Planning Your Trip
Trying to put a beach towel down in Villasimius 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 Sardinian food, and reliably sunny weather, guarantees that July & August is 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.
Spring in Sardinia – March, April & May
A cool start to spring but with plenty of sunshine. The ideal time to get active outdoors
Beaches and 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 and 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.
In summer, Sardinia hosts a variety of lively events. In June, enjoy Girotonno, an international fish festival celebrating Carloforte bluefin tuna. July features S’Ardia in Sedilo and Festa della Madonna del Naufrago. August is packed with festivals, including Festa di Santa Maria Del Mare, Festa del Redentore, I Candelieri, Festa dell’Assunta, Sa Coia Maurreddina, Time in Jazz, and the Narcao Blues Festival.
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.
Autumn 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 and 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 sun-blasted over the summer. 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.
Things to do in Autumn
Autunno in Barbagia is celebrated with the Festa di San Salvatore in September, Sagra delle Castagne in October, and Sagra del Vino Novello in November.
Seasonal Foods to Try
Mushroom and truffle, cacci, pomegranate, chesnuts, zucca, apples, pears, swiss chard ravioli, early autumn grapes.
Prices
Generally more affordable for both hotels and flights.
Winter in Sardinia – December, January, February.
Cooler weather but the sun still shines brightly and the beaches are virtually deserted.
Beaches and Weather
In winter, Sardinia’s beaches offer a serene retreat with mild, sunny days and temperatures ranging from 10-19°C. While not ideal for swimming, the uncrowded shores are perfect for walks and enjoying the scenery, making it a relaxed and peaceful off-season destination.
Things to do in Winter
Top events in Sardinia include Sartiglia, Carnevale, and Festa del Redentore. In January, there’s the celebration of Sant’Antonio Abate, followed by Carnevale and Sa Sartiglia in February.
Seasonal Foods to Try
Walnuts & almonds, citrus fruits, fennel.
Prices
Some of the cheapest prices of the year, except for around Christmas time – mainly as many Sardinians living and working abroad come back to celebrate with family.
Future Weather: A Note on Climate Change
Driving in southeastern Sardinia during the European heatwave of 2023, the car thermostat recorded a staggering 47.5°C. This year was the hottest ever recorded, following 2022’s record-breaking heatwave in Europe, with temperatures reaching 48°C in Barbagia.
Climate change is likely contributing to these extreme conditions, with rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and impacts on agriculture and biodiversity. While the long-term effects on tourism remain uncertain, it’s advisable to avoid the hottest periods.
Data from Climate Change Sardinia and meteoblue show a steady increase in temperatures over the past 40-50 years, with more extreme heat and rainfall in recent years, exemplified by the severe flooding in 2018.
Yearly Weather Summary in Sardinia
| 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, 2023 |
