Best Time of Year to Go to Malta

Anytime is a good time for Malta, right? But perhaps some months are better than others. Let’s take a look at the best time of year to go to Malta.

I visited Malta in March, which was a little early in the year for me to be in Europe, but sticking to the south of the continent meant we had some lovely blue skies and warmer weather while exploring.

We were also lucky enough to experience the St Joseph’s Day celebrations in Rabat and it was the start of the Easter season.

For me it was a great time to visit, it was lovely exploring without the intense heat but it was still too cold to go swimming, so it might not be everyone’s favourite time.

But let’s take a look at the pros and cons of visiting at that time, and the rest of the year too, to try to decide exactly when to visit Malta.

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Just starting to plan your trip to Malta? Take a look at this guide to cover the basics.

Best Time to Travel to Malta

Malta is a year-round destination, thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, budget, and activities.

For my visit in March, the weather was sunny but cool. For me, it was too cold to swim, but others were enjoying the water. I’m okay with not swimming though. If it’s top of your reasons to go to Malta, March is probably not for you.

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I stayed at the Alavits Hotel by ST Hotels when I visited in March and got an awesome price. Take a look at my full hotel review and see if this is the place for you too.

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The evenings were a little cooler, so a light jacket was required, but it wasn’t so cold that we couldn’t walk outside and still enjoy the evenings.

I can imagine Valletta would be baking in the middle of summer with so much stone to reflect the heat. In March it was pleasant exploring the capital without this concern.

The weather is always the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about when to go, so let’s look at the weather first.

Best Season to Visit Malta

The Mediterranean climate means that Malta has four distinct seasons. Each one has its pros and cons and it really depends on what type of holiday you want.

Planning to spend all your time on the beach? Maybe summer is for you. Want to avoid the crowds and explore without melting? Perhaps winter is your perfect time for Malta.

Here’s what each season has to offer.

Peak Season: Summer (June to August)

Weather: Summer is the peak season in Malta, with long, hot, sunny days and temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or more. The sea is warm and perfect for swimming, diving, and other water activities.

Pros: Ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The island is bustling with life, and all attractions are open. There’s a lively atmosphere with many festivals, events, and outdoor activities.

Cons: This is the most expensive time to visit, with higher prices for flights and accommodation. Popular tourist spots, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, can be crowded, especially on days cruise ships are in port.

Major Events: Isle of MTV in June, The Malta International Food Festival in July, and numerous local village festas with fireworks, music, and parades throughout the summer months.

Shoulder Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Weather: These seasons offer mild, pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F). The sea is still warm in early autumn, and the island is blooming with wildflowers in spring.

Pros: Perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring without the intense summer heat. Fewer crowds mean a more relaxed experience, and prices are generally lower than in the peak summer months.

Cons: Some attractions, particularly in less-touristy areas, may have reduced opening hours. Swimming might be less appealing in early spring due to cooler sea temperatures.

Major Events: Malta Fireworks Festival in April, and BirguFest(Festival of Lights) in October.

Off-Season: Winter (December to February)

Weather: Winters in Malta are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F). There can be occasional rain, but sunny days are still frequent.

Pros: This is the cheapest time to visit, with great deals on flights and accommodation. It’s an excellent time for a quiet, relaxing holiday, cultural exploration, and enjoying the local lifestyle without the crowds.

Cons: Some hotels, restaurants, and attractions may close or operate on reduced hours. It’s not beach weather, and some outdoor activities may be limited due to cooler temperatures.

Major Events: Valletta International Baroque Festival in January, Carnival in February, and Christmas Celebrations throughout December.

Average Temperatures in Malta by Month

Take a look at the average temperatures to help you decide the best month to visit Malta.

Month	Average High (°C)	Average Low (°C)	Average Sea Temp (°C)
January	16	10	15
February	16	10	15
March	17	11	15
April	20	13	16
May	24	16	18
June	28	20	21
July	31	23	24
August	31	23	26
September	28	21	25
October	25	18	23
November	21	15	20
December	17	11	17

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Malta

Sometimes when travelling, budget is an important part of the decisions we make.

Cheapest Times: The best deals are generally found in the winter months (December to February), except during the Christmas and New Year holidays. January is often the least expensive time to travel, with lower accommodation rates and flight prices.

Most Expensive Times: Prices peak during the summer months (June to August), particularly in July and August when the weather is hottest, and schools are on holiday. Easter and the Carnival season in February can also be more expensive due to increased demand.

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The time of year may dictate where you stay in Malta too. In summer you may prefer the beach, in the winter you may prefer the city. Learn about the best areas to stay in Malta and the pros and cons of each.

