Things to Do in Catania in May

May Weather in Catania

25°C (78°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather on Mount Etna - daytime temperatures of 25°C (78°F) with clear morning visibility before afternoon clouds roll in around 2 PM
Spring festival season with Festa di Sant'Agata afterglow events and outdoor markets thriving in comfortable temperatures without summer's crushing 35°C+ (95°F+) heat
Sea temperature reaches swimmable 19°C (66°F) while beaches remain uncrowded - locals haven't started their summer beach routines yet
Ideal walking weather for Via Etnea and fish market exploration - cool 12°C (54°F) mornings warm to comfortable 25°C (78°F) by lunch without summer's oppressive humidity

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers on 10 days throughout the month can disrupt outdoor Etna excursions and require flexible planning with indoor backup options
Cool evening temperatures dropping to 12°C (54°F) mean you'll need layers for sunset aperitivo sessions and evening passeggiata strolls
Some seasonal restaurants and beach clubs haven't fully opened yet - the summer dining scene doesn't peak until June

Best Activities in May

Mount Etna Crater Hiking Tours

May offers the best Etna conditions with snow melted from lower slopes but temperatures cool enough for comfortable 6-8 hour hikes. Morning departures at 8 AM provide clearest visibility before afternoon cloud cover. The 2,900 m (9,514 ft) altitude means you'll experience temperature drops of 15°C (27°F) from base to summit, making May's mild starting temperatures perfect.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified volcanic guides. Tours cost €65-95 per person including transport from Catania. Look for small group options (max 12 people) that include crampons and helmets. Cancel-friendly policies essential due to volcanic activity changes.

Sicilian Cooking Classes with Market Tours

May brings peak spring produce - blood oranges' final weeks, fresh fava beans, wild fennel, and early tomatoes. The 70% humidity actually helps pasta-making as dough stays workable longer. Morning market tours at 8 AM in La Pescheria fish market are comfortable in 18°C (64°F) temperatures before afternoon warmth.

Booking Tip: Half-day experiences typically cost €85-120 per person including market tour, cooking, and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots. Look for classes in traditional Catanese homes or farmhouses outside the city center for authentic experiences.

Cycling Tours to Baroque Towns

Perfect temperatures for 25-40 km (15-25 mile) rides to Acireale or along the Riviera dei Ciclopi. May's variable weather means morning starts at 9 AM in cool 15°C (59°F) conditions, warming to ideal cycling temperature by 11 AM. Afternoon shower possibilities make half-day tours more reliable than full-day adventures.

Booking Tip: E-bike tours cost €45-65 per person for half-day trips. Book 3-5 days ahead and choose morning departures. Look for tours including helmets, water, and light lunch stops. Avoid operators without weather contingency plans.

Evening Food Walking Tours

May's comfortable evening temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F) make 3-4 hour food walks through Via Etnea and historic center perfect. You'll sample arancini, granita, and cannoli without summer's heat affecting food quality. Evening timing avoids afternoon shower windows.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6-10 PM) cost €55-75 per person including 6-8 tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots. Choose tours starting after 6 PM when temperatures are most comfortable and locals begin their evening dining routines.

Day Trips to Taormina

May's mild weather makes the 47 km (29 mile) journey to Taormina ideal for full-day exploration. Ancient Greek theater visits are comfortable without summer crowds or 35°C+ (95°F+) heat. The hilltop location's cooler temperatures and sea breezes complement May's variable mainland weather perfectly.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost €95-140 per person including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead for small group options. Look for tours combining Greek theater, medieval streets, and lunch with Etna views. Train options cost €8-12 each way.

Catacomb and Underground Tours

May's variable weather makes underground exploration perfect backup activities. Catacomb temperatures stay constant at 16°C (61°F) year-round, providing cool relief during warm afternoons. Roman amphitheater visits combine well with underground tours as both avoid weather dependency.

Booking Tip: Combined underground tours cost €25-40 per person for 2-3 sites. Book 2-3 days ahead for English-speaking guides. Look for tours including San Nicolò catacombs and Roman ruins. Perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans.

May Events & Festivals

Various weekends throughout May

Spring Food Festivals in Historic Center

Local sagre (food festivals) celebrating spring produce happen in various piazzas throughout May. These feature seasonal specialties like fresh fava bean dishes, spring onion frittatas, and the last of the season's blood orange granita before summer flavors take over

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - May's 10 rainy days bring short 30-45 minute showers that can soak you quickly

Layering pieces for 13°C (23°F) temperature swings from cool 12°C (54°F) mornings to warm 25°C (78°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours, especially on Etna's reflective volcanic surfaces

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet basalt streets in historic center become slippery during rain showers

Light long pants for evening - 12°C (54°F) nighttime temperatures make shorts uncomfortable after sunset

Compact umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for quick market visits and short walking distances

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday warming

Light sweater for air-conditioned restaurants and underground catacomb tours at constant 16°C (61°F)

Sunglasses with UV protection - essential for Etna excursions where altitude increases UV exposure significantly

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated important as your body adjusts to variable temperatures and humidity levels

Insider Knowledge

Book Etna tours for Tuesday-Thursday when weekend crowds thin out and guides provide more personalized attention. Monday tours often cancel due to weekend volcanic activity assessments.

Visit La Pescheria fish market before 10 AM when selection is best and temperatures haven't warmed enough to affect seafood quality. Locals shop early to beat both crowds and afternoon heat.

Take advantage of May's shoulder season hotel rates - book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead to secure 20-30% savings compared to summer peak pricing starting in June.

Sicilians switch from winter to summer menus in mid-May. Visit restaurants in the first two weeks for hearty pasta dishes, later in month for lighter seafood preparations as establishments transition seasonally.

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - May evenings require layers as temperatures drop 13°C (23°F) from daytime highs to nighttime lows

Booking full-day outdoor tours without weather backup plans - 10 rainy days mean you need flexible itineraries for activities like Etna hiking

Expecting all beach clubs and seasonal restaurants to be fully operational - many don't reach full service until June when locals consider beach season officially started