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Climatological characteristics of water masses and circulation in the south–central Mediterranean Sea (Straits of Sicily and surrounding areas) have been estimated and compared with previous knowledge by using a model-based approach. The climatological fields have been calculated in the form of monthly and seasonal averages from the output of a numerical model run over a period of five years (4th January 2000 – 27th December 2004). The numerical model is a 3D primitive equation, mesoscale resolving regional ocean model based on POM (Princeton Ocean Model). The support of literature and satellite data proved to be fundamental to correctly interpret model results and vice-versa. Results show distribution of the main water masses comparable to the literature and confirm the hypothesis of a counter phase behaviour for the two main branches of the Algerian Current entering in the Straits of Sicily, the ATC (Atlantic Tunisian Current) stronger in winter and the AIS (Atlantic Ionian Stream) stronger during summer. The model results offer a detailed description in time and space of the hydrological characteristics of this very dynamic part of the Mediterranean and offer a basis for linkages to ecological and biological implications.