La Marinedda beach seen from above, Isola Rossa, northern Sardinia

August or September in Sardinia? An honest 2027 comparison

August or September in Sardinia? If you can choose, September wins almost every time: the sea is still around 23–25°C, the beaches are quieter after the first week and prices are lower. August remains the choice for those tied to fixed holiday dates who want full summer heat, lively evenings and every service open. This honest comparison isn't selling you any date: it gives you what you need to pick the right one for you.

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Sea and beaches

August September
Water temperature Around 25–26°C — the seasonal peak Around 23–25°C — still warm
Underwater visibility Excellent Excellent — often even better
Iconic beaches Crowded — La Pelosa with limited access Less crowded from the second week
Wild coves Hard to reach without queues Much easier to get to
Sea conditions Generally calm A few more windy days

September's sea in northern Sardinia is among the best of the year. The temperature is still high, the water crystal clear and the coves reachable without queues. Lovers of snorkelling and wild coves almost always choose September.

Crowds and services

August

  • Peak visitor numbers — especially 1–20 August
  • Packed at La Pelosa and Cala Brandinchi (limited access, booking required) and at Capriccioli
  • Restaurants always full — best to book
  • Every service running: excursions, rentals, events
  • Lively nightlife in every coastal town

September

  • First week still fairly busy
  • From the second week: things gradually calm down
  • Beaches reachable without queues
  • Almost every service still open until 15–20 September
  • A more relaxed, authentic atmosphere

Prices and availability

Without quoting figures that change every year, the principle stays the same:

  • August: peak prices for accommodation, cars and ferries. Limited availability — if you don't book 3–4 months ahead, you'll find little and pay a lot.
  • First week of September: prices still high but already falling. Better availability.
  • September after the 10th: prices drop significantly across the board. Wide availability.
  • Late September: some services start to close, but your savings are at their highest.
Book September and you often get the same northern Sardinia as in August — with less stress and a lighter budget.

Weather and temperature

Parameter August September
Average maximum temperature Around 30–32°C Around 26–28°C
Rainy days (Alghero averages) Around 2 Around 4 (more frequent towards the end of the month)
Wind Mistral possible, but usually settled days More changeable, a few windy days
Daylight hours Around 13–14 hours Around 12–13 hours
Sunsets Between roughly 20:40 and 20:00 Between roughly 20:00 and 19:10, often more colourful

Who chooses August, who chooses September

Choose August if:

  • You have school-age children and no other option
  • You want maximum buzz and nightlife
  • You're after the most intense heat
  • You've already booked everything months in advance

Choose September if:

  • You're free to choose your dates
  • You love the sea without queues and quiet beaches
  • You want to combine the sea, excursions and hiking
  • You prefer a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere
  • You want to make the most of your budget

Planning your holiday in northern Sardinia (stress-free)

  • Ferry or plane? It depends on where you're coming from and how long you're staying: we'll help you choose
  • Car recommended? Yes, essential for hidden coves and total freedom. Book here with discount
  • Best period? June and September — fewer crowds, better prices, more privacy
  • Where to stay? In a home with a terrace or garden: more space, more freedom, Sardinia lived from the inside.

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It's not just when you come. It's where you stay.

August and September also change a lot depending on the area you choose.

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FAQ

Is the sea in Sardinia still warm in September?
Yes, the sea in Sardinia is still warm in September: in the north it averages around 23–25°C, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The sea peaks in August and stays pleasant throughout September, especially in the first half of the month.
Does Sardinia really empty out at the end of August?
Partly. After Ferragosto (15 August) many Italian families head home, and the crowds thin out noticeably in the busiest resorts. But it only really empties out in the second week of September. From 20 August onwards the beaches are already more pleasant than at the peak of the first twenty days of the month.
Are all restaurants and services open in September in northern Sardinia?
Until 15–20 September almost everything is open: restaurants, rentals, boat trips, beach clubs. After 20 September some services gradually start to close, especially in the smaller resorts. The larger towns such as Alghero, Olbia and San Teodoro stay active practically all month.

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