Weather in Sardinia in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Sardinia and ranks 91st of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Italy it is 2nd of 16 (Italy in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Sardinia is 5.5°C warmer by day and 5.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Sardinia peaks at 12.9°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.7°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 7.4°C; one night in ten drops to 4.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 20.4°C (2001-01-06) and the coldest night 0.0°C (2006-01-26).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 56 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2017 with 158 mm, the driest 2002 with 10 mm. Humidity averages 81%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 13.8°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.4°C to 14.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:45 and sets about 17:17 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 53%.

Is January a good time to visit Sardinia?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Sardinia on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder afternoons, but keep your coat

The main benefit is milder daytime weather than London, rather than real warmth. A walk can fit well into the afternoon, but an average high is not an all-day temperature: mornings and evenings call for warmer layers. The warmest days reach around 16°C or more, while the coldest nights drop to around 4°C or below. Bring a jumper, a coat and trousers rather than relying on light holiday clothing. With about 4.4 hours of sunshine within 9.4 hours of daylight, plan outdoor time for the brighter part of the day and avoid leaving your main walk until late afternoon.

Leave room for rain, and skip the swimming plans

Rain is a meaningful catch in January, with about 8 rainy days across the month. That does not mean constant rain, but a short visit could feel quite different depending on when showers arrive. A waterproof outer layer and shoes that cope with wet ground are sensible packing choices; keep plans easy to rearrange rather than depending on dry weather throughout. The sea averages 13.8°C, so this is not a comfortable swimming holiday. Time by the water is better approached as a walk with layers on. January suits travellers happy with cool outdoor breaks, but not those seeking warmth for lounging beside the sea.