I’m off to Sicily in two weeks, which will have me being there mid to late August. Not my preference of time of year to go there but other factors dictated make it so.
Anyway, I’ve had some others IRL give me advice/warnings as to the heat. I know it’s going to be on the hot side, but to hear some people tell it, it’s like they’re giving advice to a guy from Finland going to Death Valley Ca. or India or whatever. I’ve been checking weather almanacs for that time of year going years back, and from what I’ve gleaned, it’s mostly mid-to-high 80s to maybe 90 F, with dew points that seem to vary from the mid 60s to low 70s F depending on the time of day. I do know this can vary by the location, but that seems no more uncomfortable than the southeastern US where I live, maybe slightly better. I don’t like heat & humidity, but I can deal. I get by.
I’m advised to dress as though I was Jimmy Buffet in shorts and sandals, but that’s just not my thing. Will I be miserable and burst into flames there in jeans, loose shirt and light hiking boots?
I posted this in this forum rather than General forum because I’m seeking more observational opinions of those who might provide them.
I unfortunately don’t have any advice to give you about Sicily - but I will say that it’s difficult to get good advice from people regarding weather and how to dress. Because those people’s idea of how to dress is going to be related to the climate they are used to and whether they run hot or cold. I’m going on a cruise to Alaska in August - and people are talking about bringing heavy coats, gloves, etc when the temperature range will be about 50-65 degrees. I’m not doing all that- I live in NYC and my air-conditioning is currently set at 65 degrees. Fifty degrees for me is a light jacket.
You have to check the average temperatures/humidity and determine how you normally dress under those conditions at home - but you also have to account for the fact that air conditioning is not as common in Europe as in the US. If “jeans, loose shirt and light hiking boots” are only comfortable because you rarely spend more than a couple of minutes out of the air-conditioning , then that outfit might not be so comfortable in Sicily.
I’ve been there twice; both times late July/early August.
My experience is that it’s hot, but relatively dry, and cool enough for comfort at night.
In my limited experience, a much more palatable atmosphere than the American Southeast, or even the last few weeks we’ve had here in New England, with temps well into the 80s and very high humidity.
Unless they have a freak heatwave (which does happen), then it will be hot, but not unbearable. Personally, I do think jeans in high summer there would way too heavy, - you might want to at least consider thinner cotton or linen trousers if you can’t bear to get your legs out.
It’s a dry heat, although evenings can be quite sticky. Hotels will have air conditioning, but I couldn’t vouch for many rented villas/apartments, you would need to check.
More pertinent is that you’ll be there at the peakest of peak season for the Italian holidays, so expect towns and beaches to be crowded. You should book restaurants in advance, if only by a day or two.