A lovely little island tucked in between Southern Europe and the north of Africa, Malta has so much to offer, especially as it prides itself with pristine virgin waters and fine red sands. But what is the best month to visit Malta?
Although, ideally, May, June, and July are the best months to visit Malta, anytime in the year can still make your holiday memorable.
Let me guide your decision based on the following criteria:
- The weather and climate
- Annual events, holidays, and things to do
- Booking rates
- The nature and beauty of Malta
1. What kind of climate does Malta have?
Malta is blessed with the dry summer climate, or what is also referred to as the subtropical Mediterranean climate. According to the Koppen climate classification, regions that experience this climate have a mix of hot summers and wet winters. During the summers, days can be scorching hot, which makes the island a perfect choice for those who love to bask in the sun. And during the winter, Malta experiences mild and wet winters. Compared to the rest of Europe. Malta has a more pleasant climate and experiences more sunshine hours in total.
| Average Daytime Temperature | Average Nighttime Temperature | Average Number of Hours of Sun Per Day | |
| January | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48.2 | 5 |
| February | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48.2 | 7 |
| March | 16°C / 60.8°F | 10°C / 50 | 7 |
| April | 18°C / 64.4°F | 12°C / 53.6 | 9 |
| May | 23°C / 73.4°F | 15°C / 59 | 10 |
| June | 27°C / 80.6°F | 18°C / 64.4°F | 11 |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 69.8°F | 12 |
| August | 31°C / 87.8°F | 22°C / 71.6°F | 11 |
| September | 27°C / 80.6°F | 20°C / 68°F | 8 |
| October | 23°C / 73.4°F | 17°C / 62.6°F | 7 |
| November | 19°C / 66.2°F | 13°C / 55.4°F | 6 |
| December | 19°C / 66.2°F | 11°C / 51.8°F | 5 |
Spring
Although March is still considerably cold, May and June are among the best months for a Maltese holiday.
During March, Malta’s weather is ready to warm up. It has fewer rainfalls compared to January and February.
Blessed with warmer weather and longer sun hours, Malta in May is one of the best options to try out the island life. This time, you can actually have a fun day on the beach and explore Malta during the day as you have 10 hours of daytime.
Summer
If you’re wondering how hot does it get in Malta, the average temperature at this time of the year is at 27°C. And on extreme days, the temperature can rise to 31°C.
However, tourists flock the Mediterranean island during summer. If you don’t mind crowds, noisy nightlife, and jampacked barbecues, it’s high time you go to Malta. Just make sure to book your board and lounge beforehand.
You want to visit Malta when the sun shines best, and summertime, specifically in July, is an excellent time for you to visit the island. With an average of 12 hours of sunshine, July sure is the prime month to visit Malta
Autumn
Typically, tourists visit Malta during the summers. But suppose that you missed upon the chance to book a flight en route Malta during the summer. Can you still enjoy Malta past its peak seasons? You sure can!
If you are wondering if Malta is still warm in October, it’s still a perfect time for you to visit Malta and splash around their natural bays.
There are also sudden rain showers, characterized as heavy but shortlived. But don’t let the rain spoil your fun.
If you want to know how hot the weather is in November, it’s still a perfect time for taking a dip on their crystal clear waters. Some may find the weather a bit chilly, but Malta is still enjoyable.
Rain is more frequent during November as compared to October. You can expect short sudden showers spanning for 15 days approximately.
Winter
If you’re looking for something new for the holidays while considering going Mediterranean, you may ask: Is Malta a winter sun destination? What makes Malta an excellent holiday destination is it is enjoyable the whole year-round.
The winters are described as mild and wet. For those who live in temperate climates like most of Europe, they may consider Malta warm in winter. Expect for sudden, brief rain showers during the winter.
If you want to know what month is the coldest in Malta, January and February experience 15°C as its lowest average temperature. It might be too chilly for you to take a swim on the beaches and bays.
Rain is also more frequent during these months. January has an average of five hours of sunshine a day. And if you’re wondering if Malta is windy, during these months, the speed of the winds can fluctuate from light to moderately chilly breezes.
If you’re wondering if it snows in Malta, it’s highly unlikely. Although in January 2019, Malta experienced hail and light snowfalls in some of its areas.
2. Annual events, holidays and things to do in Malta
Here are some events and holidays you can check out while you’re in Malta.
January
Since January is too chilly for swimming, you can go sightseeing through the historical city of Valletta. With its picturesque Baroque architecture, Valletta would seem like it transported you centuries back. You can also go cycling and trekking.
February
If you’re wondering if you can sunbathe in February, well, it’s rather too cold and chilly. Malta experiences an average of seven hours during this time. While that is a considerably ample time of sunshine in a day, the temperature might be too cold for sunbathing.
But don’t worry; you can still enjoy Malta, especially on the Feast Day of St. Paul’s Shipwreck held every February 10th. Maltese artists will perform in the streets, and the streets are alive from Friday until Tuesday night.
March
Because of its bright and friendly weather, you can do lots of activities during March. These include watersports.
You can also attend the Alarme!, a reenactment at the streets of St. Elmo of the battle between the Maltese troops and Napoleon in 1800.
