When is the best time to visit Malta? April to June and September to October: afternoons are between 19 and 28 °C (66 to 82 °F), there is little rain (except October, which is more unsettled) and the islands are less crowded than in midsummer. July and August guarantee sunshine and a warm sea, but they are the hottest, most expensive and busiest months, especially at Comino and on the northern beaches. You can find Comino and the northern beaches on our map of Malta.
The Maltese archipelago (Malta, Gozo and Comino) has a Mediterranean climate: a very dry, hot summer, and a mild but rainy and sometimes windy winter. The islands are small and close together, so climate differences between them are slight; what matters is the season. Here is how to choose your month, based on the official climate normals for the Luqa station, Malta’s airport. Rural and more peaceful, the neighboring island has its own guide: what to do in Gozo, from the citadel to the Dwejra cliffs.
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When to go to Malta at a glance
- Best times April to June and September–October
- For beaches and swimming June to September; the sea is still pleasant in October
- For Valletta, Mdina and the temples March to May and October–November, when it is less hot
- For diving May to November, when the water is warmest; possible all year with a suitable wetsuit
- Avoid if possible late July and August if you dislike heat (average high of 31 °C (88 °F)) and crowds
- Best value May, late September–October; winter for a city break
- Winter mild (15–17 °C (59–63 °F) in the afternoon) but this is the rainy, blustery season, which sometimes disrupts the ferries
When to go to Malta by priority
- Best weather: April to June and September–October
- Cheapest: May and late September–October; winter for a city break
- Fewest crowds: November to March; avoid late July and August
- Events: carnival (February or March), L-Imnarja (June 29), village festas (June to September), Santa Marija (August 15)
Malta: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Malta in February · Malta in March · Malta in April · Malta in October · Malta in November
✅ Best months: April, may, June, September, October
The climate in Malta month by month
The table below gives the normals for the Luqa station, in the south-center of the main island, a few kilometers from Valletta. They apply to the whole archipelago, where the terrain is low-lying.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 9.2 °C (49 °F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild but rainy, ideal for cultural visits |
| February | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 9.3 °C (49 °F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | Low (carnival) | Low | ⚠️ Cool and windy, carnival some years |
| March | 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | Low to medium | Low | ⚠️ Early spring, cold sea |
| April | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | Medium (Easter) | Medium | ✅ Mild, ideal for hiking and sightseeing |
| May | 23.3 °C (74 °F) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ The best compromise |
| June | 27.5 °C (82 °F) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | High | High | ✅ Start of summer, warming sea |
| July | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 0.4 mm (0.0 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Heat, crowds, village festas |
| August | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 21.8 °C (71 °F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ The hottest and most expensive month |
| September | 28.0 °C (82 °F) | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | High, then medium | High, then medium | ✅ Warm sea, first thunderstorms possible |
| October | 24.2 °C (76 °F) | 17.1 °C (63 °F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Still warm, but stormy showers more frequent |
| November | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild, rainy, end of the beach season |
| December | 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 11.0 °C (52 °F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | Low (holidays) | Low to medium | ⚠️ The wettest month, good for a city stay |
Sea temperature and sunshine in Malta
The sea warms up slowly: about 18 °C (64 °F) in May, 21 °C (70 °F) in June, then 24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F) from July to September. It is still 22 °C (72 °F) in October, which makes autumn a good swimming season. Sunshine exceeds 10 hours a day from June to August and stays at about 5 hours a day in the depths of winter.
| Month | Sea (°C) | Sunshine (h/day) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 °C (59 °F) | 5.1 |
| February | 14 °C (57 °F) | 6.0 |
| March | 15 °C (59 °F) | 7.4 |
| April | 15 °C (59 °F) | 8.2 |
| May | 18 °C (64 °F) | 9.7 |
| June | 21 °C (70 °F) | 10.9 |
| July | 24 °C (75 °F) | 11.8 |
| August | 25 °C (77 °F) | 10.9 |
| September | 24 °C (75 °F) | 8.7 |
| October | 22 °C (72 °F) | 7.1 |
| November | 19 °C (66 °F) | 6.1 |
| December | 17 °C (63 °F) | 5.0 |
These averages smooth out the extremes. In summer, heat waves sometimes push temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F), and humidity makes the heat feel heavier than it looks. Conversely, in autumn, much of the monthly rainfall can fall in a few violent storms: October has on average about ten rainy days, against fewer than one in July.
The seasons in Malta: pros and cons
Spring (April to June): the ideal season to combine everything
Spring is the most balanced period. Highs rise from 19 °C (66 °F) in April to 27–28 °C (81–82 °F) in June, and there is almost no rain from May on (7 mm (0.3 in) on average). The countryside of Gozo and the cliffs of southern Malta are still green and in flower, making this the best season for hiking. The sea stays cool in April and warms up noticeably in June. The green Gozo countryside and still-cool sea are covered in our page on the weather in Malta in April, with the month’s events.
