Cagliari has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa) with mild, moderately wet winters and hot, bone-dry summers. The city sits on Sardinia’s southern coast, sheltered by hills to the east and open to the Golfo degli Angeli. This position gives Cagliari warmer temperatures and less rain than northern Sardinian cities like Olbia or Alghero. The average annual temperature is 17.8 deg C (64 deg F) and total yearly rainfall is just 405mm, concentrated between October and March. From June through August, rain is negligible — July averages only 2mm across the entire month. See our complete Cagliari travel guide for an overview of the city.
For more on this, see our things to do in Cagliari guide.Cagliari Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine
The table below shows average high and low temperatures, monthly rainfall in millimeters, and daily sunshine hours. Sea temperatures peak at 25 deg C (77 deg F) in August and drop to 14 deg C (57 deg F) in February. The swimming season runs from June to October, when sea temperatures stay above 20 deg C (68 deg F). For more on this, check our best time to visit Cagliari guide.
| Month | High (deg C/deg F) | Low (deg C/deg F) | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs) | Sea (deg C/deg F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 42 | 4 | 14 / 57 |
| Feb | 15 / 59 | 6 / 43 | 38 | 5 | 14 / 57 |
| Mar | 17 / 63 | 8 / 46 | 35 | 6 | 14 / 57 |
| Apr | 20 / 68 | 10 / 50 | 30 | 7 | 16 / 61 |
| May | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 18 | 9 | 19 / 66 |
| Jun | 29 / 84 | 18 / 64 | 8 | 10 | 22 / 72 |
| Jul | 32 / 90 | 20 / 68 | 2 | 11 | 25 / 77 |
| Aug | 32 / 90 | 21 / 70 | 6 | 10 | 25 / 77 |
| Sep | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 28 | 8 | 24 / 75 |
| Oct | 23 / 73 | 15 / 59 | 52 | 7 | 21 / 70 |
| Nov | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 58 | 5 | 18 / 64 |
| Dec | 15 / 59 | 7 / 45 | 48 | 4 | 15 / 59 |
Cagliari Weather by Month: Winter (December through February)
Winter in Cagliari is mild compared to mainland Italy. Daytime highs hover around 14 to 15 deg C (57 to 59 deg F) and nighttime lows drop to 6 to 7 deg C (43 to 45 deg F). Frost is rare but possible on the coldest nights. December is the wettest month of winter with 48mm of rain spread across 8 to 9 rainy days. January and February are marginally drier at 38 to 42mm. You get 4 to 5 hours of daily sunshine, enough for sightseeing in the Castello district and museum visits. Pack a light jacket, a sweater, and a waterproof layer. The mistral wind from the northwest can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. For more on this, check our Cagliari events and festivals guide.
Cagliari Weather by Month: Spring (March through May)
Spring is Cagliari’s most comfortable season. March starts at 17 deg C (63 deg F) and May reaches 24 deg C (75 deg F). Rainfall declines from 35mm in March to 18mm in May. By late April, you get 7 to 9 hours of daily sunshine and the landscape turns green from winter rains. The sea is still cold at 14 to 19 deg C (57 to 66 deg F), so swimming is for the brave until late May. This is the best window for hiking the Sella del Diavolo trails and exploring the Roman amphitheater without summer crowds. The Sant’Efisio festival on May 1 to 4 draws large crowds, book accommodation months ahead if visiting during that period. For more on this, check our Cagliari neighborhoods guide.
Cagliari Weather by Month: Summer (June through August)
Summer is hot, dry, and long. July and August both hit average highs of 32 deg C (90 deg F) with peaks reaching 38 deg C (100 deg F) during heatwaves. Humidity stays moderate thanks to sea breezes, but the midday sun is intense. Rainfall is essentially zero: July averages 2mm, August 6mm, and June just 8mm. You will get 10 to 11 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperatures reach 25 deg C (77 deg F) in July and August, making Poetto Beach the center of city life. The beach fills up by 10am on weekends. Air conditioning is essential, verify your hotel or rental has it before booking. The siesta culture is real here: many shops close from 1pm to 5pm and reopen for evening trade.
Cagliari Weather by Month: Autumn (September through November)
September is an extension of summer, with highs of 28 deg C (82 deg F) and sea temperatures at 24 deg C (75 deg F). The water is actually warmer in September than in June. October sees a sharp shift: temperatures drop to 23 deg C (73 deg F) and rain jumps to 52mm, often falling in intense afternoon thunderstorms. November brings the heaviest rain of the year at 58mm with 9 to 10 wet days. The sea cools to 18 deg C (64 deg F) by November. September and early October are the sweet spot for travelers who want warm weather without July and August crowds and prices. For more on this, check our where to stay in Cagliari guide. For more on this, check our Cagliari travel tips and FAQ guide.
