Weather in Sicily in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Sicily and ranks 60th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Italy it is 1st of 16 (Italy in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Sicily is 7.2°C warmer by day and 7.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Sicily peaks at 23.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.9°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 24 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.3°C; one night in ten drops to 12.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 33.3°C (2001-05-19) and the coldest night 8.9°C (1991-05-01).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 28 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2019 with 77 mm, the driest 1999 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 67%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 18.2°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.3°C to 19.1°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:50 and sets about 20:02 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 37%.

Is May a good time to visit Sicily?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Sicily on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm days without relying on strong heat

May suits travellers who want warmth but do not need hot weather every day. Around 32% of days reach 25°C, while only 4% reach 30°C, so sustained heat is not something to count on. For walking and spending time outside, that is a useful balance: dress lightly during the day and take breaks in the shade when the midday sun feels strong. Evenings need a different approach. The coldest nights can fall to 12.3°C or lower, so pack a jumper or light jacket rather than assuming daytime warmth will last after dark. Keep warmer clothing handy if you tend to feel the cold.

Good for time by the sea, less convincing for swimming

The sea is the main reason to think carefully about a May trip. Its average temperature is 18.2°C, with a year-to-year range of 17°C to 19°C, so warm air does not mean warm water. If you enjoy a brisk dip, swimming may still appeal; if you prefer to linger in the water, May is a less comfortable fit. Plan time by the coast around being outdoors rather than assuming you will spend much of it swimming. Bring something dry and warm to put on afterwards. For a holiday where sea swimming is the priority, this is a significant drawback.

Plenty of daylight, with some flexibility for rain

With about 8.9 hours of sunshine across 14.0 hours of daylight, May gives you a generous window for outdoor plans without needing to squeeze everything into midday. There are about 4 rainy days during the month, so rain is a possibility rather than a reason to rule out the trip. Pack a light waterproof and keep your daily plans flexible instead of expecting uninterrupted sunshine. The balance favours travellers happy to adapt to a shower, but it is not a promise of dry weather throughout your stay. Light layers are more useful than packing only for hot, cloudless days.