Spring is the best time to visit Sicily. From April to June the wildflowers bloom, temperatures are warm but comfortable, and the crowds have not yet arrived. Easter processions take place across the island, and the tuna harvest along the western coast is a spectacle in May.
Summer brings heat and crowds. July and August see temperatures above 30C and beaches packed with Italian holidaymakers. The interior can be scorching. If you come in summer, head for the mountains or the offshore islands.
Autumn is underrated. September and October are warm enough for swimming, the olive and grape harvests are in full swing, and prices drop. Rain picks up in November but rarely lasts long. Winter is mild on the coast, with highs around 15C, and the mountains see enough snow for skiing on Mount Etna. The citrus harvest brightens the landscape, and you will have the archaeological sites almost to yourself.