The main feature of Catania's subtropical Mediterranean climate is warm and pleasant weather almost all year round. Summers are long and sunny, and winters are short and mild. There are cold spells, but very rarely. And they do not last very long. The maximum temperature in Catania reaches in August (at night the thermometer does not usually fall below +25 ° C, and rises to +40 ° C during the day). The coldest month is February. But compared to our winters in Catania February can be called even hot: the average temperature during the day is +15 ° C, and at night it is +9-10 ° C. So even in winter the weather in Sicily will seem quite pleasant.
Due to the favorable Mediterranean climate the nature in Catania is pleasing to the eye with a riot of colors and lush greenery. There is something in bloom all year round. The forests and meadows come alive with the start of the rainy season (in November). And in December, oranges and mandarins ripen in the citrus orchards.
You can appreciate the vegetation of Catania during a fascinating ascent to the volcano Etna. Remember how in geography classes at school the teacher talked about the peculiarities of flora in different climatic zones. So, Etna is a perfect illustration to this lesson, where plants are divided into geographical zones.
At the foot of the volcano in a subtropical climate there are rich orange and tangerine orchards, as well as lush palm trees. A little higher up, you'll find yourself in the midst of vineyards and orchards. Even higher up you find yourself in a realm of pines, chestnuts, and beeches. Then the vegetation gets poorer and darker. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, only astragalus, submarenicum and juniper grow. But in the spring, you can see unusually beautiful violets, which surprisingly break through the stones.
What will the fauna of Catania surprise you? You won't see anything unusual in the city itself. Cats and dogs live in the courtyards. But if you go to the countryside, you can encounter Catania's more interesting animals: wild cats, foxes, martens, hares and porcupines.
The real attraction of Catania's animal life is the Sicilian greyhound, or Chirneko Del Etna. The Italians do not want to "share" this amazing ancient breed with the world. Export of dogs outside the country is forbidden, so it is almost impossible to see them in Russia and Ukraine.
