely on my memory —- the gelato place is Dolce Capo.

We will be on the east coast of Sicily--Messina, Taormina, Catania--between April 13 -17. We'll have come from supposed cooler climes in Florence, Rome & Salerno, but I see April's average temp in Sicily as 60-65 during the day 45-52 at night. Actually, pretty much the same temp range for our other destinations as well.

Layers for me--mix & match depending on weather. Short sleeve polo shirts, a couple of long sleeve polo shirts, a Columbia zippered fleece, a zippered rain-proof windbreaker with hood, and a featherweight, many-pocketed vest (Scott E Vest). Stretch lightweight pants, a couple pairs of shorts, one pair of Kizik slip-on shoes. Baseball cap, and a stocking hat just in case to keep ears warm, which I've been known to wear even if it's 50. No gloves. Maybe I buy a scarf over there.

Yes, Roberto...what I'm bringing is exactly what I'd bring on a visit to northern California.

No place I will eat in Sicily that should require dressing up. All, hopefully, to fit in a 21"x14"x9" TravelPro carry on bag I just bought.