Best Time to Visit Sardinia
When you’re planning your trip to Sardinia, you want to know what is the best time to visit the island. Honestly, it depends on the activities you plan to do on the island.
Best time to visit Sardinia is between April – June, and September – October. During these months, the maximum temperature on average is 77F (25C), and rainfall is low. Ideal to combine physical activities like hiking, with relaxing on the beach. When you’re visiting Sardinia for winter sports, the best time to visit will be between November – February.
Sardinia is an ideal island to visit year-round, every month has its charms. Whether you go for a beach holiday, surfing, hiking, sightseeing, winter sports or a combination of these, it is all possible. Let’s find out what the best time is to visit the island, and what else you don’t want to miss is Sardinia.
Best Time to Visit Month to Month Guide
Sardinia has a sub-Mediterranean climate. The island is known for its long summers, ‘6 months summers in Sardinia’. Weather is favorable to visit the island and enjoy pleasant temperatures and lots of sun between May and October. Even the sea temperatures are great for swimming in these months.
However, because of the mountain ranges on the island, the climate can change heavily in different areas on the island.
This table shows the average temperature throughout the year in Sardinia. In the mountains, it can be a lot colder though, because of the height
January – February
These are the coldest and wettest months of the year in Sardinia. Temperatures are still mild on average, with daily highs around 55.3F (13 degrees celsius). In the mountains, there’s a lot of snowfall, and temperatures will be lower, on average 37.4F (3 degrees celsius). Conditions are not favorable for a beach holiday or to go hiking. However, these months are perfect for skiing in Sardinia!
New Years Evening is celebrated widely over the island. With lots of traditional live music and performances in towns and cities. In February carnival is celebrated all over the island. It is a unique traditional event to attend.
March – April
During March the weather is getting better and better. Lots of rainy days though. On average it will rain ten days during this month. Temperatures on average are around 16 degrees celsius, which is excellent for hiking and sightseeing.
April is even a bit better, with less rain and more sunny days. Temperatures are slightly warmer, around 18 degrees celsius. And when you don’t mind a cold sea, it is possible to go swimming, still a bit cold though!
Both March and April are favorable months to visit Sardinia for nature lovers. Flowers flourish during these periods, and especially the wildflower fields in the national park are beautiful to see.
Easter celebrations are very popular during these months. Almost every week there’s another festival in some part of the island. In Alghero, on the northwest coast of Sardinia, you’ll find the most traditional celebrations.
May
This is the best month for hikers. Weather is getting warmer during May, but it is still favorable to explore the islands and follow some of its fantastic hiking trails. Especially in the mountains, it can be still a bit cold, around 16 degrees celsius on average. Which is way better than the following months, where it is to warm for long hikes without any shadow.
The daily average on sea level is around 23 degrees celsius, which is still perfect for exploring the island, but also great to relax on the beaches.
The sea temperature is getting better, so most of the times it is nice to go for a swim.
When you into car racing you might want to visit Sardinia during May. The Sardinian Rally is yearly held in May. This race is like the Formula 1 for rally cars, and part of the FIA world championship tour.
June, July, and August
It is often said that Sardinia has six months of summer, but the best months weather-wise are June, July, and August. There’s almost no rainfall. In these three months on average Sardinia has five days of rain, with only 2.4 inches spread over these days. So practically nothing.
Sunny days almost every day, with temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees on average. These months are perfect for exploring the island’s beaches, and crystal clear sea.
There are some festivals during these months, which are worth visiting. The 15th of August is an Italian national holiday. They celebrate the assumption of the Virgin Mary. Festivities will take place all over the island on this day.
For music lovers, Time in Jazz festival (https://timeinjazz.it/associazione/ )and Narcao Blues Festival (http://www.narcaoblues.it) might be interesting. Yearly they have an international line up with great artists.
July and August are both peak season tourist wise. So it will be much busier during these two months than in the shoulder seasons. But the island is big enough not to be disturbed by many other travelers.
Prices for accommodation are rising during these months, most of the time you’ll get cheaper deals when you’re able to book early.
September & October
The last months of the Sardinian summer! These months are perfect for a visit to Sardinia when you want to enjoy all the beauty of the island, but don’t want to visit during the busy tourist season. September is still perfect weather-wise. October is also great, but getting to the end of October you’ll notice winter is coming closer. Temperatures drop a bit, and there are a few more rainy days.
However, on average the temperature in September is still 27.4 degrees celsius and in October 23.1 degrees celsius. So nothing to complain!
