Yes, November works for Sicily if you want walking, ancient sites and street food more than beach time. Afternoons in Palermo reach 68°F (20°C), and the sea has cooled to 67°F.
The month brings rain and cool nights, especially around Catania, where lows drop to 50°F (10°C). Daylight is short, about ten hours, so sightseeing days need an early start.
At a glance
- Palermo afternoon high: 68°F (20°C)
- Palermo night low: 59°F (15°C)
- Catania afternoon high: 70°F (21°C)
- Catania night low: 50°F (10°C)
- Sea temperature: 67°F near Palermo and near Catania
- Daylight on November 15: 10 hours 9 minutes in Palermo
What is the weather like in Sicily in November?
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight (15th) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 76°F (24°C) | 66°F (19°C) | 2.3 in (59 mm) | 5 | 73°F (23°C) | 11 h 16 |
| November | 68°F (20°C) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.6 in (66 mm) | 6 | 67°F (20°C) | 10 h 09 |
| December | 62°F (17°C) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.1 in (79 mm) | 8 | 62°F (17°C) | 9 h 32 |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
November is mild by day and cool at night. Palermo reaches 68°F (20°C) in the afternoon, which is comfortable for walking through markets and ruins. The night low there is 59°F (15°C).
Catania is a little warmer by day at 70°F (21°C) but much cooler after dark, with lows near 50°F (10°C). It rains on about six days in the month, so pack a light rain jacket and keep a covered stop in mind, like a museum, for any outdoor day. With about ten hours of daylight in Catania, plan the open-air sights for late morning and early afternoon.
October is warmer. Palermo reaches 76°F (24°C) in the afternoon, and the sea is near 73°F. December is cooler again, with highs of 62°F (17°C) in Palermo and eight rainy days in Catania. November sits between the two, with the sea closer to December’s chill than October’s warmth.
Where to go in Sicily in November
Palermo
Palermo is a UNESCO site, together with nearby Monreale and Cefalù. In November the afternoon high of 68°F (20°C) suits a day on foot. The historic markets of Ballarò, Vucciria, Capo and Borgo Vecchio are where street food is eaten.
Cefalù
Cefalù’s Duomo dates to 1131, and a 12th-century cloister is attached to it. Most of the visit is indoors or in the old streets. The Mandralisca Museum adds a picture gallery with Antonello da Messina’s portrait of an unknown man, a good plan if a shower passes.
Taormina
Taormina has the Teatro Greco Romano on Via del Teatro Greco and a castle on Via Madonna della Rocca. The castle has 21 historical points, 4 panoramas and 2 caves. In a month with changeable skies, pick a clear spell for the panoramas.
Syracuse and Ortigia
The historic center of Syracuse holds the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Grotticelle Necropolis. On the island of Ortigia stand the temple of Apollo and the remains of the Temple of Athena. Ortigia is easiest on foot, since cars face restrictions there.
Zingaro reserve
The Zingaro reserve lies between San Vito lo Capo and Scopello and can only be explored on foot. It has five well-marked trekking routes. Cool November afternoons are easier for walking than a hot summer day.
Valley of the Temples
The Valley of the Temples is in Agrigento. It is an open-air site, so go in the daylight hours and check the sky before setting out.
What to do in Sicily in November
Snorkeling and walks at Plemmirio
Plemmirio offers mountain bike excursions, walks and snorkeling sessions.
Entrance 27 is a strategic point for snorkeling and diving. Zone A, in front of the lighthouse, is closed to swimming, boats, fishing and diving all year. With the sea near 67°F in November, keep water time short.
Walking the Zingaro reserve
Five marked routes cross the reserve, with entrances at San Vito in the north and Scopello in the south. You can only explore it on foot.
The reserve also has five museums on traditional activities, such as bluefin tuna fishing and giummara weaving. They make a good break on a cool or damp day. Boat excursions and inflatable boat rentals are offered, though a cool sea makes them a choice for a sunny afternoon.
