Italy, Europe

Sardinia in December

Winter. Cagliari's historic center and food scene are the draw; beaches are empty and services limited.

TradeoffsCool, highs near 60F (16C), wet and windy spells

Sardinia beach, Italy — SardiniaPhoto: Norbert Nagel, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Sardinia. Winter. Cagliari's historic center and food scene are the draw; beaches are empty and services limited.

Weather: Cool, highs near 60F (16C), wet and windy spells
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What December is like in Sardinia

December is cool, with highs near 60F (16C), and wet, windy spells. Cagliari's historic center and food scene are the draw. The beaches are empty and services are limited.

This month suits food lovers and budget travelers. It is not a beach month. For sun and swimming, come in June or September. Holiday weeks bring some local life and markets to the cities, but most coastal hotels stay closed until spring. Rent a car if you want to see the interior villages and Su Nuraxi, and plan short outdoor days around the rain and wind.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Sardinia this month.

Cagliari's food scene

Winter is a great time for seafood and local dishes in the old town.

Castello walks

The hilltop quarter is peaceful with views over the port.

Flamingos

The salt flats near Cagliari host flamingos much of the year.

What to pack for December

A warm jacket
Layers
Waterproof shoes
An umbrella

Our timing tip

Stay in Cagliari's historic center, where restaurants and shops stay open through the winter.

Book Sardinia for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sardinia
Opens a hotel search for Sardinia in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Sardinia
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Sardinia
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sardinia for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Sardinia

Full guide

La Maddalena Archipelago

A national park of granite islands and turquoise channels off the northeast. Boat tours run from Palau and La Maddalena; go early in the season or in September.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Gulf of Orosei and Cala Goloritze

Cliff-backed coves reachable by boat from Cala Gonone or by hiking trail. Cala Goloritze has limited, paid access in summer.

Tickets and tours →

Su Nuraxi di Barumini

The best-preserved Nuragic complex, visited by guided tour. A strong half-day from Cagliari.

Tickets and tours →

La Pelosa, Stintino

Shallow turquoise water off the northwest tip. In summer access is capped and requires booking and a fee.

Tickets and tours →

Cagliari's Castello

The hilltop old quarter with bastions overlooking the port and salt flats, where flamingos feed much of the year.

Tickets and tours →

Alghero

A walled, Catalan-influenced port town on the northwest coast with sunset ramparts and a strong seafood tradition.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid the week around August 15 entirely if you can; it is the single most crowded week of the year.
Book capped beaches such as La Pelosa and Cala Goloritze as soon as access opens, and aim for early or late time slots.
Base yourself on the less-developed southwest (around Chia and Sant'Antioco) or the east coast rather than the Costa Smeralda.
Book summer ferries and car rentals months ahead; both sell out in July and August.

Know before you go

Most coastal hotels, lidos, beach bars, and boat excursions operate from about May through early October and close from November to March.
Cagliari, Sassari, Alghero, Nuoro, and the interior towns run year-round.
Several of the most popular beaches now have summer access limits, booking systems, or entry fees, and rules can change year to year.
Taking sand, shells, or pebbles from Sardinian beaches is illegal and fined.

Sardinia in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Sardinia?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Sardinia. Winter. Cagliari's historic center and food scene are the draw; beaches are empty and services limited.

What is the weather like in Sardinia in December?

Cool, highs near 60F (16C), wet and windy spells.

Is Sardinia crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Sardinia; most sights can be done without long waits.