Best Time of the Year to Visit Malta

You can visit Malta any time of the year and have plenty to see and do, no matter what the weather. However, there are certain activities and itineraries that will work better in particular seasons, so we’ve outlined below how to make the most of your Winter, Spring, Autumn or Summer visit to Malta. The temperature will average around 9 – 17c, so as long as you have a warm coat with you especially for the cooler evenings you can enjoy everything that’s on offer.

Winter in Malta

Many tourists will make a special trip to Malta in Winter just for the Christmas atmosphere alone; it’s really special. The streets are tastefully decorated with garlands that complement the historical architecture of Malta’s colourful past, and there are plenty of street parties, festivals, markets and outdoor events to enjoy. It’s certainly worth visiting any churches or cathedrals that you can, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. There will be beautiful and humbling nativity displays, decorations, lights and carol singing. Valletta and Sliema are the best places to visit for Christmas shopping. You can even attend a Christmas Pantomime at the grand Manoel Theatre. Also, Popeye Village is turned into a winter wonderland, so is worth a visit if you are travelling with children.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Malta are really good fun too; if you like clubbing then St Julian’s and Paceville are the places to be. If you prefer to watch fireworks and celebrate with the crowds, then Valletta is where you need to be.

After Christmas, you’ll be able to enjoy the January sales in Sliema and Valletta and grab some luxury clothes and gifts at great prices. If you’d prefer to stay away from the crowds, you can enjoy some peaceful walks along any of Malta’s many beaches, which will be quiet than in the peak months and you may even have the seafront to yourself. February is a great time to have a romantic couple’s break to Malta, as it’ll be quiet, and you can enjoy the sunset, stars, and sea together intimately. Look for hotels that offer a boutique, homely environment with added luxuries like a jacuzzi or balcony to enjoy together & make the most of your break.  Stay a week longer and you can enjoy carnival season, which is really spectacular!

Spring in Malta

Springtime in Malta brings slightly warmer weather, and less likelihood of rain. From April, you can enjoy an average of 8 to 9 hours of sunshine, so it’s a great time to visit the beaches whilst they’re still quiet. You can even take a boat trip around The Three Cities,

or else enjoy some time in Gozo. It won’t be warm enough to swim in the sea (unless you’re brave!) Depending on when Easter falls in the year, you’re likely to see street processions and again, beautifully decorated churches and cathedrals.

May is the month of the year in Malta where the tourist season seems to start as the sun begins to shine hotter and longer, and the season kicks off with several festivals including the Lost & Found festival and the famous Maltese Fireworks Festival. If you’d rather spend time exploring, May is the perfect time, because the weather is pleasant but not too hot. A visit to the ancient city at Mdina makes a great day out.

Autumn in Malta

September to November in Malta is a great time to enjoy some activities like kite surfing, exploring Gozo by quad bike or visiting the BOV Adventure Park in Ta’Qali with the kids. If you’re sporty, there are several sport events such as triathlons, races and regattas to enjoy including the exciting Rolex Middle Sea Race that brings Valletta harbour to life.

In October, you can enjoy the candlelit, artistic evenings of Notte Bianca in Valletta and Birgufest in Birgu. It’s also a good time of year for shopping, as the boutiques and chain stores will start to display their Christmas offerings.

Summer in Malta

Summer is the most popular time for tourists to visit Malta thanks to our amazing selection of beaches, where there’s space for sunbathing, rock climbing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, eating, drinking, fishing and exploring! The weather is usually hot, and there are plenty of carnivals and festivals to enjoy such as the Wine Festival, a Jazz Festival, Malta Pride and the Isle of MTV for music lovers.

Where To Stay?

If you’re going to visit Malta to enjoy the sights, walks and events, the best place to be is somewhere central to all the action that also has great access out to travel on foot, boat, and by bus or taxi. Valletta is the perfect hub for this as many of the events are in the city but you can also travel to Gozo, St Julian’s and Sliema very easily. If you stay at a family owned boutique hotel such as Casa Ellul, you’ll be treated to the famous warm Maltese welcome and can tap into your hosts’ knowledge about the local area too. Whatever season you visit, we hope you enjoy your stay and choose to return to Malta again and again.