Best time to visit Sardinia Costa Rei

May to October is the best time to visit Sardinia and Costa Rei and June to September is the sweet spot between pleasant weather and few tourists.

I can safely tell you that choosing the right moment to visit Sardinia can upset your experience a lot. Breathtaking beaches, crystal clear sea and rich culture await Sardinia, but it should be discovered in the best possible ways.

Given that I’m all about a quieter, more authentic experience (because it always is), I strongly recommend you check out the transitional months.

Ideal weather is from May through to June and September and early October with pleasant temperatures and the seas already warm enough swimming. During these times, there are less crowded beaches and cheaper prices to enjoy, as well as a chance to participate in a lot of local activities and events that you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.

The magic of Costa Rei: paradise all year round.

Costa Rei, one of the crown jewels along Sardinia’s east coast, is particularly worthy of mention. One of the most beautiful beach on the island is offer by one of this charming seaside resort with 8 km of golden sand and crystal clear water as long as it can be seen.

In June or September, personally, I find that Costa Rei is charming. This time of year you can have the sun and the sea without the usual luxury of peak season madness. Its shallow sandy beach is perfect for families with children, but also perfect for water sports fanatics like windsurfers and kitesurfer.

Don’t forget to take a look around the Costa Rei area. One of the hidden gems close to the beaches is between Cala Pira and Monte Turnu, but these paradise are almost just for you when there is low season.

sardinia costa rei beach apartment by the sea
sardinia costa rei beach apartment by the sea

Climate and temperatures: what to expect.

Sardinia weather varies substantially throughout the year, therefore the ideal time to pay a visit to the island varies. Overall the island has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and a milder winter.

Daily temperatures between 20 and 30°C during May and October are perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. May is a pleasant time to swim, especially with sea temperatures of 20°C, and August even more so at 26°C.

Between November and March, temperatures are cooler and wetter, and are rarely 10°C cooler further inland. It’s the time of year to explore the hinterland, visit archaeological sites, and experience local culture without the summer crowds.

Outdoor activities: when to enjoy them?

Not sea and beaches only, Sardinia is. You can do anything you want on the island and there’s literally endless choice for the lover of outdoor activities, so your choice of season can really make all the difference to your experience.

Hiking and trekking is best done in spring and autumn. At this time of year, Gennargentu National Park is especially beautiful with scenic trails and a rich biodiversity. Hiking is a pleasure on milder temperatures and can indulge in viewing the flowering of the vegetation or the warm autumn colors.

From September through to November, conditions are perfect for mountain bikers. Elsewhere, inland trails are less traveled and the Supramonte and Ogliastra terrain is in great shape after the first autumn rains.

Costa Rei: for water sports enthusiasts.

Costa Rei, the resort, is a real paradise for water sports enthusiats and they also return to here. From April to October, the windsurfing and kitesurfing are the best time to be out, May, June and September are not too busy and provides some favorite wind conditions.

Costa Rei is also an excellent place to snorkel, thanks to the clarity of its water and the amount of marine life around. June and September are the best months for these activities with warm water and the best visibility.

Also note that the islands of Serpentara and Cavoli are reachable by boat from Costa Rei. While small islands, this is underwater scenery is breathtaking and the beaches are pristine and absolutely wonderful off season.

Economic considerations: savings without compromising quality.

If you are on a tight budget, choosing the time of year can have a big impact on your Sardinia travel budget. Accommodation, flights and travel services become priciest in July and August, peak demands.

However by selecting intermediate months of May, June September or early October you can enjoy lower prices and the quality of the experience will not be compromised. If you can travel at other times of the year, many accommodations will be offering attractive discounts and you’ll probably find there are cheaper flights to be had, too.

What’s more, by visiting Sardinia in the off peak season, you have a better chance to have an authentic, less ‘touristy’ experience. This means that restaurants and venues are less crowded (and thus easier) to engage with locals and really experience the real culture of Sardinia.

Best Time to Visit South Sardinia


To enjoy your visit to South Sardinia without drenching necks in sweat or being baked in blistering temperatures, it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasonsMay to early June or September to early October, when temperatures are pleasant, the crowds won’t be as intense and the experience more authentic.


South Sardinia is a perfect mix of pristine beaches, rich culture and beautiful landscapes and that’s why it’s so charming. I knew having explored every corner of this nice region that timing your visit is key to getting the most out of it. During the shoulder seasons you have the perfect weather and atmosphere, temperature around a pleasant 20-25°C.



The High Season in South Sardinia


In South Sardinia, July and August are peak season, and the Sardinian coast is invaded by the tourist crowd. However, the time of year is during hot weather all month, with temperatures between 30 – 35°C, the beaches are incredibly crowded and accommodation prices soar. Costa Rei can become quite busy during these months, but that definitely doesn’t spoil it; the crystal clear waters are at their warmest.

September and October are the autumn months, when the air has special charm. The tourist crowds thin out considerably, and while the sea temperature remains warm (about 23–25°C) it is still warm enough for swimming and water sports. There is no better time to enjoy local festivals and folk events which show Sardinian traditions, as is the local style.


Spring time in South Sardinia


In South Sardinia, spring time is anticipating an explosion of colours in the countryside as wildflowers carpet the countryside. In March and April temperatures are 15 to 20°C; perfect for hiking and cultural exploration. This season Costa Rei has its special landscape: the Mediterranean macchia in full bloom.

