Things to Do in Catania in November

November Weather in Catania

20°C (69°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

66 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for exploring - daytime highs of 20°C (69°F) make walking Catania's volcanic stone streets comfortable without summer's brutal heat
Tourist crowds drop by 60% after Halloween - you'll have Via Etnea and Piazza del Duomo nearly to yourself for photos
Mount Etna hiking season peaks - snow caps the summit while lower elevations (800-1,500m / 2,625-4,921 ft) offer ideal trekking conditions
Autumn produce season - local markets overflow with fresh chestnuts, late-harvest citrus, and new olive oil at 30% lower prices than summer

Considerations

Rain averages 10 days with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 30-45 minutes - outdoor markets close abruptly
Daylight ends by 5pm - many archaeological sites like Teatro Romano close earlier, limiting afternoon exploration time
Sea temperature drops to 18°C (64°F) - swimming becomes uncomfortable for most visitors without wetsuits

Best Activities in November

Mount Etna Crater Trekking

November offers the best Etna conditions - clear skies, snow-capped peaks, and comfortable hiking temperatures of 8-15°C (46-59°F) at elevation. Lower sulfur activity means better visibility. Morning departures avoid afternoon rain patterns.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Tours typically cost €45-85 per person. Choose morning departures (8am starts) to avoid afternoon weather changes. Look for operators with volcanic insurance coverage.

Historical Catania Walking Tours

Cool November temperatures make exploring Catania's UNESCO baroque center comfortable. Via dei Crociferi and Castello Ursino are perfect in 15-20°C (59-68°F) weather. Fewer crowds mean better access to Cattedrale di Sant'Agata interior.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well, or book guided tours 3-5 days ahead. Expect €25-40 for 3-4 hour guided tours. Start after 10am when morning fog clears. Rain backup: covered Pescheria market tours.

Sicilian Cooking Classes

November brings autumn ingredients - fresh ricotta, seasonal vegetables, new wine harvests. Indoor activities perfect for rainy afternoons. Learn arancini, pasta alla norma, and cannoli with chestnuts and late citrus.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend classes. Expect €55-95 per person for 4-hour sessions including meals. Morning classes (9am-1pm) work best around November weather patterns.

Taormina and Savoca Day Trips

Perfect weather for exploring nearby hilltop towns - clear views without summer heat. Taormina's ancient theater and Savoca's Godfather filming locations shine in November's soft light. 1-hour drives each way from Catania.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead. Day tours typically €60-120 including transport. Self-drive rental cars €25-35/day in November. Start early (8am) to maximize daylight hours.

Syracuse and Ortigia Island Tours

90-minute drive south rewards with fewer crowds at Greek archaeological sites. November's mild temperatures ideal for exploring Neapolis Archaeological Park. Ortigia island walking becomes pleasant without summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically €70-110 from Catania. Book 4-7 days ahead. Choose tours with indoor components (museums) for rain backup. Morning departures essential for maximum site time.

Wine Tasting on Etna Slopes

November harvest season means fresh wine tastings at volcanic vineyards. Cool weather perfect for touring outdoor vineyard terraces at 400-800m (1,312-2,625 ft) elevation. Pair with local cheese and autumn harvest foods.

Booking Tip: Book 5-10 days ahead for weekend visits. Expect €40-80 per person for tastings with food. Choose vineyards with indoor tasting rooms for weather backup. Afternoon tours (2-6pm) avoid morning fog.

November Events & Festivals

November 11th weekend

Feast of Saint Martin

Traditional wine blessing and chestnut festivals throughout Sicily. Local vineyards open cellars for new wine tastings. Street vendors sell roasted chestnuts and local sweets.

Throughout November weekends

Autumn Sagre Food Festivals

Multiple neighborhood festivals celebrating olive oil, chestnuts, and wine harvest. Each district hosts weekend events with local specialties, folk music, and traditional crafts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - volcanic stone streets become slippery when wet from November's 10 rainy days

Lightweight rain jacket - sudden 30-45 minute downpours happen without warning, especially after 2pm

Layering clothes (t-shirt, sweater, jacket) - temperature swings from 10°C (50°F) mornings to 20°C (69°F) afternoons

Small umbrella - compact enough for day bags, essential for market visits and outdoor archaeological sites

Comfortable day pack with waterproof cover - protect cameras and electronics during unexpected showers

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially on Etna's reflective volcanic surfaces

Warm scarf for evening - temperatures drop quickly after sunset around 5pm

Power bank and waterproof phone case - November weather can drain batteries faster in humidity

Cash in small bills - many local markets and small trattorias still prefer cash, especially during festival season

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated important even in cooler weather, especially on Etna hikes

Insider Knowledge

Local shops close 1-4pm for siesta even in November - plan morning market visits and afternoon indoor activities like museums

Fish market (Pescheria) runs Tuesday-Saturday 7am-2pm - visit Friday mornings for best selection when fishing boats return

Free WiFi available at Palazzo degli Elefanti (city hall) and major piazzas - useful when afternoon rain disrupts mobile signals

Catania Metro Line A connects airport to city center for €1 - much cheaper than €25-30 taxis, runs every 15 minutes until 9pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming restaurants open early - most don't serve dinner until 7:30pm, plan afternoon snacks accordingly

Not checking Sunday closures - many attractions and restaurants close Sundays except in historic center

Underestimating Etna weather changes - bring layers even on warm Catania days, temperature drops 2°C per 100m (328 ft) elevation