The best times to visit Sardinia for beaches, city exploring and fabulous festivals

18.03.2024 - 23:43 / lonelyplanet.com

Blessed with a balmy Mediterranean climate, white sands and sparkling waters, Sardinia is one of southern Europe’s most alluring beach destinations.

Yet while seaside fun in the sun is the prime motivator for summer visitors, the island’s spectacular hiking trails, impressive archaeological sites and colorful cultural traditions make Sardinia a year-round destination. 

Rainfall in this island province of Italy is scarce for most of the year. Summer visitors can expect near-perfect beach weather, while those who come in the off season will benefit from lower prices and opportunities to soak up the traditional local atmosphere at some of Europe’s most distinctive festivals.

Read on for our recommendations for the best times to visit Sardinia.

From June through September, Sardinia enjoys blissfully warm and sunny weather, with agreeable 25–35°C (77–95°F) days, balmy evening breezes and inviting water temperatures that range from 20° to 26°C (68° to 79°F). Beaches, boat tours and water-sports operators are all in full swing during these summer months. Prepare to slather on the sunscreen – especially along the coast, where reflections off white sands and limestone cliffs serve to amplify the sun’s intensity and the risk of sunburn.

Tourists descend on the island en masse in July and August, resulting in skyrocketing prices, crowded beaches and coastal traffic snarls. In particular, we’d recommend avoiding the peak period around Ferragosto (August 15), when exorbitant prices are the norm for everything from flights to accommodation.

To experience the island’s beautiful coastline and ideal weather without peak summer crowds, visit in June or September, when the skies remain dependably clear, the water remains warm, and you’ll have considerably less competition for your own special place in the sun.

Moderate temperatures and spring wildflowers make mid-April through early June a dreamy season to explore Sardinia’s spectacular walking trails in places like the Supramonte in the east, the Golfo di Orosei and the Iglesiente Coast in the southwest. September into early October is another ideal time for hiking, with warmer weather persisting even as the summer crowds abate. Surfers will enjoy the best conditions between March and May and from September to November, while wind-sports enthusiasts can time their visits to catch the island’s two prevailing winds – the cooler, northwesterly Maestrale (Mistral) and the warm, southeasterly Scirocco – with October being one of the most popular months.

Off-season visitors will find discounts on everything from flights to ferry travel to hotel accommodations, with prices sometimes slashed as much as 50% off peak summer rates.

Sardinia is steeped in traditions both Christian and