October is the real start of the low season in Sicily, just as it across the rest of Italy too. But with remarkably good weather, this is actually one of the best times to visit the Mediterranean island.
The summer crowds have long dissipated, and the beaches and cities of Sicily are winding down for the cold winter that is approaching. Before that though, the island still has plenty of gorgeous weather for those intrepid tourists who love an off-season destination. Plus, with it being autumn, there are a lot of food festivals and events to enjoy, too.
Swim in the Mediterranean, lounge on empty beaches or explore the ancient Greek and Roman ruins that can be found across the island. If you’ve been considering where to go on your holiday in October, Sicily should be top of your list. To inspire your trip, here are the best places to go and the best things to do!
Despite this being the middle of autumn and the start of the low season, Sicily still enjoys wonderful weather in October, especially so if you’re travelling here from anywhere further north.
The southern location of Sicily and its Mediterranean climate ensures that Italy’s largest island is still enjoying beautifully warm temperatures, even this late in the year.
In the daytime you can expect there to be lots of sunshine and for temperatures to rise well into the mid-twenties, and occasionally higher, especially at the start of the month. It can get colder in the evenings and at night in October, but it’s very rare for temperatures to drop below 15 degrees Celsius.
The weather is hotter and sunnier at the start of October in Sicily, and temperatures will slowly drop through the month as November approaches.
So bring some sun cream but pack a light raincoat too, because the odd rain shower can interrupt the hot and sunny weather.
This isn’t a traditionally rainy month, but the weather can become unpredictable, as it progresses. Storms are very rare though, and the wind and rain will most likely be light in most places. The water will still be beautifully clear and perfect for snorkelling, while cooler temperatures mean this is a great time to go hiking in comparison to the summer months.
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and is also the largest city on the island. In summer, this can be not only a chaotic and busy place to visit, but a crowded, stuffy and hot place to be too.
It’s a different story in October. As the low season begins, it’s much quieter in Palermo and it’s a much more pleasant place to visit. You might want to opt to stay somewhere more rural or somewhere on the coast but at least take a day trip to Palermo, because the city has a lot to offer.
Catch an opera at the Teatro Massimo, admire the medieval-era, Norman-inspired cathedrals and palaces, and enjoy some local cuisine and local drinks at the lively tavernas.
There are plenty of great places to choose from in Palmero when looking for somewhere to stay. To help make your search a little easier, we shared a couple of recommendations for budget and luxury properties below.
Our first recommendation is the Bellaroto Suite and Spa in Mastrangelo, Palermo. The accommodation is chic, stylish and has a modern feel. Bellaroto is in close proximity to many well-known attractions in Palmero, so is a great place to set up a base if you are looking to explore the tourist spots.
The Serafino B&B is a great option if you want to save some money without compromising on comfort. Serafino is located in Schioppettiri, Palermo and is only a 2-minute walk from the Santa Catertina Church and 0.9 miles from the Palermo Marina. Each of the rooms offers rustic decor, giving visitors an authentic Italian feel.
Being the capital of Sicily means that Palmero is generally easy to get to. The city has two airports, Palermo and Trapani, with regular flights from the majority of airports around the world. We recommend that you use sites like Skyscannerview for the best deals for flights to Palermo and flights to Trapani.
There is also a port, train station and coach station all in Palmero, so you can travel here with ease by boat, train or coach.
Located just a short drive along the coast from Palermo, Mondello is one of the most popular beach getaways in Sicily, particularly for anyone living or staying in the capital.
In summer its beaches are best avoided, but in October it’s really only the locals and the odd tourists who visit Mondello.
The beaches are great and the water is warm in October, so make the most of this classic holiday destination while you can.
Mondello offers an array of great places to stay that cater to a range of different holiday itineraries. Its location on the coast means that you can choose accommodation close to the hustle and bustle of the city or the seclusion of somewhere by the beach.
Al Baglio is a great budget-friendly option for those who seek the serenity of the coast, as the accommodation is just a 2-minute walk from the beach. There is also a bus stop located at the front of Al Baglio that makes it easy to take a trip into the city.
For those who don’t only want to be close to the sea but also have ocean views from their accommodation, Villa Linda won’t disappoint. It takes 12 minutes to walk to the beach from the villa and guests have their own private gardens and free parking. Villa Linda also has 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, providing enough space for the whole family.
Reaching Mondello is relatively easy, with regular transportation services from Palmero. Many travellers choose to fly either to Palermo or Trapani airport and then get a taxi, bus or rent a car to Mondello. The transit time from Palermo to Mondello is approximately 25 minutes by car or taxi and 1 hour by bus.
