The Valley of the Temples is open every day of the year, but no two days are alike. On a shadeless ridge facing the Strait of Sicily, the difference between a memorable visit and an exhausting one comes down to the month and the hour you arrive. Here is what to expect, season by season.
Spring: the best time of all
From mid-March to the end of May the Valley is at its finest. Temperatures sit between 18 and 26 degrees, the hillside is green, almond trees and broom flower among the ruins, and the light stays soft all day. It is also when the Kolymbethra Garden, the citrus oasis at the heart of the park, is most lush. The only drawback is school trips, concentrated in the morning from March through May.
Summer: early morning or evening only
Between June and August temperatures regularly pass 35 degrees and there is no shelter on the hill. If you visit in summer you have two sensible options: go in at opening time, 9am, and be out by midday, or take advantage of the July and August evening openings. The illuminated temples after sunset are the finest spectacle the Valley has to offer, and the temperature finally becomes pleasant.
Autumn: the strong second choice
September and October are almost as good as spring: the heat eases, the late-afternoon light turns golden and visitor numbers drop from their summer peak. From October the hillside is less green, but the quality of the light more than makes up for it. It is the ideal window if you want to photograph the temples without crowds.
Winter: few visitors, short days
From November to February the Valley is nearly empty and the experience becomes almost private. Temperatures stay mild, often between 12 and 17 degrees, but the days are short: winter hours close at 5pm with last admission at 4pm, so you need an early start. Allow for the odd rainy or windy day, and bring shoes with decent grip — the unpaved paths get slippery.
The right hour of the day
- • Opening (9am): few people, low light from the east on the Temple of Juno
- • Mid-morning: the busiest slot, especially with organised groups
- • The last two hours before closing: the best light, and the coaches have left
- • Evening opening (July and August): illuminated temples and comfortable temperatures
The free-entry days
Entry to the park is free on the first Sunday of every month, along with a handful of special dates set by the Italian Ministry of Culture. They are wonderful for your wallet and terrible for peace and quiet: the Valley fills up mostly with local visitors. If you want silence, pick another day; if you want atmosphere, it is an opportunity.
