Packing for Sicily will largely be determined by the season you plan to travel. Sicily has a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and short, mild winters. In all its very agreeable throughout the year with plenty of sunny days and warm winds from Africa late into the year.

From April-October the weather can be quite mild, although July and August are best classified as hot and rather uncomfortable with temperatures in the mid 30s and hot, dusty African sirocco winds blowing.

It is possible to swim even into November but after that it is often very rainy and cool until Easter. December and February are the coldest months and day temperatures might not reach 10 degrees, while the night time temperatures fall to zero. Inland around Enna it can be pretty bleak at this time of year, although it's also the best time to try skiing in the Madonie Mountains or Mount Etna. These mountain regions can be cool even in summer.

Understanding the climate and noting the average temperatures should help you determine what to pack. Usually layers of clothing are better than large bulky jackets. In summer you should also be aware that Italians do not wear skimpy or see-through clothing. Even after being at the beach they will cover up on return to a cafe or hotel. And churches may refuse you entry if you are in shorts or have uncovered shoulders.

Italians dress quite well and it's important to be reasonably dressed while you're travelling here so you don't make a brutta figura (bad impression). This doesn't mean you have to pack your heels and finery, however do note smart dressing for evening dining is important - white sneakers and jeans don't go over well.

You can purchase all kinds of clothing, personal items and toiletries in Sicily; however if you have specific medication or travel needs you should bring them with you. Make sure you also bring enough English literature with you as it can be hard to purchase outside of big cities.

Here's a list of items you can buy but it may be better to take your own:

- underwear, socks

- lightweight towel and swimming gear

- a pair or two lightweight cotton pants

- a pair of shorts or a skirt

- a few t-shirts and shirts

- a warm sweater

- good walking shoes

- good sandals for showers and beaches

- a coat or jacket

- a raincoat, waterproof jacket or umbrella

- first aid and sewing kit

- a padlock

- Swiss army knife - preferably with a corkscrew and bottle opener

- sunglasses

- toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap etc

- a few plastic bags or other bags to store wet/dirty clothes

- own toilet paper (for emergencies)

- tampons and condoms

- tent and sleeping bag if you plan to camp

- optional items: compass, torch/flashlight, calculator for currency conversions, alarm clock, adaptor plug for electrical appliances, clothes pegs, wet ones/handkerchief, sterilising lotions, reading materials, journals, copy of important documents.

Have a great holidays!

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