Taormina Castle and Greek-Roman Theatre
A free digital audioguide for smartphones is available at Taormina Castle.
The Teatro Greco Romano is on Via del Teatro Greco. Combine the castle and the theatre on the same day while the light is good, since daylight in November is short.
Street food in Palermo and Catania
In Catania, the old fish market lies between Piazza Pardo and Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto. Palermo’s street food is eaten in the markets of Ballarò, Vucciria, Capo and Borgo Vecchio.
Grilled horse meat sandwiches are found on Via Plebiscito in Catania. Markets are an outdoor stop, so pair them with a museum for a rainy day.
Cefalù’s Duomo and Mandralisca Museum
Ruggero II commissioned the Duomo in 1131. The 12th-century cloister and a medieval washhouse on via Vittorio Emanuele are nearby.
The Mandralisca Museum holds the Antonello da Messina portrait. The Cefalù tourist office gives information on accommodation, restaurants and nature excursions.
Is Sicily busy in November?
Visiting parks and reserves out of season eases the pressure on the local area.
In Palermo, the tourist tax is charged for a maximum of four consecutive nights. Those staying in hotels or short-term rentals pay it if they are not registered in Palermo. Caltanissetta starts its own tax on January 1, 2027, capped at 14 consecutive nights.
Can you swim in Sicily in November?
The sea near Palermo and near Catania averages 67°F in November, down from 73°F in October and heading toward 62°F in December. It is a monthly average, so expect a short, brisk swim at best.
At Plemmirio, regulations allow swimming, diving and sport fishing in most of the reserve.
What to pack for Sicily in November
November asks for layers and a rain shell more than a swimsuit.
- A warm layer for evenings: Catania lows reach 50°F (10°C).
- A light rain jacket: Catania sees about six rainy days.
- Sturdy walking shoes for the Zingaro routes, which can only be done on foot.
- Snorkel gear if you plan to use Plemmirio, with a thicker layer for the 67°F sea.
- A charged phone for the free Taormina Castle audioguide.
- A small day bag for market food stops in Palermo and Catania.
What to know before visiting Sicily in November
In Ortigia, the ZTL (restricted traffic zone) is active Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. On Sundays and holidays it runs from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Hotels may authorize guests’ vehicles for transit only, and parking inside the zone is prohibited. In Messina, the ZTL blue-line daily rate is €5, and the Cavallotti, Villa Dante and La Farina car parks charge €9 for a full day.
The U.S. State Department rates Italy Level 2, Exercise increased caution, due to terrorism (advisory issued September 10, 2026). It recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and buying travel insurance before you go.
Is November a good time to visit Sicily?
Yes, November is a good time for travelers who want sights, walks and food markets in mild weather. It suits swimmers less.
October gives warmer afternoons and a sea near 73°F. Shifting four weeks earlier gains swimming, and shifting later loses daylight and warmth.
If you want swimming, pick October. If you want parks and reserves out of season, November fits.
Sources
- atmmessinaspa.it (https://www.atmmessinaspa.it/tariffesosta.php?pag=3), checked 2026-10-30
- italia.it (https://www.italia.it/it/sicilia/cosa-fare/riserva-naturale-del-plemmirio-in-sicilia), checked 2026-10-30
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- www2.regione.sicilia.it (https://www2.regione.sicilia.it/beniculturali/sitepda/musei_pda.asp?page=6), checked 2026-10-30
- comune.siracusa.it (https://www.comune.siracusa.it/area_tematica/ztl-zona-a-traffico-limitato), checked 2026-10-30
- italia.it (https://www.italia.it/en/sicily/things-to-do/sustainable-sicily-green-itineraries), checked 2026-10-30
- italia.it (https://www.italia.it/fr/sicile/trapani/reserve-du-zingaro), checked 2026-10-30
- ambwashingtondc.esteri.it (https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/en/chi-siamo/gli-uffici/), checked 2026-10-25