Sicily weather is May?

We were in Sicily at almost the same time 2 years ago (started May 10). Most of the ladies in our group had lighter weight pants, capris, skirts and even sundresses. The men typically wore shorts (longer) or Columbia pants (lots of Columbia). Short sleeve or sleeveless tops and a lightweight jacket or sweater. But, most of our group was from the Northwest, so the temperatures in Sicily felt like summer to us. Actually, it was quite warm a few days during our trip.

I’ve only been in Sicily in the fall and winter, BUT living at altitude, I’ll throw in my 2 cents worth, if this helps. You may know that for every thousand feet you ascend, it has the climatic effect of moving hundreds of miles closer to the North Pole, getting cooler. And a breeze can create a further wind chill. So a heavier coat probably won’t be needed in May, but a light jacket will be helpful to tote along, even if it’s sunny and warm lower down. Having layers that can be put on or taken off to adjust to the weather is key, so having a sweater AND that light jacket will make sure you’re prepared for inclement weather. If you’re prone to feeling cold when it’s in the 70’s, a cap or even a headband might be nice to have, and a scarf could come in handy.

But I’m curious, Jana. In parentheses after your name it says Atlanta, so do you live now in Houston by way of Georgia? And I’m guessing you live in Texas now, but there’s also a Houston in southeastern Minnesota, where it gets cold in the winter, and hot and muggy in summer. Enjoy the Top of the World, Sicilian style!

I was up on Mt. Etna on April 16, just several weeks ago. I just went as far up as the Refugio (at about 6,500 ft) and didn't take the option to go higher. The temps were below freezing; there were lots of patches of snow on the ground. The damp wind was blowing fiercely, and the skies were grey and overcast. Those day-trippers without jackets, hats, long pants and good hiking shoes looked incredibly miserable. You'll be on Etna maybe 6 weeks later than I was, but I'd expect very chilly temps up there even then.

Always a good idea to take a light-weight sweater to layer in case evenings are cool. There's no need for a heavier jacket provided you've packed for layering. I was up on Mt. Etna in late September (likely similar to late May) and it was cool but not cold. And I'm like you, anything under 70 is cool.

Thanks everyone for your replies! I will bring a sweater and a light jacket.

Cyd- I moved to houston, TX from Atlanta 2 1/2 years ago.

Jana,
I was in Sicily last May and thought the weather was pleasant, not cold nor hot. I wore my travel pants, which are made out of light material, and short sleeve tops. I also wore skirts during the day when it was a bit warmer.
Do pack a light rain jacket. I experienced a few rainy days during my trip.

Sicily is beautiful, enjoy your trip!

Edited to add...
I did not go to Mt. Etna but I presume it will be a bit cooler up there!

Where did you get "high around 70"? Maybe that's an average for the month? I just took a quick look at historical weather data for last year in Palermo and Siracusa. Siracusa in late May had highs 75-86, Palermo was somewhat cooler. You can look at data for the past 10 years. I'd take summer clothes, sandals and sneakers/hikers, and a jacket. The only place it's likely to be really cold is up on Etna - don't know if it's worth taking extra warm stuff for just a few hours.

Another option is to pack light and then buy an inexpensive extra layer if needed. OVS has downtown stores in a lot of cities. There's one not too far from the usual tour hotel in Palermo, a couple in Trapani and one on Otigia in Siracusa.