Sicily in March

I was there this past March mid-month and the weather was cool but not hot - just needed a jacket and we did get rain 2 days but not for very long either day. Didn't see any issues with sites or places not being open for the season. In fact, everything was less crowded (and definitely not hot) than it would be a later in the year. I thought it was a good time to be there.

We spent a month in Sicily late March to late April this year and that seemed pretty perfect, despite a few days of what people said was an unusual amount of rain. Wildflowers were in full bloom. Monreale basilica and the Palazzo Normanni and the Villa Romana got a bit crowded mid-morning. Easter processions were a treat, but it seemed like the holiday made airline prices more expensive than usual (check when Easter is next year!). I can't think of any site or restaurant being shut during our trip. I thoroughly recommend more time in Palermo!

Here's my trip report: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/sicily-spring-2025

Thank you both! Really helpful to get your replies.We both prefer it not too hot anyway , no mosquitos this time either hopefully.

I spent 3 weeks in Sicily this past March, arriving in Palermo March 13 and travelling all around the island. We had very pleasant weather, mostly sunny, beautiful spring days in the 60s and low 70s and evenings a little cooler. We used jackets, no heavy coats. No need for AC nor heat. Only had two days with rain and that was a heavy downpour the day we visited Taormina and one overcast drizzly day in Siracusa. Everything was open, not too early in the season. The cities were all bustling. Of course weather is always beyond one's control but I think the March April or September October would be good timeframes for Sicily. I idid go to Scopello for lubch one day. It was not very crowded but there were tourists there and businesses were open. Erice had a fair amount of visitors. This was my second visit to Erice and it was a clear bright day with terrific views. On my first visit there several years ago it was drizzling and foggy. That contributed to the eerie medieval atmosphere but the fog was thick and we didn't get to appreciate the views. Since you have a car, consider a visit to pretty seaside Castellammare del Golfo, near Scopello and if you are interested in the religious history of Palermo maybe a drive up to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia on Monte Pellegrino. Cefalù is an easy daytrip from Palermo.

Many thanks Pat - that's sounds a lovely trip and I'd take the weather you got in a heartbeat!
Accommodation we like the most so far is actually on the outskirts of Castellamare.
Noted Monte Pellegrino - the views alone look terrific.We were blown away by Monreale but also Cappella Palatina which was similarly stunning so we might stick with the latter this time for a re-visit.
Good to hear too that places were open, restaurants and cafes etc. Feeling a lot more confident about early to mid March now! It's my husband's birthday (a big one next year) and he always likes celebrating with a trip abroad.

Was just in Sicily this last April, for 4 days after Florence, Rome, Salerno/A.C. and a train/ferry across the Strait of Messina--highly recommended, best 38 Euro I spent, and that was 1st class from Salerno/Taormina.

Weather was 55-70, kinda humid, starting to feel tropical. Sprinkle one day. March would be a little cooler, not as much humidity I would imagine. Stayed in Taormina, but took tours to Etna (fabulous, it was booming) and its slopes, with tiny mountain villages like Linguaglossa.

Yes, OP...on another trip (Oct 2010) we visited Savoca, Forza D'Agro & Castelmola...all with scenes that were shot for 'The Godfather'. Great history about how Francis Ford Coppola wanted to buy the granita machine in Savoca at Bar Vitelli!