August is the last full month of Sicily’s lively (and pricey) high season. The weather is sunny and hot, perfect for beach days and all things watersport related, though you’ll have to contend with the hordes of foreign and local tourists. Don’t let that deter you though, as this guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
## Sicily in August: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
August in **Sicily** presents a unique travel experience, characterized by scorching temperatures, bustling crowds, and a vibrant atmosphere fueled by local festivals and traditions. This guide delves into the specifics of visiting **Sicily** during this peak summer month, providing insights into weather patterns, crowd dynamics, recommended destinations, cultural events, and essential travel tips.
### Weather in August
August in **Sicily** is synonymous with heat, particularly when the *sirocco*, a relentless wind originating from Africa, sweeps across the island. This hot wind can elevate temperatures to extreme levels. During the most intense periods of the sirocco’s influence, the thermometer can soar to a staggering 109°F (43°C) in **Messina**, while **Trapani**, **Palermo**, and **Catania** might experience even higher temperatures, reaching a sweltering 111°F (44°C). Under normal circumstances, without the sirocco’s exacerbating effect, the daily average temperatures in **Messina**, **Palermo**, and **Syracuse** hover around 88°F (31°C), while **Catania** typically experiences slightly warmer conditions, averaging around 90°F (32°C).
Given these conditions, packing appropriately is paramount. Swimsuits and high-SPF sunscreen are indispensable for enjoying the beaches and coastal areas. However, it’s also wise to include light layers in your wardrobe, particularly if you plan to venture inland or explore higher-altitude towns where evenings can be noticeably cooler. For example, the town of **Prizzi**, situated at a considerable elevation, experiences a more temperate average range of 63-81°F (17-27°C).
It’s also important to understand that inland temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation. Areas below 1,000 feet (3,280 m), often lacking the coastal breeze, tend to be hotter than their higher-altitude counterparts. **Ragusa**, for instance, located at a lower elevation inland, records an average high temperature of 90°F (32°C).
### Crowds and Costs
August represents the height of the tourist season in **Sicily**. The island’s coastline and surrounding islands become magnets for travelers, resulting in considerable congestion, particularly around the middle of the month. This surge in visitors coincides with Italy’s **Ferragosto** holiday, celebrated annually on August 15th. During this period, Italians traditionally flock to the seaside, further amplifying the crowds and placing immense pressure on hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities.
To mitigate the impact of these peak-season conditions, advance planning is essential. Booking accommodations and making restaurant reservations well in advance are highly recommended to secure your preferred options and avoid disappointment.
While the coastal areas teem with tourists, the interior of **Sicily** offers pockets of respite. Towns like **Ragusa**, for instance, can provide a quieter experience. However, it’s crucial to note that many local businesses may choose to close during August, as owners themselves take holidays. Furthermore, even establishments that remain open may observe the tradition of the *siesta*, closing their doors during the afternoon hours, typically from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, to escape the intense midday heat.
### Where to Go in August
The allure of the Mediterranean Sea is undeniable during the long, hot summer days in **Sicily**. For those undeterred by the crowds, the coastline and the **Aegadi** or **Aeolian Islands** offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
If your visit to **Sicily** coincides with the middle of August, consider attending one of the captivating local festivals that take place in various coastal towns and cities. **Cefalù**, for example, hosts the **Madonna dell Luce** celebration. **Messina** celebrates **I Giganti**, a grand festival honoring the city’s mythical founders, Mata and Grifone the Moor, featuring lively parades and colorful floats.
In the southeastern part of the island, **Palazzolo Acreide** hosts the **Festa di San Sebastiano**, a religious celebration marked by processions, concerts, and spectacular fireworks displays. Nearby, the ancient city of **Syracuse** and its **Neapolis Archaeological Park** offer a glimpse into **Sicily’s** rich history. The Sicilian Baroque towns of **Noto**, **Ragusa Ibla**, **Modica**, and **Scicli** are also worth exploring. Each of these charming locations provides easy access to the coast, where you can choose from a variety of beaches, including the sandy shores of **Pozzallo**, the secluded rocky coves of **Cava d’Agila**, and the golden sands of **Marina di Ragusa**.
Towards the end of August, **Trapani** and its surrounding region offer a unique spectacle: the salt harvest. This activity adds another layer of visual interest to the already stunning coastal landscape, characterized by historic windmills, saltwater lagoons, and vast mounds of freshly harvested salt. While in the area, a visit to the small island of **Pantaleo**, situated in the shallow waters between Marsala and **Trapani**, is highly recommended. Here, you can explore one of **Sicily’s** earliest Phoenician settlements, discover the artifacts housed in the **Mozia Museum**, stroll along the scenic boardwalk, and wander through the ancient ruins.
### What to Do
If you find yourself in **Sicily** on August 14th, head to the coast to witness the mesmerizing sight of bonfires blazing along the beaches. Join in the festivities, which often include all-night dancing and merrymaking.
For sun and surf enthusiasts, **Sicily** offers abundant opportunities. However, to secure a less crowded spot on the beach, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, around 5 pm. Alternatively, consider renting a beach chair at one of the many *lidos* (public beaches with amenities) along the coast.
Numerous beaches also offer a wide range of water sports, including surfing (wind and kite), kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For adrenaline junkies, exploring the **Alcantara River** **and Gorge** region provides a thrilling and refreshing experience. Gear up and body raft your way down the river, alternating swimming and floating with hiking.
Late August marks the beginning of the grape harvest across **Sicily**. Take a scenic drive through the vineyard-covered landscapes of the west coast, visit a *cantina* or two in Marsala, and sample the region’s renowned fortified wine. Also worth tasting are the popular **Blanco d’Alcamo** from the area between **Alcamo** and **Trapani**, and the **Syrah** and **Etna Rosso** wines produced from the fertile volcanic soil of Mount Etna’s slopes. And if you cannot travel to the **Aeolian** or **Pantelleria islands**, try a glass of their respective reds, Malvasia, and Passito di **Pantelleria**.
### Events in August
**International Festival of the Arts**: From June through September, **Taormina’s** ancient theater hosts daily performances spanning various genres, including rock, pop, classical music, opera, dance, and theater.
**La Scala Illuminata**: In mid-August, the staircase of Caltagirone is elaborately decorated with ceramics and flowers during the day and illuminated with candles at night in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. James.
**Ferragosto (Assumption Day)**: Celebrated annually on August 15th, **Ferragosto** is a major Italian holiday that commemorates the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The day is marked by religious processions from churches throughout the country. **Ferie di Agosto** (August holidays) is also celebrated, with revelers lighting bonfires along the beaches and enjoying music, dancing, and parties on the evening of August 14th. Many businesses and institutions are closed on this national holiday.
**Madonna della Luce (Our Lady of Light)**: On August 14th and 15th, witness a captivating nighttime boat procession off the coast of Kalura to the **Cefalù** harbor.
**Passeggiata di Giganti (Procession of the Giants)**: This mid-August festival in **Messina** is the city’s largest celebration, honoring its mythical founders, Mata and Grifone the Moor.
**Palio dei Normanni**: Held in **Piazza Armerina** in the middle of August, this is one of **Sicily’s** oldest events. It features medieval and Renaissance games, shows, and costumed processions, culminating in a re-enactment of the Norman invasion of **Sicily**.
**Maritime Festival**: **Syracuse** hosts an annual rowing regatta around the Ortigia quarter, along with festive processions.
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