Best Time to Visit Malta (Weather, Events, & More)
Planning your next getaway and wondering about the best time to visit Malta? This Mediterranean gem offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're after balmy beach days or cooler, crowd-free sightseeing, Malta's unique climate serves up something special in every season. Let's dive into what makes certain times of the year stand out for visiting this island paradise.
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit Malta (Weather, Events, & More)
- Best Overall Time to Visit Malta
- Monthly Overview of Malta
- Detailed Monthly Analysis
- Malta in January
- Malta in February
- Malta in March
- Malta in April
- Malta in May
- Malta in June
- Malta in July
- Malta in August
- Malta in September
- Malta in October
- Malta in November
- Malta in December
- Special Events in Malta to Look Out For
- Pro Tips for Traveling to Malta
- Malta Travel FAQ
Best Overall Time to Visit Malta
If you're pondering when the best time to visit Malta is, aim for the sweet spot between April and June. During these months, the weather is delightfully warm, and the summer crowds haven't yet peaked, giving you the perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and lighter tourist traffic. This period also coincides with colorful local festivals, adding a cultural spice to your visit.
Visiting Malta during the low season, which spans from November to February, has its pros and cons. On the upside, you'll benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the islands at your own pace and budget. However, the downside includes cooler temperatures and shorter days, which might limit your time for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches. Despite these cons, the low season could still be a great choice if you prefer a more relaxed and cost-effective travel experience.
Monthly Overview of Malta
Month | Season | Avg. Days of Rainfall | Avg. Temperature (°F/°C) | Hotel Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Wet | 15 | 55/13 | Medium |
February | Wet | 12 | 55/13 | Medium |
March | Wet | 9 | 57/14 | Medium |
April | Transition | 6 | 61/16 | Low |
May | Dry | 3 | 68/20 | Medium |
June | Dry | 1 | 77/25 | High |
July | Dry | 0 | 82/28 | High |
August | Dry | 0 | 84/29 | High |
September | Dry | 3 | 79/26 | High |
October | Transition | 7 | 73/23 | Medium |
November | Wet | 10 | 64/18 | Low |
December | Wet | 13 | 57/14 | Medium |
Detailed Monthly Analysis
Here’s what to expect in Malta in each month of the year:
Malta in January
Visiting Malta in January offers a cooler, quieter experience compared to the bustling summer months. The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes without the summer crowds. While it might be the wettest month of the year, the rain tends to be sporadic, allowing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- Average Temperature: 12°C / 54°F
- Days of Rainfall: 15 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Low
- Activities: Visiting museums, exploring ancient ruins, attending the Valletta Baroque Festival
Malta in February
Visiting Malta in February is a quieter, cooler experience compared to the bustling summer months. The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring the historic streets without the crowds. While you might encounter some rain, it's generally light and won't disrupt your plans too much. It's a great time to enjoy the island's indoor attractions or cozy up in a local café with a view of the stormy Mediterranean.
- Average Temperature: 13°C / 55°F
- Days of Rainfall: 12 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Low
- Activities: Carnival celebrations, visiting museums, exploring ancient temples
Malta in March
Visiting Malta in March is a delightful experience as the island begins to shake off the chill of winter and welcomes the early signs of spring. The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring the historic streets without the summer crowds. While occasional showers sprinkle the landscape, they're usually quick and followed by sunshine, painting the perfect backdrop for your adventures.
- Average Temperature: 16°C / 61°F
- Days of Rainfall: 8 days
- Season: Transition from wet to dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Almond blossom tours, visiting local festivals like the Feast of St. Joseph, countryside hikes
Malta in April
Visiting Malta in April is a delightful experience as the island begins to warm up, yet it's not as crowded as the peak summer months. The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the blooming landscapes.
- Average Temperature: 17°C / 63°F
- Days of Rainfall: 6 days
- Season: Transition from wet to dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Easter celebrations, countryside walks, visiting the Mdina Medieval Festival
Malta in May
Visiting Malta in May is a delightful experience as the island begins to warm up, but isn't yet overwhelmed by the peak summer crowds. The weather is comfortably warm, perfect for exploring the historic streets of Valletta or enjoying the early-season tranquility of Malta's beaches.
- Average Temperature: 23°C / 73°F
- Days of Rainfall: 4 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Attending the Valletta Green Festival, exploring the countryside in full bloom, visiting local feasts
Malta in June
Visiting Malta in June is like catching the island at its sunniest. The weather is warm but not stifling, perfect for exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes. The sea is also invitingly warm, making it a great time for beach activities and water sports.
- Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
- Days of Rainfall: 1 day
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Beach parties, diving, visiting the Malta Fireworks Festival, exploring the Mdina Medieval Festival
Malta in July
Visiting Malta in July is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the vibrant local festivals. The weather is typically hot and sunny, perfect for beach days and exploring the coastal towns. July is peak tourist season, so the islands are bustling with energy and activities.
- Average Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
- Days of Rainfall: 0 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: High
- Activities: Attending the Malta Jazz Festival, visiting the Isle of MTV, exploring the nightlife in St. Julian's, and enjoying beach parties.
Malta in August
Visiting Malta in August is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the vibrant local festivals. The weather is typically hot and dry, making it perfect for beach days and outdoor dining. The island buzzes with tourists, and the atmosphere is lively, filled with the sounds of summer festivals and nightlife.
