Best time to visit Sardinia

May and September show off Sardinia at its very best. The summer crowds are mostly absent and the conditions are perfect for hiking, cycling and diving.
Sardinia is warm enough for the beach from May to October, but soaring temperatures in July and August mean this isn't the best time to visit Sardinia if you’re going to take on the island’s hiking or biking trails. If you visit in the winter or the spring, the sun may not be shining but you’ll be treated to off peak pleasures such as landscapes full of wildflowers and dynamic local festivals.

When to visit Sardinia & when not to

January and February are the coldest months. Snow falls on the mountains but daytime highs are still a mild 13°C or 14°C, with around five hours of sunshine a day. The water is chilly, though, so swimming may be better left until later. Sardinia is certainly worth visiting during March and April, when temperatures reach a balmy 16°C and the flowers start to bloom. Easter is a major event with religious ceremonies and processions taking place across the island. Early spring is also great in the Sinis Peninsula as wildflowers bloom and flocks of migrating birds head to the lagoons. May is ideal for hiking and cycling as the weather is warming up, but not yet at peak intensity. Visibility is excellent for diving, though the water is a little cold. By June, July and August it’s getting seriously hot, so it’s not ideal for long hikes or cycles. What’s more in the August summer holidays, school’s out and the tourist hoards descend to the beaches. September and October are a brilliant time to go to Sardinia. It’s more serene, the sea is at its warmest and temperatures are hot enough for the beach but also good for walking and cycling. Divers will be rewarded by good visibility and warm water. By November and December, resort areas are looking a little dejected, and many places close for the winter. Though grey and wet, Christmas brings some colour. Towns are lit up with twinkly lights and village artisans open up their houses to sell homemade goods.

Sardinia Weather Chart

 
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
7
14
76
FEB
7
14
65
MAR
8
16
52
APR
10
18
49
MAY
13
22
30
JUN
17
26
14
JUL
19
29
4
AUG
20
29
9
SEP
18
27
39
OCT
15
23
77
NOV
11
18
94
DEC
8
15
90

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Sardinia travel advice

What makes Sardinia unique?

Monica Princic from our supplier Exodus shares her tips and advice on visiting Sardinia below

“Sardinia a unique place to visit and is a world apart from mainland Italy because of the different colours of the sea, the different shapes of the beaches (made from white sand, rocks and quartz, among other things), the prehistoric remains and the possibility to trek from the mountains to the sea. Walking holidays are particularly special because they take you along the coast and up into the mountains, through fresh and naturally scented air and past protected plants.”

Foodie tips

“Sardinian food is a real highlight. My favourites include malloreddus alla campidanese, a classic Sardinian pasta recipe made with a sausage, tomato and saffron sauce; panadas, a fried dough filled with fish, meat or cheese; traditional roasted lamb, and any kind of fresh seafood.”
Written by Nana Luckham
Photo credits: [Page banner: Cristiano Cani] [Temp pic: toastbrot81] [What makes sardinia unique: Christoph Sammer] [Foodie tips: Ewan Munro]