Trying to put a beach towel down on Costa Rei in the middle of summer can feel a little like planning a military operation. Tourists and school children from mainland Italy, Europe and beyond pack every inch of beach and hotels during this peak time – turning this sleepy Mediterranean island into one of Europe’s hottest (and busiest) summer destinations.
But who can blame them? The winning combination of stunning beaches, delicious food, and reliably sunny weather, guarantees that July & August in Sardinia are extremely popular.
While in general we recommend visiting in the summer shoulder seasons (June & September), there is no bad time to visit this beautiful island. Sardinia is blessed with a wonderful warm Mediterranean climate: exceptionally long summers, little rainfall, and mild winters, so there is plenty of enjoyment to be found all year round.
Season by season guide on when to visit Sardinia
Spring in Sardinia – March, April & May
“A cool start to spring but with plenty of sunshine. The ideal time to get active outdoors”
Beaches & weather
For beach-lovers, early spring (March and April) has plenty of sunshine but may be too chilly for swimming in the sea. However, delay your visit to May as temperatures can often reach an average of 24 degrees Celsius, and for the brave, sea temperatures are a more tolerable 18C. During this time the island is still ‘off-season’ which presents a golden opportunity to enjoy quiet beaches with more privacy, and there are more than 200 beaches to choose from in Sardinia, you are spoilt for choice.
Things to do in spring
Outdoor opportunities are an excellent choice in the milder spring weather, and there are many to enjoy including hiking coastal and mountainous trails, cycling, rock climbing, golf, tennis and more. Spring also has numerous cultural events such as the Lunissanti (‘Holy Monday’) procession, the Sagra degli Agrumi (Citrus Festival) and the Feast of Saint Efisio, a commemoration of the patron saint of Sardinia.
Seasonal foods to try
Springtime seasonal foods not to be missed include wild asparagus, fava beans, nespole (locquat fruit), as well as the Easter speciality of Agnello Pasquale, a feast of lamb spit-roasted over an open fire.
Prices
Flights, hotels and car rental costs are often significantly cheaper during this period compared to summer. This can be a strong persuading factor for an island that has sometimes unfairly earned a reputation for being very expensive.
Summer in Sardinia – June, July & August
“The busy season. Ideal if you like it hot and don’t mind mingling with the crowds. Plan to visit earlier in June to avoid the busiest moment.”
Beaches & weather
Visit in early June to avoid the bulk of the crowds as well as enjoying slightly fresher temperatures. July & August provide reliably hot and sunny weather with the warmest sea temperatures, but beaches can be crowded, especially those that are the most well-known.
Things to do in summer
For most of us, any kind of overly strenuous activity during the mid-summer heat is unlikely to be enjoyable. Our recommended activity during this time involves soaking up the rays, followed by refreshing dips in the sea or swimming pool. The holiday season is in full swing and all bars, restaurants and amenities are well and truly open.
Events to enjoy in summer include Girotonno, an international fish festival dedicated to the famous Carloforte bluefin Tuna in June, S’Ardia in Sedilo and Festa della Madonna del Naufrago in in July, as well as Festa di Santa Maria Del Mare, Festa del Redentore, I candelieri, Festa dell’Assunta, Sa Coia Maurreddina, Time in Jazz, Narcao Blues Festival in August.
Seasonal foods to try
The infamous Sardinian prickly pear as well as peaches, apricots, watermelon, melon and figs are all ripe and ready to be enjoyed.
Prices
This is generally the most expensive time to visit Sardinia with the highest prices for flights and accommodation.
The week of the 15th of August is the Italian holiday of ferragosto – one of the busiest weeks for tourism on the island. If you plan to visit during this period make sure to book accommodation well in advance.
Autum in Sardinia – September, October, November.
“September is one the best times to visit the island. The crowds have passed, the weather is still warm and sea temperatures are the among the highest.”
Beaches & weather
September is one of the best times to visit the island. Average maximum temperatures can reach a comfortable 28 degrees as well as the sea temperature remaining as high as summer, due to being blasted with sun over the past 3 months. Most of the tourists have now left and the beaches will likely be as quiet as they ever can be. Later into October and November the temperatures can become too cold and more chance of occasional rains, sometimes heavy. Less beach sellers.
Things to do in Autumn
Autunno in Barbagia in Autumn
September: Festa di San Salvatore
October: Sagra delle castagne
November: Sagra del vino novello
Seasonal foods to try
Mushroom and truffle, cacci, pomegranate, chesnuts, Zucca, apples, pears, swiss chard ravioli, early autumn grapes.
Prices
Winter in Sardinia – December, January, February.
Beaches & weather
Things to do in Winter
TOP events Sartiglia, Carnevale, Festa del Redentore
January: Sant’Antonio Abate
February: Carnevale, Sa Sartiglia
Seasonal foods to try
Walnuts & almonds, citrus fruits, fennel,
Prices
Sardinia on a budget.
Future weather: A note on about climate change in Sardinia (add info graphic)
Driving in the southeast of Sardinia during the European record breaking heatwave of 2023, the car thermostat recordered a staggering external temperature of 47.5 C inside the car. This year was the hottest every recorded I
2022 saw a record breaking heatwave across Europe with the epicenter focused in the med. Sardinia (and Siclily) were particularly badly affected and recorded a record high temperature of 48 degrees in Barbagia. Whether this will be an ongoing Climate change trend is yet to be seen, but many think that likely. The evidence suggests that there have been rising temperatures, changes in precipottion including flood and drought, rising sea levels as well as impacts on agriculture diversity and challenges for farmers and plant and animal specie. (need citation) Many farmers complain.
How this will affect tourism but is another argument for avoiding the hottest part of the year.
Due to climate change the seasons may be extending later.
Data from Climate Change Sardinia – meteoblue shows that over the last 40-50 years there has been a steady increase in tempretures on average (with more extreme heat temps in the last 10 years) as well as increased rainfall – there have been more extreme wet flood and drought conditions in the last years too. One example is the infamous flooding in 2018.
12 month guide to weather in Sardinia (add info graphic)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Average Max Temperature (c) | 14.6 | 14.9 | 17.5 | 20.1 | 24.3 | 28.8 | 31.7 | 32 | 28 | 24.4 | 19.1 | 15.5 |
| Average Rainfall (mm) | 41 | 33 | 27 | 43 | 19 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 31 | 69 | 47 |
| Average Sea Temperature | 14 | 13.5 | 14 | 15.3 | 18.2 | 22.1 | 23.8 | 23.6 | 23.6 | 21.2 | 19 | 15.9 |
| Source:metoffice |
