Climate in Ustica (Sicily)

Ustica, an island located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Palermo, Sicily, has a Mediterranean climate: winters are mild and relatively rainy, with sunny periods, but also waves of bad weather, characterized by wind and rain, while summers are hot and sunny, a bit stuffy, but tempered by the breeze. In spring, in April and May, fog can sometimes form in the morning.
Although the temperature is generally mild, the wind, which blows especially in the cold half of the year, can increase the sensation of cold.
The island is accessible by boat from Naples and Palermo.
In inland areas, there are hills, and on the highest point, 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level, lies the weather station: here, the daily average temperature ranges from 11.5 °C (52.5 °F) in January to 26.5 °C (79.5 °F) in August. Here are the average temperatures.

In Ustica, only 505 millimeters (20 inches) of rain fall per year, with a maximum in autumn (in October and November) and a minimum in summer, when it hardly ever rains. As you can see in the following table, there is little rain already in May. Here is the average precipitation.

Winter, from December to February, is mild, and is characterized by sunny periods alternating with rainy periods.
It rarely gets very cold, although there can sometimes be cold, windy, and rainy days, with highs around 10 °C (50 °F).
Snow is very rare, and only occurs in the coldest periods. The lowest recorded temperatures are around 0 °C (32 °F) in January, February and March.

Summer, from June to August, is hot and sunny, with very rare rains.
In some periods, the temperatures are not too high and the breeze blows, which also brings humidity from the sea. However, heatwaves of African origin can sometimes occur: in these cases, it is possible for the temperature to reach reach or exceed 35 °C (95 °F). The record is 43 °C (109.5 °F), set in July 2023. The previous records were below 40 °C (104 °F).



The amount of sunshine in Ustica is excellent in summer, when clear skies prevail; in winter, sunny periods, which can occur in this season as well, alternate with cloudy periods. On average, there are 2,660 hours of sunshine per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

There are not many beaches in Ustica, since the island is of volcanic origin: the coast is generally formed by cliffs overlooking the sea, or by small bays where you can sunbathe, like the famous Cala Sidoti. Thanks to the Marine Protected Area, on the north-west coast, it is possible to swim (and dive) in waters where it is forbidden for any kind of boat to pass.
The sea in Ustica is warm enough for swimming from July to September. In June, the sea is still a bit cool. Here are the average sea temperatures.

Best Time

The best time to go to Ustica for a beach holiday is the summer, from June to August. The water temperature is comfortable enough from July to September, but in September, which overall is still a good month (especially in the first half), the first weather disturbances begin to occur. In June, as mentioned, the sea is still a little cool, while in May, it is still cold, and the air can sometimes be a little too cool for sunbathing as well (perhaps because of the wind).

April and May are advisable months for hiking, perhaps in the prehistoric village, while in summer, it can sometimes be too hot to get around (especially from mid-June to late August). In October, the temperatures are mild, but the days are shorter and the weather can be rainy and windy.

Back to Sicily.

Ustica - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 11.8 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 9.8 °C (49.6 °F) and a maximum of 13.9 °C (57 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (42.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in January 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17 °C (63 °F). However, it reached 19.6 °C (67.3 °F) in January 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (59 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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February, the coldest month of the year, is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 11.5 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 9.2 °C (48.6 °F) and a maximum of 13.8 °C (56.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (41.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1 °C (33.8 °F) in February 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (64 °F). However, it reached 22 °C (71.6 °F) in February 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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March is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 10.5 °C (50.9 °F) and a maximum of 15.5 °C (59.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (43 °F). However, it dropped to 2 °C (35.6 °F) in March 2005.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it reached 24 °C (75.2 °F) in March 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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April is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 15.2 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) and a maximum of 18 °C (64.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9.5 °C (49 °F). However, it dropped to 5 °C (41 °F) in April 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 26.2 °C (79.2 °F) in April 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15.5 °C (60 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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May is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.7 °C (66 °F), with a minimum of 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) and a maximum of 21.7 °C (71.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12 °C (54 °F). However, it dropped to 8.8 °C (47.8 °F) in May 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). However, it reached 32.2 °C (90 °F) in May 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 20 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18.5 °C (65 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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June is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 22.6 °C (73 °F), with a minimum of 19.3 °C (66.7 °F) and a maximum of 26 °C (78.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it dropped to 11.2 °C (52.2 °F) in June 2006.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (87.5 °F). However, it reached 37.4 °C (99.3 °F) in June 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 10 mm (0.4 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 55 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (72 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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July is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 26.0 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 22.4 °C (72.3 °F) and a maximum of 29.5 °C (85.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 19 °C (66 °F). However, it dropped to 15.6 °C (60.1 °F) in July 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F). However, it reached 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) in July 2007.
Precipitation amounts to only 5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 35 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 11 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 77% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 26.6 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 23.1 °C (73.6 °F) and a maximum of 30.2 °C (86.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69.5 °F). However, it dropped to 17 °C (62.6 °F) in August 2015.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93.5 °F). However, it reached 39 °C (102.2 °F) in August 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 75% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 26.5 °C (79.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.

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September is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F), with a minimum of 21 °C (69.8 °F) and a maximum of 27 °C (80.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (62 °F). However, it dropped to 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) in September 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 36.2 °C (97.2 °F) in September 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 75%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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October is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 20.8 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 18.3 °C (64.9 °F) and a maximum of 23.3 °C (73.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57 °F). However, it dropped to 8.4 °C (47.1 °F) in October 2007.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (81 °F). However, it reached 32.2 °C (90 °F) in October 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 59% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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November is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.9 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 14.7 °C (58.5 °F) and a maximum of 19.1 °C (66.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (50.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.7 °C (44.1 °F) in November 2009.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 25.2 °C (77.4 °F) in November 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19.5 °C (67 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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December is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.4 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) and a maximum of 15.4 °C (59.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (44 °F). However, it dropped to 1.2 °C (34.2 °F) in December 2014.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19 °C (66.5 °F). However, it reached 22.8 °C (73 °F) in December 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 30 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 42% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 21 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16.5 °C (62 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.