Coming in November to February the winter months are quiet with temperatures ranging from between 7 and 15°C. Not great for a beach trip really, but a good time to explore the area’s archaeological sites and traditional villages without too many tourists around.



Visit South sardinia : Practical Considerations



If you want the South Sardinian experience, then I’d suggest you time your trip for the first two weeks in June or the end of September. In other words, these sweet spots feature warm weather, little to no crowds, and great prices. These are beautiful times in Costa Rei, when this 8 km beach offers enough space for sun and water activities.

Cultural immersion also works during the spring and autumn months. Periods of this type tend to see more local festivals, food events and traditional celebrations and so present us with an authentic taste of Sardinian life. It’s pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities, yet avoids the intense heat of summer.
Seasonal planning is essential tips.

If you visit off season, remember that it can be cooler at night than during the day so pack layers. Comfortable sea temperature comes from late June to October, but even in May and early June the sea temperature is tolerable (mostly during warmer years).

Often the Costa Rei micro climate is slightly warmer than other parts of the island and is suitable for early or late season visits.


Know that many beach facilities and some restaurants open and close seasonally, usually from Easter through October. Bear in mind though that the lack of services during shoulder seasons are more than outweighed by the increased tranquility and more intimate experience of this superlative destination.

When is the best time to visit North Sardinia?


Summer in June and September continues to have pleasant weather, good warm waters and fewer crowds, while May and early October are suitable also for a less peaceful experience.

June marks the Costa Smeralda region’s shining time, and the temperatures are equally good, for beach activities, though without the sweltering heat of peak summer. While the atmosphere is still relaxed and the tourist facilities are functioning fully, the waters have started warming up.

The days are long, that usually mean you will have light until 9 PM and enough time to discover the beautiful beaches and small charming coastal towns.

The magic of September brings North Sardinia. After the summer months, sea temperature gets at its top during which is ideal and best for swimming and water sports. Even after the August rush the crowds thin out significantly, but all amenities are still open, making it the best of both worlds.

Gaining a knowledge of the Seasonal Sweet Spots in North Sardinia.

May and early October are shoulder seasons which mean that there’s room to travel. The arrival of the season of blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures makes Castelsardo and the ancient nuraghi most pleasant to explore. The landscapes are bright, but the waters are cooler.

North Sardinia becomes a bustling Mediterranean hotspot in July and August. Although there’s no doubt that the atmosphere is pretty festive, the premium prices and packed beaches can take the shine off the real island experience. And of course, temperatures routinely exceed 30°C (86°F) during these months, making inland exploration very hard.


Other ways of seeing the island come from the winter from November to March. Swimming might be off the table, but these months are perfect for cruising between the Alghero and Olbia areas without any crowds of tourists to contend with.

Weather Patterns and Natural Rhythms in Northern Sardinia



Northern Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate with clear seasonal patterns generating specific opportunities throughout the year. Typical of spring temperatures are March and June usually with shower or shower over to increase the degree of stability. This period begins to see a start in the Maestrale wind declining which makes for good conditions when outdoors and out exploring the coast.


Temperatures along the coast are slightly higher, reaching 25-30°C, at most times during the summer. By June it has become warm enough, particularly in the crystal clear waters of the Costa Smeralda, to enjoy the best swimming temperatures. In the region, a marvelous mixture of winds occurs, the Mistral from northwest and the Grecale from northeast, making the region a perfect relax place, especially in places like Badesi and Valledoria.


Our autumn is a spring like season but in return we have warmer sea temperatures, typically 20°C right through into October. Weather patterns are stable and humidity lower at this time, making it one of the best times to go hiking and get out in the outdoors. Typically the thermal winds become better predicted, strengthening in the afternoon while maintaining moderate morning conditions.


Water temperatures in the range from 10°C in winter to nicer 20°C during summer months are key to planning activities. Minimal tidal range of 20-40cm in the Mediterranean create stable conditions for coastal activities. These patterns benefit Costa Rei area, where most times the waters feel slightly warmer than Northern ones to its sheltered position.


Daily activities are significantly affected by the region’s wind patterns. Although the Mistral is strong during winter months, May and September tend to be milder. In summer, the odd Scirocco from the south east can bring heat waves above 35ºC. But the combination of these predictable patterns and the local thermal winds makes for great sailing and water sports activity along the north coast.

Central Sardinia’s Climate and Natural Rhythms That You Can Explore Through The Year


Compared to the coastal areas, the micro climate of central Sardinia is particularly more pronounced and the seasonal variations in temperature are very distinctive and represent the ideal conditions for the cultural and outdoor experiences.


The coolest areas of Sardinia correspond to the mountainous heart of the island, including the Gennargentu region, which generally lie between 15 and 20°C in spring and autumn. With the relaxation you get from elevation, it is also a great place to visit and cool off in summer months when exploring traditional villages and archaeological sites,the cooling is natural with mountain breezes, especially in Barbagia and Ogliastra.


There is actually a stark difference in the rainfall patterns of that region and that of the coast and even at summer days in the afternoon there are occasional showers. They add to the area’s lush vegetation and make for ideal conditions for hiking in ancient forests of Monti del Gennargentu. Central plateau wildflower displays approach spectacular each spring.

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