Italy, Europe

Sardinia in February

Carnival season, with the Mamuthones in Mamoiada and Sa Sartiglia in Oristano. A culture trip, not a beach trip.

TradeoffsCool, highs near 59F (15C), changeable

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

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Sardinia. Carnival season, with the Mamuthones in Mamoiada and Sa Sartiglia in Oristano. A culture trip, not a beach trip.

Weather: Cool, highs near 59F (15C), changeable
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Sardinia

February is cool, with highs near 59F (15C), and the weather changes quickly between sun, wind, and rain. It is carnival season, and the island's oldest traditions come out: the masked Mamuthones in Mamoiada and, in some years, Sa Sartiglia in Oristano. The coast is still closed, and prices are low.

This month suits culture lovers and photographers who want to see Sardinia's festivals up close. It is not a beach month, and many coastal hotels are shut. For beaches, come in June or September. For hiking, March and April are better.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Sardinia this month.

Sa Sartiglia, Oristano

When carnival falls in February, masked horsemen gallop at a hanging star, then perform acrobatic riding. One of Sardinia's most spectacular events.

Mamuthones in Mamoiada

The masked figures in sheepskins and heavy bells parade during carnival in the mountain village.

Quiet Cagliari

The city's old quarter and food scene are relaxed and local.

What to pack for February

A warm, waterproof jacket
Layers for changing weather
Sturdy walking shoes
An umbrella

Our timing tip

Check this year's carnival dates before you book, since Sa Sartiglia falls on Carnival Sunday and Tuesday and moves each year.

Book Sardinia for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sardinia
Opens a hotel search for Sardinia in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Sa Sartiglia, Oristano

Carnival Sunday and Tuesday, February or March depending on the year

Masked horsemen gallop at a hanging star, then perform acrobatic riding. One of Sardinia's most spectacular events.

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Sardinia?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Sardinia. Carnival season, with the Mamuthones in Mamoiada and Sa Sartiglia in Oristano. A culture trip, not a beach trip.

What is the weather like in Sardinia in February?

Cool, highs near 59F (15C), changeable.

Is Sardinia crowded in February?

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

What is happening in Sardinia in February?

Sa Sartiglia, Oristano (carnival sunday and tuesday, february or march depending on the year).