The best time to visit Malta for long days of almost unbroken sunshine is the summer months, June, July, and August. But this tiny speck of an island, which lies some 60 miles to the south of Sicily, is a year-round destination. Spring and fall are wonderful for hiking and sightseeing, while winters are quiet with fewer crowds.
The Maltese archipelago, Malta itself, Gozo, and Comino, has a typically Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters. The fine climate means that this is a popular sunshine destination for north Europeans and as such, the island has a sizable expatriate population.
But there’s more to Malta and its sister islands than sunshine. This is a destination packed with history that dates back 7,000 years, as well as extraordinary art and architecture. Even if you encounter a rainy day, you will never run out of things to see.
Visiting Malta By Season
Summer
Golden Bay
June, July, and August are hot and often humid in Malta. August is the hottest month of the year, with average daily temperatures of 81.4°F (27.4°C), although highs can easily reach 90°F (32°C). Rainfall is minimal; none at all in July and just 0.6 inches (15mm) in August, although the humidity can be draining.
This is the perfect time to visit some of Malta’s best beaches, or join a boat or snorkel trip. You’ll find some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean here, and some of the best scuba diving in the Mediterranean.
Summer is also festa season. Every village celebrates its patron saint’s day with feasting, parades, and above all, fireworks.
Fall
Fall is the best time to go to Malta if you want the best weather for sightseeing and swimming in the sea. In September and early October, the Mediterranean is warm, the days are still long and sunny but not overwhelmingly hot, and there’s little rain.
In September, for example, you can still expect average daily temperatures of 76.6°F (24.8°C), and plenty of opportunities for outdoor dining. Rainfall picks up as fall progresses; by November, the islands receive on average 3.5 inches (90mm) of rain.
Winter
The Christmas, New Year, and Carnival periods aside, December to February is the quiet season in Malta. December and January are the rainiest months; December, for example, as the wettest month, receives 4.3 inches (110mm). But there are still five hours of sunshine daily on average. Temperatures rarely fall even close to freezing point; even February, the coolest month, enjoys daily averages of 54.3°F (12.4°C).
Rainfall means that the islands, which can look sun-bleached and barren in summer, are green and relatively lush during the winter period. February is when the first spring blooms begin to appear. It’s also, depending on when Easter falls, when the revelry of the pre-Lenten Carnival takes place, which consists of five days of decorated floats, music, and feasting.
Spring
Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
Spring is the perfect time to visit Malta for sightseeing and hiking the coastal trails. The sun should be shining, but the heat of summer is yet to take hold. While March receives a little rain, with an average of 1.8 inches, or 45mm, by May, average rainfall is down to 0.6 inches (15mm).
Temperatures are pleasant; in March expect an average of 57.1°F (13.9°C), rising to 67.9°F (19.9°C) by May. Springtime temperatures can be further raised by the hot, dry Sirocco wind that blows from the Sahara Desert.
If you visit over Easter, expect a week-long ceremony of parades, church services, and special Easter-themed pastries on sale in all the bakeries. On Easter Sunday, the whole island echoes with the sound of church bells ringing.
When Is Rainy Season?
The rainiest months in Malta are November, December, and January. But given that this is one of the sunniest spots in the Mediterranean, prolonged periods of bad weather are rare. In December and January, there are 10 days on average on which it rains. Even in the middle of winter, there’s an average of more than five hours of sunshine daily.
When Is High Season?
Valletta
High season in Malta is the peak summer months, July and August, when vacationers arrive for sunshine, sea, and beaches. This is also the peak of the island’s lively festival season.
Malta is always busy in summer, as the locals also head for the beaches. Gozo, though, is sleepy in comparison and can make a great day out if you’ve already taken in the art treasures of Valletta and Mdina on the bigger island.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in Malta is the months of May, June, September, and October. Many would argue that this is actually the best time to visit Malta, as the climate is better for sightseeing in the shoulder season months—and not all of the ancient palaces and churches have air conditioning. There’s also the bonus of fewer crowds, while the weather is still fine enough for outdoor dining.
When Is Low Season?
Malta doesn’t have a low season in the context of everything shutting down. But December to February is the quietest time for tourism on the islands, with higher rainfall and shorter days. Christmas, New Year, and Carnival are the exception, each one a time for parties, parades, and spending time with family and friends. The island also has a lively cultural calendar celebrating everything from Baroque music to opera, dance, jazz, and rock.
Mdina
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