- Average Temperature: 32°C / 90°F
- Days of Rainfall: 1 day
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: High
- Activities: Attending the Feast of Santa Marija, beach parties, night markets, diving, and boat trips
Malta in September
Visiting Malta in September is a delightful experience as the island transitions from the hot summer to milder autumn weather. The sea remains warm enough for swimming, and the tourist crowds begin to thin out, making it a perfect time to explore the historic sites and enjoy the local culture without the peak season rush.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 5 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Wine festivals, village feasts, boat trips, and snorkeling
Malta in October
Visiting Malta in October is a delightful experience as the island transitions from the hot summer to milder autumn weather. The crowds begin to thin out, making it a great time to explore the historic sites and enjoy the beautiful landscapes in peace.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 7 days
- Season: Transition from dry to wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Wine festivals, village feasts, hiking, and sightseeing
Malta in November
Visiting Malta in November offers a cooler, quieter experience compared to the bustling summer months. The weather is mild, and while it's part of the rainy season, showers are generally short-lived, making it a great time to explore the historical and cultural sites without the crowds.
- Average Temperature: 18°C / 64°F
- Days of Rainfall: 15 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Exploring the Mdina and Valletta during the quieter off-peak season, attending the ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for children and families, and enjoying the early celebrations of the Feast of St. Andrew.
Malta in December
Visiting Malta in December offers a cooler, quieter experience compared to the bustling summer months. The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring the historic streets without the summer crowds. While you might encounter some rain, it's generally light and won't disrupt your plans too much. It's a great time to enjoy the island's festive decorations and Christmas markets.
- Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
- Days of Rainfall: 15 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Visiting Christmas markets, exploring museums, attending seasonal concerts
Special Events in Malta to Look Out For
Carnival
- Date: February or March (dates vary)
- Description: A colorful, festive event that takes over the streets of Malta with parades, floats, and masqueraders, celebrating the traditional pre-Lenten festival.
Malta International Fireworks Festival
- Date: April
- Description: A spectacular annual event held in Valletta's Grand Harbour, featuring stunning fireworks displays by local and international companies.
Isle of MTV Malta
- Date: June
- Description: A massive free outdoor concert in Floriana featuring top international music artists, attracting thousands of music fans from all over Europe.
Malta Jazz Festival
- Date: July
- Description: Held in Valletta, this festival brings together renowned international jazz musicians for a series of concerts in the open air, celebrating jazz music in a Mediterranean setting.
The Feast of Santa Marija
- Date: August 15th
- Description: One of the most important religious holidays in Malta, celebrated with church services, processions, and fireworks in many towns and villages.
Notte Bianca
- Date: October
- Description: Valletta lights up with a night-long celebration of arts and culture, where museums, private galleries, and cultural venues open their doors all night, offering exhibitions, live music, and dance performances.
Malta International Choir Festival
- Date: October or November (dates vary)
- Description: Choirs from around the world gather in Malta to perform in various venues across the islands, promoting choral music through a series of concerts and competitions.
Christmas in Malta
- Date: December
- Description: Experience a festive season filled with unique Maltese traditions, including midnight masses, nativity scenes, and special holiday foods.
Pro Tips for Traveling to Malta
- Cash vs. Card: While major hotels and restaurants in Malta accept credit cards, carrying some cash is handy for small shops and public transport.
- Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% is appreciated in restaurants if the service charge isn't included.
- Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in Malta, but you might find it tastes a bit different due to high mineral content. Bottled water is widely available.
- Public Transportation: Buses are the main form of public transportation. Consider buying a multi-day pass for convenience and savings.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Maltese people take pride in their heritage. Be respectful when discussing history or politics, and always ask permission before photographing locals.
- Must-Try Foods: Don’t leave without trying pastizzi (ricotta or pea-filled pastries), rabbit stew, and ħobż biż-żejt (a traditional Maltese sandwich).
- Language Tips: Maltese and English are both official languages. Knowing a few basic phrases in Maltese can endear you to locals.
- Sun Protection: Malta enjoys a lot of sunny days, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
- Respect Religious Sites: When visiting churches, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats.
Malta Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
If you're from the EU, you won't need a visa to visit Malta. For non-EU residents, Malta typically allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourists from certain countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Always check the latest visa requirements specific to your country before your trip.
What currency is used in Malta?
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of Malta. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops or rural areas, but credit cards are widely accepted in most places.
What should I pack for a trip to Malta?
Pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, as Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Include swimwear, a high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. For evenings or the slightly cooler months, bring a light jacket. Don't forget a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as you'll likely do a lot of walking exploring the towns and sights.
Do I need to speak Maltese to visit Malta?
No, you don't need to speak Maltese. English is an official language in Malta and is widely spoken, making it easy for tourists to communicate.
Is Malta safe for tourists?
Yes, Malta is generally very safe for tourists. Common sense travel safety applies—watch your belongings and be cautious in crowded areas. Solo travelers and families alike should feel comfortable exploring the islands.
Is Malta accessible for those with disabilities?
Malta is progressively improving its accessibility, but some areas might still present challenges due to historic architecture with uneven surfaces and limited wheelchair ramps. Major hotels, tourist sites, and public transport are quite accessible, but it's a good idea to check with specific venues in advance.
What type of outlet is used in Malta?
In Malta, the power plugs and sockets are of type G, the same as in the United Kingdom. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses a different standard, you'll need a power adapter.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
The best time to visit Malta is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller. The summer months can be very hot, especially in July and August, making it perfect for beachgoers but potentially uncomfortable for those wanting to explore extensively.
Can I drink the tap water in Malta?
Tap water in Malta is safe to drink, but due to its high mineral content, many visitors prefer the taste of bottled water. In restaurants, it's customary to serve bottled water.
What are some must-visit places in Malta?
Don't miss the stunning capital city of Valletta, the silent city of Mdina, and the picturesque island of Gozo. Explore the prehistoric temples like Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in St. Julian's. For beach lovers, Mellieha Bay and the Blue Lagoon in Comino are perfect spots to relax and enjoy the sea.