These months are maybe the best months to visit Sardinia. Because of the favorable temperatures, it is perfect for a beach holiday, but also physical activities like hiking.
When you’re planning to use the ferry to reach the island, make sure to know the schedules. At the end of October, schedules will change, and ferries leaving less often in between Sardinia and the mainland of Italy.
November & December
Temperatures drop, and rain comes in. But still, temperatures are favorable during these months when you’re staying at sea level. In November between 9 and 18 degrees celsius and December between 5 and 15 degrees celsius.
On average these months have the most rainfall in Sardinia. Both months have around 8 rainy days, with 2.3 inches of rain spread over these days.
These months aren’t the best months for a beach holiday, but financially they’re the cheapest. So if you’re on a tight budget, you probably find the best hotel deals during these months. And the beaches are quiet, and you might even have some beaches for yourself! I wouldn’t recommend swimming though the sea gets cold in these months, and currents can be powerful.
Best Activities in Sardinia
Sardinia is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea. But there are many more activities to do on the island than just a relaxing beach holiday.
Skiing in Sardinia
Best time to go Skiing in Sardinia: November & December
Wintersport lovers have to pay attention now. On average starting half, November snow will fall in the mountains, creating favorable conditions to go skiing. We’re not talking about waterskiing here, which is also fun to do! You can go skiing or snowboarding in Sardinia.
There are 4 ski pistes in Sardinia. It might not be as spectacular as in the North of Italy. But You are skiing on an island where it is mostly summer, is quite extraordinary. And it is way cheaper to buy a ski pass then when you would visit the popular winter sports destinations somewhere else in Europe. Tickets for a day are around € 15,–
The four pistes in Sardinia are;
- Bruncu Spina
Altitude: 1820 – 1570m
3 slopes, with several difficulty levels. Total of 3.3 kilometers - Monte Spada
Altitude: 1320 – 1140 meter
1 slope, easy (green piste), 400 meters. - S’Arena
Altitude: 1385 – 1360meter
1 slope, easy (green piste), 100 meters - Separadorgiu
Altitude: 1550 – 1460 meters
1 slope, easy (green piste), 400 meters
Did you know it also possible to go Skiing in Sicily? We wrote this article about the fun things to do in Sicily!
Hiking in Sardinia
Best time to go Hiking in Sardinia: May, June, September, October
Sardinia is a great place to explore while hiking. The beautiful renowned coastline and amazing mountains are perfect for hiking lovers of every age and fitness level.
The best time to go hiking in Sardinia is in May, June, September, and October. During these months it is not to warm, around 20 degrees celsius in the mountains, which is perfect for long hikes. During July and August it gets much hotter, so might you want to enjoy the beaches then walking around in the summer heat.
Some fantastic places to visit during a hike in Sardinia are
Su Gorroppu Gorge
One of the deepest Gorges in Europe, certainly the most spectacular one. Located in the middle of the island, between Barbagia and Ogliastra. There are many viewpoints from where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. But even better is walking through the gorge.
The most spectacular hike is the Sedda ar Bacca’s trail, which is 12 kilometers long and takes up to around three hours. There are also shorter hikes which you can take, but you’ll have the best experience while walking the Sedda ar Bacca’s trail.
Gorropu Excursions are specialized in several hiking trails through the gorge. They are perfect for helping you plan the best tours.
Monte Tului
It is the highest mountain on the east coast of Sardinia. There are many different hiking trails you can follow on this mountain. There’s something to find for every skill level.
Hiking Monte Tului will offer you beautiful views over the Sardinian landscapes and its renowned coastline.
Nuraghic villages
You’ll find this type of ancient villages all over Sardinia. There are over 7000 historical sites with remains of these villages. The Nuraghic were people that lived in Sardinia 2500 years BC.
Their houses were sophisticated, and it’s interesting to see the remains and learn how they lived. In Tiscali, you’ll find probably the best historical site.
Visiting the Nuraghic villages is excellent to combine with beautiful hikes. Most of the sites are found in the mountains of Sardinia, so a perfect combination!
Su Cologone Springs
These springs are a natural wonder. Small lakes, covered by high natural walls, in the middle of the forests. During April and May, wildflowers will bloom in these areas. Wonderful to walk around. In some parts, you can even enter the water, which is impressive in color. Depending on the reflection of the sun, the color will vary from turquoise to intense blue.