- Pros: mild temperatures, nature still green, moderate prices before summer, Holy Week processions
- Cons: cool swimming before the end of May, crowds and prices rising around Easter
- Our tip: May is the best month to combine Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and a first swim at Comino
Summer (July–August): guaranteed sun, but heat and crowds
There is almost no rain (0.4 mm (under 0.1 in) in July), highs exceed 30 °C (86 °F) and the sea is warm. This is high season: European and Maltese holidays overlap, the northern beaches (Golden Bay, Mellieħa) and Comino’s Blue Lagoon are packed during the day, and accommodation prices are at their highest. It is also the season of the festas, the villages’ patron saint festivals, with processions, brass bands and fireworks on weekends.
- Pros: guaranteed good weather, warm sea, nightlife, village festas almost every weekend
- Cons: humid heat, crowds at Comino and Valletta during the day, high prices, little shade at the sites
- Who is it for? Families with fixed dates and beach lovers: book early and go to Comino early in the morning or late in the afternoon
Autumn (September to November): warm sea without the crowds
September is often the best month for swimming: the sea has stored up the summer’s heat, the air stays warm (28 °C (82 °F)) and the crowds thin out after the end of the summer holidays. October is still warm (24 °C (75 °F)), but it is also the month when the rains return with the most force, as stormy, often short showers. November marks the end of the beach season for most visitors.
- Pros: warm sea, falling prices, excellent diving conditions
- Cons: sometimes violent storms from late September, shortening days
- Our tip: the second half of September and early October are an excellent compromise between swimming and sightseeing
Winter (December to March): a city break in the sun
Maltese winters are mild: 15 to 17 °C (59 to 63 °F) in the afternoon, rarely below 9 °C (48 °F) at night. But this is the rainy and blustery season (112 mm (4.4 in) in December, 89 mm (3.5 in) in January). Sites, museums and restaurants stay open: Malta does not « close » in winter.
- Pros: low prices, sites without the crowds, Christmas and carnival atmosphere
- Cons: sea too cold for most swimmers, rain and wind, often poorly heated accommodation
- Who is it for? A cultural weekend in Valletta and Mdina, or divers with a thick wetsuit
When to go to Malta by island
The archipelago is only about 30 km (19 mi) long: temperatures and rainfall are very similar from one island to another. What changes is the atmosphere and the number of visitors depending on the season.
| Island | Best time | Highlights | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta (main island) | April–June, September–October | Valletta, Mdina, Three Cities, temples, nightlife | Highly urbanized in the northeast; heavy traffic in summer |
| Gozo | April–June, September–October | Countryside, cliffs, Ġgantija temples, diving at Dwejra | Quieter and greener; depends on the ferries in rough weather |
| Comino | May–June, September | Blue Lagoon, coves, trails | Almost uninhabited; very busy during the day in summer |
Malta: Valletta, Mdina and the northern beach resorts
To visit Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina and the megalithic temples, aim for March to May or October–November: you will walk a lot, often in full sun on pale stone, which becomes exhausting in July–August. The north (Mellieħa, Golden Bay) and the Sliema and St. Julian’s coast concentrate the beach and nightlife scene, which is very lively from June to September.
Gozo
Gozo is more rural and quieter. Spring is the best season for its coastal trails and terraced countryside; June and September for combining hiking, swimming and diving. In winter the island is very quiet, but crossings can be canceled in bad weather: leave some margin before your return flight.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
This small island between Malta and Gozo has almost no residents, but its Blue Lagoon attracts a huge number of boats in summer. To enjoy it, prefer May–June or September, and in July–August arrive on the first boat or stay until the end of the day.
When to go to Malta by type of trip
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (sightseeing and a bit of beach) | May–June, September–October | Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, Comino |
| Beach and swimming | June to September (October for those who feel the cold less) | Mellieħa, Golden Bay, Comino, Ramla (Gozo) |
| Diving | May to November | Gozo (Dwejra), wrecks around Malta, Comino |
| Cultural city break | October to April, outside the holidays | Valletta, Three Cities, Mdina |
| Hiking | March to May, October–November | Dingli Cliffs, Gozo coasts, Comino |
| Tight budget | November to March, outside peak holiday periods | The whole island, stay in Sliema or Valletta |
| Family trip | June, September, autumn school holidays | Mellieħa, northern Malta, Gozo |
| Village festas | June to September (weekends) | Villages of Malta and Gozo |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| February or March (variable date, before Lent) | Carnival, floats and costumes | Valletta, Nadur (Gozo) |
| Holy Week (variable date) | Good Friday and Easter processions | Towns and villages across the archipelago |
| June 29 | L-Imnarja, traditional festival and public holiday | Buskett Gardens, near Rabat |
| June to September | Festas, village patron saint festivals (processions, fireworks) | The whole archipelago |
| August 15 | Feast of the Assumption (Santa Marija), public holiday, many festas | The whole archipelago, notably Gozo |
| September 8 and 21 | Victory Day and Independence Day (public holidays) | Valletta and the whole country |
| December | Nativity scenes and year-end festivities | The whole archipelago |
Malta month by month
January: Mild for the season (about 15 °C (59 °F) in the afternoon) but rainy and sometimes windy. Museums and sites without the crowds, lowest prices.