San Guzepp is also a three-day-long holiday where you can party with locals.
March 31 celebrates Freedom Day. You can also partake in the festivities as local performers and entertainers light up the streets.
April
As April has more sun hours and a warmer weather, you can go on island hopping. You can also celebrate the Good Friday parade and the Easter Sunday procession.
Strawberry Festival, or Festa Frawli, as the locals call it, is something you shouldn’t miss while in Malta. If you’re feeling a little festive, you can also watch the Malta Fireworks Festival for an impressive fireworks display. You can also party with the locals during the feast of St. Joseph, and have a blast at the Music Festival which takes place between April and May.
May
With its favorable weather and fine waters, you can also try diving and snorkeling during this season. May also has lots of parties! You shouldn’t miss out the AMP’s Los, the Found Festival, and the annual Hal Kirkop Ikrotta Festival.
Revisit the medieval times as artists and depict what life was like in the 14th century. Enjoy Medieval Mdina as performers take the stage into the streets of Mdina.
June
With its perfect weather, there are many things you can do in Malta in June. It’s ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling, hiking, camping, trekking, and even walking. You can bask in the sun and relax by the sea, thanks to the prolonged sunshine in July.
There are also lovely events during this season. Sette Giugno, which translates to “seventh of June,” is a festive commemoration of the Maltese uprising against British rule. Expect to see St. George’s Square in Valletta to be full of merriment on the day of the holiday.
You should also get to know more about their culture and arts by participating in the Valletta Film Festival, Malta Music Week, and Isle of MTV Malta Special where international artists hold a concert.
July
You can also witness the Festivals of Figs in Xaghra and the San Bastjan Feast. Arti Fil-Misrah is also an interactive show held every Friday in July. Here, local artists and performers get to put up a show for tourists and foreigners to see.
If you want a more sophisticated experience that matches the historical Baroque ambience of Malta, the Marsovin Wine Festival is also a lovely experience at the Hastigs Gardens.
But if you’re looking for creative yet entertaining, you can attend the Malta International Arts Festival and the L’lmnarja Summer Folks Festival in Buskett. Malta Jazz, Rock Festival is also an exciting event for music lovers.
If you’re a big foodie, there are also events that are suitable for you such as the Malta International Foods Festival when they cook and eat exotic food and Farsons Beer Festival for hardcore drinkers.
August
Aside from sunbathing and water activities, there are also a bunch of events you can attend in August. If you are with kids, you can take them to summer carnivals where musical theatres and shows are also held.
The Notte Di San Lorenzo is also a picture-perfect event for your summer holiday, so make sure you find an excellent spot to watch.
September
You can also revisit important dates which mark Malta’s historical milestones. Victory Day, which is held on September 8th, is celebrated in commemoration of Italy’s surrender to England in World War II. Coinciding that holiday is the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 where 400 Maltese withstood the attempt of the Ottoman Empire to invade their nation.
October
The average October temperature makes a perfect day for swimming and other water activities such as diving and snorkeling.
If you don’t have anything yet to do in Malta in October, you can attend the cultural event of Birgufest where streets are lit up with candles and lanterns in commemoration of Birgu’s architectural beauty.
November
Since rains are becoming more frequent, there are many indoor events you can attend. You can attend the prestigious Three Palaces Concert, where dancers, musicians, and performers bring back to life four centuries of their history during the rule of the Knights of St. John.
December
Aside from the beaches, you can still enjoy Malta with some alternative activities. These include a tour around architectural relics in Valletta, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In celebration of the holidays, you can watch the Malta International Christmas Choir Festival.
You can also take part in the island’s Republic Day on December 13th. In celebration of Malta’s establishment of a republic, there are many events held, such as the Award Ceremony, where the president will award notable citizens for their commitment to Malta.
The Annual Band Concert at Manoel Theatre serenades the crowd with traditional music. And to top it all off, a grandiose fireworks display at the Grand Harbor is something you don’t want to miss.
3. Booking rates & touristic peak season
If you’re planning to book during summer, Malta is packed with tourists and foreigners during the summertime, and you might not be able to enjoy Malta to the fullest, especially if you prefer peaceful getaways.
Booking around March to May is also a practical choice since compared to summertime, booking rates are much cheaper during spring.
If you want to book during the summer, make sure you book your hotels and flights earlier as rates may increase during peak seasons.
I also suggest you book around October and November as Malta is less crowded, giving you an opportunity for a more authentic Malta experience without the buzz of tourists.
And for a unique experience in a winter sun destination, you can book cheaper flights and accommodations around December to February.
4. Nature and the beauty of Malta
There are many beaches and bays that are recognized as Blue Flag, a certification awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education to the cleanest waters. Among these are the red sand Ramla beach and the Golden Bay.
Natural tourist attractions in Malta do not undergo a significant change, unlike in temperate climates. For most part, the average temperature of waters just drops to below 18°C. Aside from that, Malta’s beauty is the same all year-round.
Conclusion:
Aside from the fact that Malta is an amazing place, you can actually book a flight and go on a vacation the whole year-round. You don’t have to worry about the season or the weather, because even if it’s no longer summer, there are still lots of activities and events you can do. All you have to think about are the booking rates as they may vary depending on the season.