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Sicily Weather (approx Mar 29 - Apr 12) for Walking/Touring?

Posted by (San Francisco Bay Area) on

I'm about to press the purchase button for our first RS tour (of Sicily); but before I do, thought I'd inquire just a little bit further.

We're far from fans of hot weather for extended periods of walking -- something we'll certainly be doing on the tour. For that we much prefer temps in the low to mid-60s as opposed to even, say, the low to mid-70s. That said, we seem to have settled on taking the tour roughly March 29 thru April 11th (and also avoiding any Easter crowds later in April). We know it will be cool - a plus for walking -- but I'm beginning to wonder if during those times we'd like to stop and watch the world go by with a glass of wine in an outdoor cafe or care to partake in a nightime passeggiata, whether we'd we find ourselves in overly chilled or dreary conditions.

Could anybody who has actually been to Sicily during this time frame or otherwise has good personal knowledge of the conditions at that time weigh in with your thoughts? Thanks! - Mike

Posted by
16203 posts

Pretty much the exact same weather as here in Northern California where we live. Maybe a bit more rain in Sicily than in California, on average.
But the weather may vary from year to year, and late March is somewhat unsettled through Italy, so be ready for rain and sunshine, possibly in the same hour.

As you can see the averages below show that Palermo and San Jose, CA have more or less the same weather at that time of the year. In the 60s F during the day.

http://www.holiday-weather.com/palermo/averages

http://www.holiday-weather.com/san_jose_california_us/averages/

Posted by
27 posts

Mike:

We have been there in March, April and May. All our most favorite months to be in Sicily. The weather is mild to cool at night, very comfortable. We have experienced for the most part beautiful days in the 60-70F range but have also experienced 3+ days of off and on rain and cooler temperatures. It can also depend on which part of the island you are at the moment. I would be very comfortable booking a trip at this time of year in Sicily. The wildflowers and orange blossoms are in bloom and the weather is spectacular.

Posted by
24 posts

OK - thanks folks. Those responses were more than adequate to assuage my fears, such as they were. I appreciate it! :-)

AND, being more or less that final piece in the puzzle, I just now booked the trip - can't wait!

Posted by
487 posts

I went on the RS Best of Holland tour this spring and our tour guide also guides in Italy. She suggested to only do Sicily in the spring because the weather was nice and the scenery was better with more grass and flowers. Evidently in the summer things start drying up and turning brown and it does not look as nice. Sounds like you picked the perfect time!

Posted by
24 posts

Thanks JenC. I've separately come to the conclusion re the early Spring and flowers too and think you're spot on. Otherwise, if we get a little cold (as opposed to say, May or June) I'm sure we'll deal with it. Now SUNSHINE would be nice however... and with a little luck we may have that too! I've never been to Sicily, so a little more exotic for us; er kinda. haha

Posted by
16203 posts

It will remind you of California at times.
Except that the prices in Sicily are less than half of what they are here.

Posted by
1057 posts

I was there during that exact period last year and the weather was perfect. We had brief rain one day but absolutely delightful weather the rest of the time. Another plus to consider if you travel during that time period is that you very well may be in Sicily during the Easter time. If so, expect to enjoy watching processions and celebrations in many of the towns you will visit.

Posted by
24 posts

Patricia -- That's some wonderful information (too) and helpfully coincidental! Thank you very much.

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