Destination
When should you visit Sardinia?
Sardinia has some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, with white coves, wild mountains and a strong local culture. Summer is hot and dry, and August is packed with Italian holidaymakers. Many resorts close from November to March. June and September give you the best of the sea with fewer people. The figures below are for Cagliari in the south. Here is how every month compares.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
June & September
Clear, warm sea and dry days, without the August crowds and prices.
Best for festivals
May
Sant'Efisio in Cagliari on May 1.
Best for Carnival
February
The Sa Sartiglia horse race in Oristano.
Best for hiking
April & October
Mild weather for the coast trails.
Best value
May & October
Good weather between the seasons.
June scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- August crowds
- Peak Italian holidays. Book ferries, cars and rooms months ahead.
- Winter closures
- Most resorts close. Cagliari stays open year round.
- Beach bookings
- Some famous beaches cap daily visitors. Book online.
August
November–March
Summer
Sardinia travel tip
Choose one or two areas instead of trying to see the whole island. The east coast around Cala Gonone has the famous coves, best reached by boat. The north has the Maddalena islands and Costa Smeralda. In summer, popular beaches like La Pelosa need an online booking.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 5–15°C
- Mild, around 15°C.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €€
- Low rates.
Base yourself in Cagliari, which stays open year round.
- Walking
- Food
- Temperature
- 5–15°C
- Mild, around 15°C.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet, apart from Carnival.
- Prices
- €€
- Low rates.
Get to Oristano early for a spot along the route.
- Carnival
- Food
- Temperature
- 7–18°C
- Mild, around 18°C.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €€
- Low rates.
Hike the Selvaggio Blu area with a local guide.
- Hiking
- Road trips
- Temperature
- 10–20°C
- Mild, around 20°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate around Easter.
- Prices
- €€€
- Moderate rates.
Ferries to Sardinia get busy around Easter. Book ahead.
- Hiking
- Road trips
- Temperature
- 13–24°C
- Warm and dry, around 24°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€€
- Moderate rates.
Arrive in Cagliari the day before May 1.
- Beaches
- Festivals
- Temperature
- 17–29°C
- Hot and dry, around 29°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Busy at weekends.
- Prices
- €€€€
- High-season rates.
Book La Pelosa online in summer. Daily numbers are capped.
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Temperature
- 20–32°C
- Hot, around 32°C, almost no rain.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy.
- Prices
- €€€€€
- Peak rates.
Rent a boat to reach coves the crowds can't.
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Temperature
- 20–32°C
- Hot, around 32°C.
- Crowds
- High
- Peak crowds around August 15.
- Prices
- €€€€€
- The highest rates of the year.
Book ferries and cars months ahead for August.
- Swimming
- Nightlife
- Temperature
- 18–28°C
- Warm, around 28°C.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Calmer after the first week.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Prices drop mid-month.
The east coast coves near Cala Gonone are calmer now.
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Temperature
- 14–24°C
- Mild, around 24°C.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €€€
- Good value.
Check that boat trips still run.
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 10–19°C
- Mild, around 19°C, wetter.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €€
- Low rates.
Look for 'Autunno in Barbagia' village open days.
- Food
- Walking
- Temperature
- 7–16°C
- Mild, around 16°C, with rain.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €€
- Low rates.
Fly into Cagliari, which keeps the most winter routes.
- Food
- Walking
Climate
Sardinia weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 37 mm | 7 |
| February | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 34 mm | 6 |
| March | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | 32 mm | 6 |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 10°C / 50°F | 46 mm | 6 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F | 26 mm | 4 |
| June | 29°C / 84°F | 17°C / 63°F | 13 mm | 2 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 20°C / 68°F | 3 mm | 1 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 21°C / 70°F | 11 mm | 1 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 39 mm | 4 |
| October | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 44 mm | 5 |
| November | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 74 mm | 8 |
| December | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 8 |
Climate data: NOAA WMO normals (Cagliari Elmas Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Ready to book June & September in Sardinia?
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Sardinia
What is the best month to visit Sardinia?
June and September, with warm, clear sea and far fewer people than August.
Is Sardinia warm in October?
Yes, early October is still warm, with highs around 24°C and the sea warm enough to swim.