Discover Sardinia : Climate

Located in the centre of the western Mediterranean, Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers, mild, wet winters and strong exposure to winds. The coastal temperatures are pleasant all year round, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons. In the mountains, winters are more marked, snow regularly invites itself on the summits and the mercury regularly drops below 0 °C at over 1,000 metres above sea level. In summer, the cool evenings provide a welcome respite from the Campidano or Oresiente plains. It is in the mountains that it rains the most, with average rainfall between 900 and 1,000 mm, twice as much as on the southern coasts. Rainfall is heaviest in autumn and winter, from October to March. In the summer, it is mostly in the form of thunderstorm rain, which can be violent.

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A generous climate

The Mediterranean climate provides mild but variable winters, while summers are hot and dry, rather stable. In winter, Sardinia is subject to temperate depressions from the middle latitudes, while in summer it benefits from subtropical anticyclones that give it clear skies. Sardinia's rugged topography generates significant differences between coastal and mountain weather. While the climate is the same, the mountain weather is more pronounced: temperatures close to 0 °C in winter and heat peaks of up to 40 °C in summer; heavier rainfall and more violent thunderstorms. On the coast and in the plains, the mercury rarely falls below 10 °C (on average) and stabilises at around 30 °C in July and August. The temperature difference between sea and air is never very high. The waters of the Sardinian coastline have an average temperature of 13 °C in winter and 25 °C in the middle of summer, which makes it suitable for swimming and water sports. It never rains more than 60 days a year. The inter-seasons are particularly pleasant, with average temperatures between 15 and 27 °C and plenty of sunshine. It is possible to swim until October in water at 21°C, especially in the south of the island, which is more sheltered. In the spring, you can enjoy the archaeological sites and go hiking in complete peace and quiet.

Leeward Island

Due to its relative isolation and distance from the coast, Sardinia is mainly subject to winds from all four cardinal points. The ponant comes from the west, while the mistral, which comes from the northwest, blows a cold and drying wind. In winter it can cause storms, while in summer it pleasantly refreshes the atmosphere. The sirocco can occur in spring and autumn when a low pressure system develops over the Mediterranean Sea. This warm wind from the Sahara carries sand and dust with it and can blow at up to 100 km/hour. The Greek arrives from the northeast at a moderate speed that rarely exceeds 60 km/h, but brings with it the cold. The east wind blows in from the east, and in autumn it beats the Nuoro Mountains. A gentle wind, it carries with it heavy clouds that can pour down torrents in a few hours. It is also feared by sailors, because it makes the sea very rough. Under the auspices of Aquilon, Sardinia lends itself to sailing sports. Boating allows you to anchor in deserted coves, the beaches of Villasimius, Cagliari and La Maddalena attract windsurfers and kitesurfers in all seasons.

With its generous climate, Sardinia attracts many tourists in the summer. They enjoy sunny beaches, warm and translucent waters and water activities. But spring and autumn are also pleasant and quiet seasons, with more affordable rates.
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