Travel time
The best time of the year to travel to Sardinia depends primarily on what you want to do during your trip on the island.
The climate on the island also plays a role in planning your holiday.
The season lasts roughly from mid-May to mid-September. The rest of the year, campsites and many hotels are closed. Most holiday flats and houses can also only be booked seasonally.
In May the whole island is in bloom
The best time for exploring the island in a relaxed atmosphere is from April to the end of May. All of Sardinia is then covered in a sea of blossoms and there are very few tourists on the road. The sea, however, is still quite cold at 15-18 °C. On the other hand, the rains are already decreasing and the first hot days appear.
Accommodation can now be found at bargain prices. However, many restaurants and supermarkets in the holiday resorts are still closed.
From mid-June, the island slowly fills up with holidaymakers, but still it remains relatively quiet for the time being.
The water temperature rises to over 20 °C and the air sometimes reaches 30 °C. It rarely rains anymore.
The high season lasts from the beginning of July to the end of August. During these months, many Italians arrive from the mainland. Sardinia is their most popular holiday destination.
Now it gets really crowded, especially in the resorts by the sea. Prices for all kinds of accommodation increase strongly. Flights and ferries are also much more expensive.
On the other hand, the sea is wonderfully warm and there is no rain except for occasional thunderstorms. The air temperature can sometimes exceed 40 °C.
This period is only suitable to a limited extent for getting to know the island, it is simply too hot for that. The wonderful flower carpets of spring have already turned into brown, parched areas. Interesting sights such as caves or the famous bays on the Gulf of Orosei are quite crowded.
From September onwards, the rush subsides
At the beginning of September, the crowds abruptly decrease. You may find yourself almost alone on the beach as early as the second week of September. The water is still warm, but the evenings become noticeably cooler. Longer excursions are now less strenuous.
Prices for accommodation and in restaurants are falling again.
In October, you can still swim in the sea. However, the air is already quite cool in parts and the precipitation starts again.
The Sardinian winter is characterised by sometimes heavy rainfall. Storms can also rage across the island and heavy snowfall is possible in the mountains. It is often warmer in the south of Sardinia than in the north.
May is therefore recommended for holidaymakers who want to get to know Sardinia in peace and quiet without necessarily swimming in the cool sea water. If you want a beach holiday, it is best to go in September.