We plan to join Rick's tour to Sicily, but are still undecided whether to go in late spring (late May-into early June) or October. 'Would love to hear opinions, especially from past travelers on this tour. 'Particularly concerned to avoid rainy days.
In advance, thank you for your advice!
Hi,
While not a Sicilian weather specialist (I'm more familiar with the similar French Riviera climate) there is no contest here - definitely May-June. Mediterranean weather can be unsettled by October, most rain is in the fall.
Not on a RS tour, but we were in Sicily early/mid May two years ago. Beautiful weather, a light sprinkle one evening that didn't even require a jacket. Looking back at pictures, lots of shorts, sundresses, short sleeves being worn by our group.
I suggest looking at actual, day-by-day historical weather data for the last several years (at least 3; 5 would be better) on a website like wunderground.com or timeanddate.com. I don't know what those stats will show, but my experience in mid- to late June 2015 was rather hot. I have no idea whether autumn rains are a concern in Sicily in October.
We took this tour in October and loved it! It was actually quite warm our entire time there. Almost 80 degrees most day actually. We always love traveling in October.
I went in late September and the weather was glorious. I really enjoyed that tour.
But Spring has more green and glorious wilflowers many places.
We were there in February, and everything was beautiful and green, but still cool (50s). At the time, I thought that April would be best time to go.
I have been to Sicily 4 times. I prefer traveling when I can wear a light jacket, or just a polo shirt with no jacket. Here are my weather experiences in the Palermo area:
Rd has pointed out something that keeps me making spring/summer rather than summer/fall trips: the longer days. Some people don't care about that at all, but as someone who likes wandering tne streets, looking at the interesting architecture, I find the later sundowns very valuable. However, hot is hot, and I would not choose to return to Sicily in June, much as I loved the island.
Of course, being on a tour with a dedicated, air-conditioned, bus means you aren't exposed as much to unpleasant weather as someone who has to stand on a sidewalk, waiting for a bus.
