March is a good month to visit Malta, but not for the beach: it is around 17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon and 10 °C (50 °F) at night at Luqa, 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain still falls and the sea is cold (15 °C (59 °F)). Verdict: ⚠️ with reservations: ideal for Valletta, Mdina, the temples and hiking in a green countryside, with low prices and few people.
Days are getting longer (about 7 hours 30 minutes of sunshine a day) and rainfall drops sharply compared with winter. This page covers the month of March; to compare with the rest of the year, see our page on the best time to visit Malta.
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Malta in March: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ very good for sightseeing and walking, too early for swimming
- Luqa: 16.7 °C (62 °F) in the afternoon, 10.1 °C (50 °F) at night, 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain
- Sea: about 15 °C (59 °F); sunshine: 7.4 hours a day
- Crowds and prices: low to moderate, low
- In 2027: Holy Week in March (Easter on 28 March)
Weather in Malta in March
The archipelago is only about 30 km (19 mi) long: the Luqa normals, near Valletta, apply to Malta, Gozo and Comino. March is early spring: afternoons are mild, the wind can still blow and a few rainy days remain likely.
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Sea | Sunshine (h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 9.3 °C (49 °F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14 °C (57 °F) | 6.0 |
| March | 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 7.4 |
| April | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15 °C (59 °F) | 8.2 |
Compared with February, March gains one degree in the afternoon and loses a third of the rain; April will be even drier and milder. The sea stays at its lowest: it only warms up clearly from May. This spring, which is settling in, is confirmed the following month: our page on Malta in April covers the weather, sea and events.
Things to do in Malta in March
- Valletta and the Three Cities: St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Birgu and Senglea, to explore on foot without the summer heat.
- Mdina and Rabat: the Silent City can be visited in peace out of season.
- The megalithic temples: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra in the south of Malta, Ġgantija on Gozo.
- Hiking: the Dingli Cliffs, the coastal paths of Gozo and Comino, when the countryside is green and in flower.
- Gozo: a rural, quiet island reached by ferry; allow a margin, as crossings can be disrupted in bad weather.
- Diving: possible all year with a thick wetsuit, the water being at 15 °C (59 °F).
What is best avoided in March
- A beach holiday: the sea is cold and the Blue Lagoon on Comino does not yet have its summer appeal
- Sea-front walks in a storm, and swimming in rough conditions: The UK FCDO advises taking care when swimming in the sea, notes that some beaches have strong undercurrents and that red flags indicate dangerous conditions, and recommends swimming within designated zones, taking extra care if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs (GOV.UK, read 11 November 2026).
- Accommodation without heating: many places are poorly insulated, so check before booking
Events in Malta in March
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Week (March or April) | Good Friday and Easter processions | Towns and villages across the archipelago |
| February or March (before Lent) | Carnival, floats and costumes | Valletta, Nadur (Gozo) |
| 31 March | Freedom Day, public holiday | Nationwide |
Crowds and prices in March
March is still low season: low to moderate crowds and low prices according to our calendar. The sites are quiet and you can often book late. Holy Week does push demand up, however: in 2027, book a little earlier for the end of the month. Most international visitors arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA).
What to pack for Malta in March
- Layers: a T-shirt for the afternoon, a sweater for the evening
- A windproof, waterproof jacket
- Good walking shoes, for cobbled streets and cliffs
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A travel adapter if your devices do not fit local sockets
Before you go
For passport and entry rules, see our entry requirements for Malta. Check the advice for your own country before you travel.
If March does not suit you
Neighbouring months: April is milder (19 °C (66 °F)) and drier, ideal for Gozo on foot, with more people around Easter. Malta in February is cooler and wetter, with the carnival in some years. For swimming, wait until the end of May or aim for autumn: Malta in October still has a sea at 22 °C (72 °F), and Malta in November remains mild for sightseeing.
Other destinations in March: for more warmth at a short distance, compare with the best time to visit Madeira or the best time to visit the Canary Islands; for the Mediterranean, see the best time to visit Sicily. All our ideas are on the page where to go in March. To plan your stay, read our Malta travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Malta in March?
Mild and fairly changeable: around 17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon and 10 °C (50 °F) at night at Luqa, with 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain on average and about 7 hours 30 minutes of sunshine a day.
Can you swim in Malta in March?
Only for the hardiest: the sea is around 15 °C (59 °F). Swimming becomes pleasant from the end of May until October.
Is March a good month to visit Malta?
Yes for sightseeing and hiking: few people, low prices, green countryside. Take warm clothes for the evening and a waterproof.
What is there to do in Malta in March?
Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina, the megalithic temples, Gozo and the Dingli Cliffs. In 2027, the Holy Week processions take place at the end of March.
Is Malta expensive in March?
No, it is low season: accommodation prices are low, except around Easter. You can often book late.
Where can you swim in March?
Not in Malta. For warmer sea at this time of year, the Canary Islands are among the mildest in Europe; further afield, see our page on where to go in March.
Our sources
- Malta Meteorological Office, via the WMO World Weather Information Service: 1961-1990 normals for the Luqa station
- Deutscher Wetterdienst, Klimatafel von Luqa: sea temperature (1946-1960) and sunshine (1961-1990)
- Visit Malta, public holidays in Malta and Gozo (read on 11 November 2026)
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Malta, safety and security (GOV.UK, page read on 11 November 2026; advice last updated 11 August 2026)
- Data already published on our page the best time to visit Malta
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.