Catania sits on Sicily’s eastern coast at the foot of Mount Etna, giving it a Mediterranean climate (Csa) with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. The Ionian Sea moderates coastal temperatures, while Etna’s 3,357m peak creates its own microclimate with snow visible on the summit well into spring. Expect 300+ sunny days per year and very little rain from June through September.. Also check our complete Catania travel guide for more on what to expect from Sicily’s second city.
Catania Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16degC (61degF) | 5degC (41degF) | 75 | 8 | 15degC (59degF) | 4 |
| February | 16degC (61degF) | 5degC (41degF) | 52 | 7 | 14degC (57degF) | 5 |
| March | 18degC (64degF) | 7degC (45degF) | 46 | 6 | 15degC (59degF) | 6 |
| April | 20degC (68degF) | 9degC (48degF) | 35 | 5 | 16degC (61degF) | 7 |
| May | 24degC (75degF) | 13degC (55degF) | 19 | 3 | 19degC (66degF) | 9 |
| June | 29degC (84degF) | 17degC (63degF) | 8 | 2 | 22degC (72degF) | 10 |
| July | 32degC (90degF) | 20degC (68degF) | 3 | 1 | 25degC (77degF) | 11 |
| August | 32degC (90degF) | 20degC (68degF) | 10 | 2 | 26degC (79degF) | 10 |
| September | 28degC (82degF) | 18degC (64degF) | 35 | 4 | 24degC (75degF) | 8 |
| October | 24degC (75degF) | 14degC (57degF) | 71 | 7 | 22degC (72degF) | 6 |
| November | 20degC (68degF) | 10degC (50degF) | 71 | 8 | 19degC (66degF) | 5 |
| December | 17degC (63degF) | 7degC (45degF) | 82 | 9 | 16degC (61degF) | 4 |
Catania Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter in Catania is mild by European standards. December highs reach 17degC (63degF) with overnight lows around 7degC (45degF). January is the coldest month, averaging 16degC (61degF) daytime and 5degC (41degF) at night. You’ll need a jacket after sunset and an umbrella: December is the wettest month with 82mm over 9 rainy days. Snow in the city is extremely rare (the last significant snowfall was 1905), but you’ll see Etna’s summit covered in white. February brings slightly less rain (52mm) and similar temperatures. The sea is coldest at 14-16degC (57-61degF) so swimming is out, but hotel prices are at their lowest and tourist sites are nearly empty. For more detailed information, see our best time to visit.
Catania Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Catania. March warms to 18degC (64degF) with rain dropping to 46mm over 6 days. By April, you’ll get 20degC (68degF) highs and 7 hours of daily sun with just 35mm of rain. May is essentially early summer: 24degC (75degF) daytime, 13degC (55degF) nights, only 19mm of rain across 3 wet days, and the sea warms to 19degC (66degF). Wildflowers bloom on Etna’s lower slopes and the city’s baroque architecture looks its best under clear spring skies. The first beach days typically happen in late May when sea temperatures cross 18degC (64degF). For more detailed information, see our things to do.
Catania Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Catania summers are hot, dry, and long. June averages 29degC (84degF) with virtually no rain (8mm, 2 days). July and August both peak at 32degC (90degF), but heatwaves can push temperatures to 38-40degC (100-104degF) when the sirocco wind blows in from North Africa. Humidity stays moderate at 60-65% thanks to sea breezes. July is the driest month at just 3mm of rainfall. The sea reaches its warmest at 25-26degC (77-79degF) in August, perfect for swimming at La Playa or San Giovanni Li Cuti. You’ll get 10-11 hours of daily sunshine. Air conditioning is essential for accommodation; most restaurants and bars have outdoor seating. The city empties in August when many locals take their own holidays (Ferragosto on August 15), though tourist sites stay open. For more detailed information, see our events and festivals.
Catania Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September remains summer-like with 28degC (82degF) highs and sea temperatures of 24degC (75degF), making it arguably the best month for a beach-and-sightseeing combination. Rain picks up to 35mm over 4 days but rarely disrupts plans. October cools noticeably to 24degC (75degF) and rain increases to 71mm over 7 days; pack a light rain jacket. November is proper autumn: 20degC (68degF) days, 10degC (50degF) nights, and 71mm of rain over 8 days. The sea at 19degC (66degF) is still swimmable for the hardy in early November. Etna’s autumn colors appear on the lower slopes in October and November. For more detailed information, see our neighborhoods.
Catania Weather by Month: Mount Etna Microclimate
The summit of Etna (3,357m / 11,014ft) is typically 15-18degC (27-32degF) colder than Catania at sea level. In July, when Catania reaches 32degC, the summit hovers around 12-15degC (54-59degF); you’ll need a jacket even in summer. Snow stays on the upper slopes from November to May, and the cable car and ski season runs December to March at the Rifugio Sapienza and Piano Provenzana ski areas. Always check the Etna Observatory website (www.ct.ingv.it) for volcanic activity status before heading up: the mountain occasionally closes access roads due to eruptions or ash emissions. The most recent major eruptions occurred in 2021, 2022, and 2023. For more detailed information, see our where to stay. Before heading up, check our travel tips guide for practical information on transport and what to pack.
