Weather in Catania

Be prepared for nature's whims in Catania. This section provides the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and climate charts to help you plan your trip comfortably.

Catania, situated on the sunny coast of Sicily, features a classic Mediterranean climate. This means the weather here delights travellers with plenty of sunny days, making the city an attractive destination in almost any season. Summers are typically hot and arid, while winters remain mild and moderately humid, without severe frosts.

The summer months, especially July and August, bring high temperatures averaging 30–31°C, with rainfall being extremely rare at the height of the season. This is the ideal time for those who love heat and beach holidays. Winter is distinguished by comfortable coolness: the thermometer rarely drops below 4–6°C even at night. During the winter period and late autumn, the likelihood of rain increases, but these are interspersed with clear days, allowing you to enjoy walks around the city.

Catania is renowned for its mild Mediterranean climate, making the city attractive to visit almost all year round. The hottest period falls in July, when the average maximum temperature reaches 31.0°C, while the coolest month is traditionally January with average nightly readings of around 4.2°C. Such a temperature regime allows for a long tourist season without the extreme cold typical of Northern Europe.

Summer in this region of Italy is truly sultry. In the peak months—July and August—the air consistently warms up to 30–31°C during the day, creating ideal conditions for sun and heat lovers. Notably, even nights during this period remain very warm: the thermometer rarely drops below 20.9°C, allowing for evening strolls in light clothing. June also brings warmth with average highs of around 27.6°C, opening the summer season.

Winter in Catania is mild and quite comfortable. In the coldest months, January and February, the daytime temperature holds at a pleasant 11–13°C, which is excellent for sightseeing. However, travellers should consider the noticeable diurnal temperature range in winter: while it may be warm in the sun during the day, the air cools down to 4–6°C at night, so a warm jacket is essential for evening walks.

Precipitation in Catania is unevenly distributed throughout the year, which is typical for a classic Mediterranean climate. Two periods are clearly distinguished here: a dry, sunny summer and a wetter off-season that transitions smoothly into a mild winter. Snow in the city itself is an extremely rare phenomenon, as temperatures remain above freezing even in the coldest months, so precipitation falls mainly as rain.

The driest month of the year is July: at this time, the probability of precipitation tends towards zero, and the number of rainy days averages only about two. June and August also delight tourists with clear skies, although brief showers happen slightly more often. This is the perfect time for those wishing to enjoy the Sicilian sun without worrying about the weather forecast.

The rainy season becomes noticeable in autumn and peaks in November, which is considered the wettest month (about 13 days with precipitation). In winter and early spring, the weather remains changeable: for instance, up to 12 rainy days are recorded in March. However, even during this period, prolonged downpours give way to sunny intervals, allowing for comfortable sightseeing in Italy.

A trip to Catania requires a thoughtful approach to your wardrobe, depending on the season of your visit. In summer, when temperatures often exceed 30°C and rain is a rarity, the basis of your luggage should be light items made from natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. Be sure to bring reliable sunscreen, a hat, and quality sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense Sicilian sun. Comfortable open footwear and swimwear will also be indispensable for a beach holiday.

If you are planning a trip in the off-season or winter, it is worth preparing for more changeable weather. From November to March, the number of rainy days increases, so a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become important elements of your kit. For winter walks, when the temperature hovers around 8–10°C, a mid-season jacket, scarf, and waterproof shoes are perfect. In spring and autumn, it is best to dress in layers to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

Regardless of the time of year, for comfortable exploration of the city's historic streets, you will need comfortable flat-soled shoes suitable for long walks. If your plans include an excursion to Mount Etna, be sure to bring a windbreaker, a fleece jacket, and closed trainers or boots: even in the height of summer heat, it can be cool and windy at altitude.