Weather in Sicily in July

How July compares

July is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Sicily and ranks 18th of 134 destinations we compare for July - see where else is hot in July. Within Italy it is 1st of 16 (Italy in July). Against London's average high of 21.8°C in July, Sicily is 9.9°C warmer by day and 8.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in July

The typical July day in Sicily peaks at 31.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 34.9°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 22.4°C; one night in ten drops to 20.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest July day here reached 42.3°C (2019-07-10) and the coldest night 14.8°C (1992-07-01).

Rain in July

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 2 days with 1 mm or more, 8 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest July was 2006 with 64 mm, the driest 2001 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 59%.

Sea temperature in July

The sea averages 25.0°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 23.7°C to 26.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 13.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:51 and sets about 20:21 local time in mid-July. Average cloud cover is 9%.

Is July a good time to visit Sicily?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain and long sunny days. The best months for Sicily on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Plan around the midday heat

July's heat is persistent: 75% of days reach 30°C, so don't plan on cooler days regularly breaking things up. The hottest days can push beyond 35°C, making long stretches outdoors harder work. Put walking and other active plans in the morning, then leave the middle of the day for shade, rest or somewhere cooled indoors. Light, loose clothing and regular water breaks make more sense than a packed schedule. With average night lows around 22°C, evenings offer relief without becoming cool, and air conditioning is a sensible accommodation priority. This weather suits travellers happy to slow down; it is a tougher choice if your ideal holiday involves being on your feet all day.

Strong swimming weather, with little rain

The sea averages 25°C, with a year-to-year range of 24°C to 26°C, making July a straightforward choice if swimming matters to your holiday. Rain is unlikely to shape most plans, with about 2 rainy days in the month, though dry averages are not a guarantee of an entirely rain-free stay. Around 13.1 hours of sunshine within 14.3 hours of daylight give you plenty of scope to shift outdoor time away from midday. The catch is prolonged sun exposure, not a shortage of usable daylight. Pack sunscreen, a hat and something light to cover your skin, and choose places to sit with reliable shade rather than assuming the warmth will always feel comfortable.