Another great coastal destination to visit in October is San Vito Lo Capo, because again, you’ll be enjoying the place without the summer crowds.
Found along the northwest coast, San Vito Lo Capo is incredibly inviting in October, with warm water and marvellous views.
The medieval town now sprawls along the beaches, and San Vito Lo Capo is known for the prominent cliffs and mountains that give the area such a dramatic outlook. In October you’ll practically have the place to yourself, too.
The quaint town is a great place to stay for those who aim to be by the coast whilst being surrounded by incredible mountainous scenery. There are multiple accommodations to choose from, which meet a variety of needs.
Baglio Cracchiolo da Tuzzo is in Contrada Sauci, San Vito lo Capo and is a 12-minute walk from the nearest beach. The accommodation offers wonderful views of mountains, landmarks, gardens and the lovely streets of San Vito lo Capo. Baglio Cracchiolo is also a great option for those on a budget, as it is an inexpensive option when staying in the area.
You can get to San Vito lo Capo by flying into either Trapani or Palmero airport. Trapani airport is 20 miles from San Vito lo Capo and Palmero is a little further, situated 22 miles away. You can then get a bus from either of the airports to San Vito lo Capo which takes around 3 hours or travel by car or taxi which is approximately a 1-hour transfer time.
Staying on the extensive coastline of Sicily, Cefalù is a classic destination that’s perfect to visit in October.
The small town attracts millions of tourists over the course of the year, but luckily the vast bulk visit in summer, not in October.
Cefalù is famed for its dramatic location with tall cliffs and beautiful beaches, as well as for its medieval Norman churches and fortifications. There’s a fascinating history to uncover, and wonderful scenery to enjoy.
The incredible coastal scenery makes Cefalù a great place to stay in Sicily, as no matter where you look, the views are stunning.
If you want to stay somewhere right by the beach in classic Italian decor, La Fienstra Sotto La Rocca won’t let you down! The authentic apartments have wood-beamed ceilings, with some offering even more space as they are split over two floors, great for those staying with family or larger groups.
For the ultimate luxury in an ideal location, Villa Agape is a perfect choice. The property is only an 18-minute walk away from the beach and 0.9 miles from the Cathedral Basilica of Cefalù, perfect for those who want to explore the area further.
The nearest Aiport to Cefalù is Palermo Airport, which is approximately 51 miles away. If you are travelling from the airport you can get here by car, taxi, train or coach. The train journey takes around 2 and a half hours from Palermo Airport to Cefalù. By car, the trip will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If it’s scenery you’re after, then few other places on the island will beat Mount Etna, the towering volcanic peak that presides over Sicily.
Mount Etna rises to over 3,000 metres high and is very much an active volcano. The city of Catania is in the volcano’s shadow and offers superb views of the mountain peak.
The surrounding slopes are fertile and are packed with farms and agricultural areas where you can find excellent locally grown produce.
The volcano is steeped in Greek and Roman mythology, and it’s a fascinating natural site. You can hike routes that lead up the slopes but most tourists opt to take cable cars to summit viewing areas, while in winter the cable cars are used by ski resorts.
If ancient sites intrigue you, then take a journey through the Valley of the Temples in October, one of the best archaeological sites in Sicily.
Found in Agrigento, this is a valley where you can find the ruins of seven ancient temples dating back to around the 5th century BC. Many of these temples are remarkably preserved, although over time they have all suffered damage from earthquakes and war or have been repurposed as Christian places of worship.
Today, the Valley of the Temples is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best places to learn more about the ancient world that so influenced the history of Sicily.
Ragusa
Along the southeast coast of Sicily, you can find the ordinarily busy destination of Ragusa. But in October, it’s blissfully peaceful.
Ragusa is built atop a striking hilltop that rises between two valleys, and it’s often cited as one of the most dramatically beautiful cities in Sicily.
Admire the scenery and the views, and take in the history of this remarkable city that’s filled with spectacular Baroque architecture.
Via Pezza 100 is situated in Via Pezza, Ragusa and has lovely apartments equipped with terraces. The accommodation is great for those who want a tranquil place to stay as it is located on a quiet street that offers mountain and city views.
The Acacia Marina Hotel is a perfect place to stay with the whole family as the accommodation offers a large restaurant, bar and two outdoor swimming pools meaning there is plenty to do for everyone here. With the beach just a 2-minute walk away from the hotel and a Spa and Wellness centre here, you can explore Ragusa and then relax at Acacia Marina afterwards.
