Weather in Sardinia

About Sardinia

Sardinia is Mediterranean jewel—pristine beaches with turquoise water, cork forests, and granite cliffs. The Costa Smeralda glitters with wealth; the interior preserves ancient ways. This is island perfection on an Italian island largely bypassed by crowds.

Country

Italy

Best months to visit

May, June, July, August, September, October

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian (Sardinian dialect)

Things to do in Sardinia

Beach at Cala Goloritze or Porto Katsiki for turquoise water Explore nuraghe ruins (Bronze Age megalithic monuments) Hike the granite cliffs of the northeast Visit colorful towns like Alghero (Catalan influence) Dive or snorkel (clear Mediterranean water) Taste malloreddus pasta and bottarga (fish roe)

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

May

24C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

29C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

October

24C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

December

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Sardinia's coastline is a string of turquoise coves that rival the Caribbean, but inland the island holds a much wilder, older world — Bronze Age stone towers called nuraghi, mountain villages with their own dialects, and shepherds' trails through cork forests. It's Italy's second-largest island and one where the beaches, however spectacular, are only part of the story.

Best areas to stay in Sardinia

Costa Smeralda

The glamorous northeastern coast, known for upscale resorts, yacht harbours and turquoise coves around Porto Cervo.

Cagliari

Sardinia's capital, with a hilltop historic quarter, archaeological museum and city beaches nearby.

Alghero

A northwestern town with Catalan influences, a walled old centre and access to dramatic limestone coastline.

Barbagia (interior)

Mountainous central Sardinia, home to traditional villages, nuraghi sites and the island's pastoral culture.

Getting to Sardinia

✈

Flights

Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero airports all have direct flights from across Europe, particularly in summer.

⏱

From London

~2.5-3 hours by air from London.

🚕

Getting around

A hire car is strongly recommended to reach the island's beaches, archaeological sites and interior villages.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Sardinia?

May, June and September offer warm weather for beaches with fewer crowds than July and August, which are extremely busy, especially around the Costa Smeralda.

What are nuraghi?

Ancient stone tower structures unique to Sardinia, dating back to the Bronze Age — thousands survive across the island, with Su Nuraxi near Barumini being a UNESCO World Heritage example.

Is Sardinia expensive?

The Costa Smeralda area is among Italy's priciest destinations, but much of the rest of the island, particularly inland and the south, is considerably more affordable.

Do I need a car to explore Sardinia?

Yes, strongly recommended — many of the best beaches, archaeological sites and mountain villages are not well served by public transport.

What food is Sardinia known for?

Pecorino sardo cheese, culurgiones (stuffed pasta), porceddu (roast suckling pig), and seadas, a fried pastry with cheese and honey.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The water along the Costa Smeralda really is as turquoise as the photos suggest. We balanced beach days with a trip inland to see a nuraghe, which added real depth to the trip.

Laura D. · June 2024

★★★★★

Alghero made a great, more affordable base than the northeast coast, with easy access to beautiful coves and a charming old town of its own.

Antonio R. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Hired a car and explored the Barbagia mountains as well as the coast — a totally different side of Sardinia from the resort areas, and well worth the detour.

Beth M. · May 2024