Diving in Sardinia
Best time to go Diving in Sardinia: between April – October
Sardinia is great for beach holidays, and its crystal blue water is also perfect for snorkeling. But when you love to explore the underwater world a bit deeper, Sardinia is a perfect place to go. There are many dive spots located around the island. Offering beautiful dives with; amazing coral, sea life, and also amazing historical wrecks.
The island is a very popular place for divers, who are visiting the dive sites from all over the world. Nautilus Diving Center is rated a 5-star PADI diving center. It is one of the best diving centers in the world. Around the island of Sardinia are over 37 dive spots to discover, all with different experience levels.
Also, when you don’t have any experience diving, Sardinia is a perfect place for learning. Make sure to inform about the possibilities at Nautilus Diving Center. https://www.divesardegna.com
Surfing in Sardinia
Best time to go Surfing in Sardinia: between October – May
When you look at pictures of the beaches in Sardinia, you don’t expect that surfing a favorite thing to do on the island. But don’t let these pictures fool you. Many beaches have excellent surf. Surfing in Sardinia is very popular.
However, the best time for surfing is during the winter months and spring. So it might be colder during this time, you’ll find the best surfing conditions.
During these months waves are long and reach a height of 4meters!
Surf spots are found all over the island, but some places are better for more experienced surfers.
A few of the most famous surf spots in Sardinia are;
Alghero
- Porto Ferro
- La Speranza
- Argentiera
Porto Torres
- Lu Bagnu
- Marina Di Sorso
- Platamona
- Isola Rossa
- Spiaggia di Marinedda
- San Pietro a Mare
- Coghinas
- Valledoria
- La Ciaccia
Between San Teodore – Arbatax (East Coast)
- Porto Pollo
- San Teodoro La cinta
- Berchidda
- La Caletta
- Cala liberotto
- Cala Osalla
- Golfo di Orosei
- Arbatax
How to get to Sardinia
Sardinia is easy to reach. The island has several airports, and there are many different ferry connections. Connecting the mainland of Italy and Spain with Sardinia.
Flying to Sardinia
Sardinia has three airports. Cagliari airport is an international airport, offering flights all over Europe. Alghero Airport is the other international airport in Sardinia, where also many different flights from Europe arrive daily.
Ferry to Sardinia
A popular way to reach Sardinia is traveling by ferry to the island. Many different ferry routes are connecting the island with the Italian mainland. You can even take a ferry from or to Barcelona (Spain), and from several destinations in France.
The most popular ferry routes are;
Italian Ferries:
- Genoa – Sardinia (sailing time: between 10 – 12 hours)
- Livorno – Sardinia (sailing time: between 6 – 8 hours)
- Naples – Sardinia (sailing time: 14 hours)
- Rome – Sardinia (sailing time: between 7 – 10 hours)
- Sicily – Sardinia (sailing time: 12 hours)
Spain to Sardinia
- Barcelona – Sardinia (sailing time 12 hours)
France to Sardinia Ferries:
- Marseille – Sardinia (sailing time: 17 hours)
- Nice – Sardinia (sailing time: 14 hours)
- Toulon – Sardinia (sailing time: 8 hours)
Prices for ferry tickets are variable. Depending on which ferry, if you bring a car and which date you take the ferry. During the peak season, the prices are higher. Also during this season, in July and August, ferries are busy. They can be fully booked. So it is recommended to book a ticket in advance.
How to get around Sardinia
It is easy to get around the island. Sardinia is well connected with public transport. And also the island has some great roads, so it is easy to drive around yourself. I would recommend traveling by car when you’re visiting Sardinia. You have much more freedom in which places you’ll visit, and can stop everywhere you like.
Fun fact
Did you know Sardinia is the only place in Italy that doesn’t have a highway? No wonder that people are getting much older than average on Sardinia. Almost no Stress! I wrote this article about the famous things in Sardinia.
When you are using public transport to get around Sardinia, you can visit most of the island. All the places are well connected by train or bus. Schedules can vary per month, depending on the tourist season. Tickets for the train you’ll need to buy at the train station, but are quite cheap. Depending on the route you’ll take, but always less then € 10,-.
Bus tickets are available at many shops, but also on the bus at the driver. There are buses within the cities for short rides, but also many buses connecting long distances on the island. The leading company in Sardinia is ARST, where you can find more information about the bus routes.
When you’re planning a trip to Sardinia and looking for some recommendations about how to plan your trip, make sure to check out our recommendations page.