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Major Events and Celebrations in Malta

Do you like to experience some of the local events when you travel? Or do you prefer to avoid the crowds associated with those events? Either way, it’s good to know what is going on, when! Here are a few of the major events in Malta.

Isle of MTV (June): One of the biggest music events in Europe, drawing thousands of visitors for a day of free concerts featuring international artists.

Malta Fireworks Festival (April): A spectacular display of fireworks over the Grand Harbour in Valletta, with competitive displays by international pyrotechnic companies.

Village Festas (Throughout Summer): Each village celebrates its patron saint with street parties, parades, fireworks, and food stalls, providing a vibrant local experience.

Valletta International Baroque Festival (January): A celebration of Baroque music and culture in Valletta’s historic venues.

Carnival (February): A lively week of colourful parades, costumes, and parties, particularly in Valletta and the seaside town of Nadur in Gozo.

Other Things to Consider

Here are some of the other things you may want to think about before deciding exactly the best time for your Malta visit.

Activities and Interests:

Beach and Water Sports: If your primary goal is to enjoy Malta’s beautiful beaches, snorkelling, diving, or other water sports, then late spring (May) to early autumn (September) is the best time. The sea temperatures are warm, and the weather is reliably sunny.

Historical and Cultural Exploration: For those more interested in history, culture, and sightseeing, the cooler months (March to May and September to November) are ideal. The weather is pleasant for walking tours, exploring historic sites, and visiting museums.

Nature and Hiking: Spring (March to May) is the perfect time for nature lovers and hikers. Malta’s countryside is green and blooming with wildflowers, and the temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.

Crowds and Tourist Traffic

Crowded Times: The busiest period is during the summer months (June to August), especially July and August, when both international tourists and Maltese locals flock to the beaches. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting outside of these months will offer a more relaxed environment.

Less Crowded Periods: Late autumn (October to November) and early spring (March to April) provide a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, making it easier to explore popular sites without long queues or packed spaces.

Local Cuisine and Seasonal Foods

Seasonal Specialties: Consider the timing of your visit to enjoy Malta’s seasonal foods. For example, lampuki pie (a traditional fish dish) is best enjoyed in the autumn when the lampuki (mahi-mahi) is in season. The winter months are ideal for trying hearty dishes like rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek).

Public Holidays and Local Customs

Public Holidays: Malta has several public holidays that might affect your travel plans. Many businesses, including shops and restaurants, may close or operate on reduced hours during holidays.

Examples are Independence Day (21 September), Republic Day (13 December), and Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck (10 February).

However, these days can also be exciting times to witness local traditions and celebrations.

Festas and Religious Events: Malta is known for its festas—local religious feasts held throughout the year, particularly in summer.

These are great opportunities to experience Maltese culture, but they can also mean some areas may be crowded or that services like public transport are more limited.

We were lucky enough to enjoy the Feast of St Joseph in Rabat, where there were parades in the streets and zeppolis were the treat of choice.

Accommodation Availability and Booking Tips

High Demand in Peak Season: During the peak summer months, accommodation can be scarce and expensive, especially in popular areas like Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. Booking well in advance is essential if you’re planning a trip during this period.

Flexible Booking for Off-Season: In the off-season, you can often find last-minute deals on hotels and holiday rentals. This flexibility can allow for a more spontaneous and budget-friendly trip.

Transportation and Accessibility

Public Transport: Malta’s public transport system is generally reliable but can be more crowded in the summer. Renting a car is a good option if you want more flexibility, especially in the shoulder seasons when traffic is lighter.

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Planning to use public transport? Learn how to get around Malta without a car here

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Ferry Services to Gozo and Comino: If you plan to visit Gozo or Comino, consider that ferry services may be less frequent in winter and can be affected by weather conditions.

Health and Safety

Heat Precautions: In summer, it’s important to stay hydrated, use sunblock, and avoid the midday sun. This is particularly relevant if you’re planning to explore outdoor sites or go hiking.

Swimming Safety: While Malta’s beaches are generally safe, be mindful of jellyfish, particularly in late summer. Check local beach conditions or apps like Jellyfish Spotting before heading out.

Flexibility and Special Interests

Photography: If you’re into photography, consider visiting in spring or autumn when the lighting is softer, the weather is more variable (great for dynamic skies), and the landscapes are at their most picturesque.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Malta largely depends on your personal preferences.

For beach weather and vibrant events, summer is ideal, but for a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, consider the shoulder seasons.

Winter offers a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience, perfect for those looking to explore Malta’s rich history and culture without the hustle and bustle.

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