February: Similar to January, a little less rainy. Carnival enlivens Valletta and Gozo some years, depending on the date of Easter.
March: Days are getting longer, the countryside is green and in flower, but the sea is still cold. A good month for hiking and sightseeing. The lengthening days and cold sea are covered in our page on the weather in Malta in March, useful for a hiking trip.
April: About 19 °C (66 °F) and little rain. Ideal for exploring Gozo on foot, Valletta and the temples. Crowds increase around Easter.
May: One of the best months: 23 °C (73 °F), almost no rain, sea warming up toward the end of the month, prices still reasonable.
June: Start of summer: 27–28 °C (81–82 °F), pleasant sea, very long days. First village festas.
July: Peak season: average high of 31 °C (88 °F), no rain, crowds at Comino and on the northern beaches. Book early.
August: The hottest and busiest month, with festas around August 15. Sightsee early in the morning, go to the beach late in the day.
September: Very warm sea, easing heat (28 °C (82 °F)), crowds receding after the summer holidays. First storms possible at the end of the month.
October: Still 24 °C (75 °F) and a pleasant sea, but the month is one of the wettest (90 mm (3.5 in)), often in short, violent showers.
November: Mild (20 °C (68 °F)) but rainy. End of the swimming season, a good time for sightseeing and low prices.
December: The wettest month (112 mm (4.4 in)) but mild. Festive atmosphere, traditional nativity scenes, low prices outside Christmas and New Year.
When to book your trip to Malta
For July–August, book flights and accommodation 3 to 5 months ahead: the archipelago is small, well-located accommodation in Valletta, Sliema or Gozo goes quickly and prices climb as summer approaches. Do the same for Easter and the week of August 15. In May, June, September and October, 1 to 2 months is usually enough; in winter, you can often travel at the last minute.
Planning your trip to Malta
- Entry requirements: see the entry requirements for Malta on our country page, and check the official sources there before you travel.
- Currency: the euro.
For more details, see our complete travel guide to Malta. Unsure about another Mediterranean destination? Compare with when to go to Greece or when to go to Croatia, or see our destination ideas for April, May, October and November. For a combined trip, see also our guide to Sicily, the archipelago’s neighbor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Malta?
May, June and September are the most balanced months: 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, almost no rain (except storms in late September) and fewer people than in July–August. To visit Valletta and Mdina without the heat, April and October are also very good.
When should you go to Malta for swimming?
From June to September the sea is warm; it often stays so in October, when the air is still at an average high of 24 °C (75 °F). In April and May the water is still cool for most swimmers.
Is the weather good in Malta in winter?
It is mild (15 to 17 °C (59 to 63 °F) in the afternoon according to the Luqa normals), with some lovely sunny days, but it is the season of rain and wind: 112 mm (4.4 in) in December. Winter suits a cultural trip, not a beach holiday.
Can you go to Malta in August?
Yes, but it is the hottest month (average high of 31 °C (88 °F), more during heat waves), the busiest and the most expensive. Book early, sightsee early in the morning and avoid the Blue Lagoon at peak hours.
What is the cheapest time to go to Malta?
From November to March, outside the year-end holidays and peak holiday periods. To combine moderate prices and swimming, aim for late May or the second half of September.
When is the best time to dive in Malta?
From May to November, when the water is warmest; dive centers also operate in winter with thick wetsuits.
What is the water temperature in Malta?
According to the Luqa station averages published by the Deutscher Wetterdienst, the sea is about 14–15 °C (57–59 °F) from January to April, 18 °C (64 °F) in May, 21 °C (70 °F) in June, 24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F) from July to September, 22 °C (72 °F) in October and 19 °C (66 °F) in November.
Is it warm enough in Malta in April?
For sightseeing, yes: about 19 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon and little rain (23 mm (0.9 in) on average). For swimming, the sea is still cool, around 15 °C (59 °F).
Can you go to Malta in November?
Yes for a cultural trip: it is still about 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and the sea is around 19 °C (66 °F), but it is a rainy month (80 mm (3.1 in) on average) and the days are getting shorter.
Our sources
- Deutscher Wetterdienst, Klimatafel von Luqa: sunshine (1961–1990) and water temperature (1946–1960)
- Malta Meteorological Office, via the WMO World Weather Information Service: 1961–1990 normals for the Luqa station
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