Catania Airport is the closest major airport to Ragusa and offers many international flights from here. You can use sites like Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Catania from a range of providers.
There is a direct bus line that runs from Catania to Ragusa which takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. In the upper town of Ragusa, you will also find a train station, so you are able to travel here by rail; times will vary depending on where you are travelling from.
Hiking
In October the weather is perfect for hiking in Sicily. With temperatures around the twenties, it’s neither too cold nor too hot for an enjoyable day of walking, and it’s the best time of year to hit the trails. This is something you can take on yourself or as part of a private Italian guided walking tour, which can make the experience more fulfilling with expert local knowledge.
If you want to hike up the slopes of Mount Etna, you won’t get better weather conditions. But even if the weather is bad, you also have the option to explore the volcano in a 4×4 and get out and walk once you’ve reached the summit.
The Vendicari Reserve along the southeast coast also offers an excellent mix of hiking trails with plenty of sea views and archaeological ruins.
Beaches
While the weather isn’t as hot as summer it’s still very sunny, especially in the middle of the day, and in October you can definitely still hit up the beaches.
You’ll be able to enjoy the most popular beaches without the summer crowds, and with low prices you can even rent out a beach villa or stay at a beach resort if sun, sea, and sand are your thing.
Snorkelling and Diving
The Mediterranean is still remarkably warm in October and, as the rains have yet to begin in earnest, the water is remarkably clear around Sicily too.
There are some excellent snorkelling and diving spots to take advantage of around the coast and it’s your last chance before it becomes too cold. You can always wear a wetsuit if it’s a little bit frigid in October.
For the best experience, we recommend booking an organised snorkelling tour, where you can enjoy a boat trip to different spots and have all equipment and instruction provided.
Food
Sicily is foodie heaven and there’s never a bad time of the year to visit the island if you’re looking to tantalise your taste buds.
Sicilian cuisine is particularly excellent in October though, because the restaurants are making use of all the fresh produce that’s being sold through the harvest season.
Try the pastas, the arancini, fresh seafood and the cous cous. For a taste of all that the island has to offer, why not take part in a walking food tour that will teach you about cities like Palmero as you sample the incredible range of dishes on offer there.
Ancient Ruins
Sicily is brimming with ancient history, and while many people only visit the island for the food or the beaches, it’s one of the most fascinating historical destinations in Europe. Explore the underground ruins in Catania or see the remains of Greek and Roman civilisations in Syracuse.
The island has a long history stretching back to the Ancient Greek world, and across Sicily you can find a huge range of ancient ruins and archaeological sites that have withstood the test of time and which present a fascinating insight into the past. In October, the weather is perfect to be outdoors, as many of the ruins require walking or hiking.
Food Festivals
As it’s autumn, it’s the middle of the harvest season across Sicily and you’re here at the perfect time of the year to make the most of the many food festivals that are held all across the island.
Every village and small town, right through to the provincial capitals host at least one foodie festival in October where you can try all the best local produce and regional specialties.
Ottobrata Zafferana
One of the best regional food festivals is the Ottobrata Zafferana, which celebrates the best locally grown food to come from the slopes of Sicily’s iconic volcanic peak, Mount Etna.
The festival is devoted to the local specialties, which are only harvested in autumn, and it’s a delightful experience for the food connoisseur.
Funghi Fest
Mushrooms are a big part of the Sicilian culinary scene, and every October the mountain town of Castelbuono hosts a fantastic festival devoted to funghi.
The Funghi Fest sees the best mushrooms from across the island that have been picked or prepared and are placed on show at the festival, to celebrate all things mushroom!
Chocomodica
Sicily is famous for its chocolate, and the town that leads the way is Modica where the best chocolate is produced.
Every October, Modica hosts a festival that celebrates all things chocolate and also focuses on the history of chocolate and cacao in Sicily.
October might be packed full of festivals and local events but actually, it’s a quiet month when it comes to national holidays in Italy.
Unfortunately for the locals there are no official public national holidays in October, but for tourists that’s perfect, because it means you don’t have to worry about planning around a busy day off in Sicily.
How cold is Sicily in October?
It doesn’t get that cold in Sicily in October, so be prepared for warm days and only marginally colder nights.
Does it rain in Sicily in October?
The weather can be temperamental so be prepared for rain, however it’s unlikely to spoil your trip as is it will be a rare occurrence.
How busy is Sicily in October?
In October it’s much quieter in Sicily than the previous months, with much lower visitor numbers than the summer high season and even in comparison to September. Prices are cheaper too, given that this is the start of the low season, so that makes October a great time to visit Sicily.
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