Sicily Cruising Conditions
General Conditions
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Distance from the sea and the height of the larger mountains are the causes of sharp differences in climate: on the coastal belt, the average annual temperature is around 19° C, which drops to 13° C inland. The precipitations are confined mainly to the winter months. Rainfall is low particularly on the low-lying ground round Catania and Gela.
Prevailing north-westerly winds.
June - August the wind strength is 20-25 knots, very rarely more.
Historical Weather (Averages by month):
| °F Max | °F Min | °C Max | °C Min | Ave Precip (in) | Ave Precip (mm) | Ave Water Temp (°F) | Ave Water Temp (°C) | Ave Wind Speed |
January | 59 | 50 | x | x | x | 66
| x | x | 6 |
February | 59 | 50 | x | x | x | 40 | x | x | 6 |
March | 61 | 52 | x | x | x | 93 | x | x | 6 |
April | 64 | 55 | x | x | x | 35 | x | x | 7 |
May | 73 | 61 | x | x | x | 14 | x | x | 6 |
June | 81 | 68 | x | x | x | 10 | x | x | 10 |
July | 86 | 73 | x | x | x | 10 | x | x | 6 |
August | 86 | 75 | x | x | x | 63 | x | x | 6 |
September | 82 | 72 | x | x | x | 82 | x | x | 5 |
October | 73 | 64 | x | x | x | 48 | x | x | 5 |
November | 66 | 57 | x | x | x | 67 | x | x | 5 |
December | 61 | 54 | x | x | x | 79 | x | x | 5 |
Tides
In the Mediterranean, the tide range is very small: 20cm to 40cm (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
Weather Forecast
When you arrive at the Base, we will provide you with a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. On your radio, you can also listen to the weather forecast 24 hours a day on Channels 68 and 21 in both English and Italian. Harbour offices also receive a weather forecast regularly.