If you think January in the Mediterranean means sunbathing on a beach in Cefalù, honestly, you're in for a bit of a reality check. Today, January 17, 2026, the weather in Sicily today is doing exactly what winter in the south of Italy does—it's being moody. It's not "freezing" by London standards, but it is wet.
The island is basically a mosaic of microclimates right now. While your weather app might show one generic icon for the whole region, the truth on the ground is way more complicated. You've got light rain moving across the eastern coast, heavy clouds over the capital, and a damp chill that likes to settle into the old limestone buildings.
The Current Numbers: Breaking Down the Damp
Right now, if you're standing in the center of the island, the temperature is hovering around 52°F. It feels slightly cooler because of the high humidity, which is currently sitting at a whopping 94%. That’s the kind of humidity that makes your hair go wild and makes the air feel heavy.
Wind is coming in from the east at about 12 mph. It’s a gentle breeze, but when mixed with the 30% chance of rain currently hitting the region, it’s enough to make you want to stay inside a cafe with a hot cioccolata calda.
Regional Differences You Need to Know
Don't let the island-wide average fool you. Sicily is huge.
- Palermo is actually the "warm" spot today, hitting a high of 61°F with some actual sun peeking through.
- Catania is struggling. It’s cloudy, 56°F, and facing an 80% chance of light rain throughout the day.
- Syracuse is right in the middle, seeing roughly 59°F and some scattered showers.
If you’re anywhere near Mount Etna, it’s a totally different world. Up there, it's a brisk 42°F with rain that feels a lot more like a winter warning. The UV index is a flat 1 across most of the island, so you can leave the sunscreen in your suitcase for once.
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Why January Weather in Sicily Today Still Matters
People usually avoid the island this time of year, which is kinda why it’s great. You can walk through the Valley of the Temples without a thousand people in your selfie. But you have to respect the rain. Today’s forecast calls for a high of 56°F and a low of 48°F.
Most tourist apartments in Sicily are built for the heat. They have thick walls and tiled floors. Great in August! In January? They can feel like walk-in refrigerators. If you're visiting right now, make sure your accommodation has "clima" (AC units that heat) or actual radiators. Honestly, it's the difference between a cozy trip and a miserable one.
The Rain Factor
The daytime chance of precipitation is sitting at 35%. It's not a monsoon. It’s that fine, misty Sicilian rain that the locals call pioggerellina. It usually doesn't last all day, but it’s enough to make the ancient cobblestones in places like Ortigia incredibly slick.
Actionable Advice for Navigating the Island Right Now
If you are currently on the island or arriving later today:
- Dress in layers, not just a big coat. The temperature fluctuates about 10 degrees between the sun coming out and the clouds rolling back in.
- Hit the museums in Catania today. Since it's the rainiest spot on the map, it's the perfect day for the Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943.
- Head west for better light. Palermo and the surrounding areas are seeing much less rain than the east coast today.
- Watch your footing. Those beautiful polished stones in the historic centers turn into ice rinks when it's this humid.
The island is quiet, the citrus trees are heavy with fruit, and the air is crisp. Just keep your umbrella handy and expect the east-wind breeze to keep things feeling brisk through the evening.