Malta Weather
by Month
Plan around hot summer afternoons and cooler, wetter winter days. The monthly advice below uses the Malta Meteorological Office air, rainfall and sunshine normals for 1991 to 2020, published by the National Statistics Office. Sea figures are a separate historical series with an unstated observation period. For help choosing dates, read guide to the best time to visit.
Planning Around Malta's Seasons
Summer Swimming Plans
June - September
Use the summer months for a beach-led itinerary, but leave exposed walks for early morning. Pack sun protection and water; choose any boat outing using the marine forecast.
Winter City Breaks
December - February
Plan museums and churches as alternatives to exposed coast paths. Pack a waterproof jacket, a warm layer and shoes with grip. Do not base a winter trip on long sea swims.
Spring and Autumn Choices
April - May, October
Combine walks with sightseeing rather than promising beach weather every day. October has a higher average rainfall total than May, so keep outdoor plans flexible.
Air highs and lows, monthly rainfall totals and average daily bright sunshine come from Table 1.1 of the National Statistics Office publication The State of the Climate 2022, using Malta International Airport Meteorological Office observations at Luqa for 1991 to 2020. Sea temperatures come separately from Table 1 of P. J. Schembri's 1993 CIHEAM paper, citing Chetcuti (1988). Its sea observation period is not stated: treat these as historical context, not contemporary beach readings. The monthly FAQ summaries distinguish the two series. Neither is a forecast.
Seasons at a Glance
Weather by Month
Average temperature, rainfall, sea temperature and travel rating for every month
Best Time to Visit for...
The ideal months depend on what you want to do
Beach & Swimming
Jun - Oct
Consider Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay or Ramla Bay for a beach day. Pick the beach using current wind, waves and safety advice. The historical sea series is a planning aid, not a guarantee of comfortable swimming.
Diving & Snorkelling
May - Oct
Discuss exposure protection and experience with your dive operator before booking. For snorkelling, choose a supervised site and an easy exit rather than assuming that a warm month guarantees calm water.
Sailing & Boat Trips
May - Oct
Keep a flexible day for Comino or a harbour cruise. Ask the operator about the marine forecast and cancellation arrangements, and carry a dry bag and a layer for the return journey.
Winter Sightseeing
Nov - Mar
Build a city itinerary around Valletta, the Three Cities and Mdina. Leave room for indoor visits on wet days and compare actual accommodation prices rather than assuming a winter discount.
Coastal Walking
Mar - May, Oct - Nov
Consider Dingli or Majjistral for a walk when the forecast permits. Carry drinking water, sun protection and a waterproof layer; turn back if wind or rain makes the route uncomfortable.
Museums & Historic Sites
Jan - Dec
Keep the National Museum of Archaeology and the Grandmaster's Palace on your sightseeing shortlist. Check opening arrangements before travelling, and use indoor visits to break up hot afternoons or rainy days.
Choose between swimming, coastal walks and indoor sightseeing with the best time to visit Malta weighs them month by month.
Planning Areas Across Malta and Gozo
These are itinerary areas, not measured climate zones. All four use the same Luqa reference; no separate regional temperature or rainfall estimates are claimed.
Valletta and the Grand Harbour
Valletta, The Three Cities
Mix harbour viewpoints with indoor visits. Choose a short walking circuit when rain is forecast.
Sliema and St Julian's
Sliema, St Julian's
Use this area as a base for a city break, and check conditions before planning time on the seafront.
Northern Malta
Mellieha, St Paul's Bay
Plan beach time around current conditions rather than assuming that the north has a different monthly climate baseline.
Gozo and Comino
Gozo, Comino
Leave flexibility for boat travel and check operator updates before setting out. These cards do not claim that Gozo is cooler or wetter than Malta.
What to Pack
Pack for the month and the daily forecast in Malta
Clothing
- Light clothing for summer
- Swimwear for planned beach days
- Warm layers for winter evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- A light layer for boat journeys
Sun Protection
- High-factor sunscreen
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- A wide-brimmed hat
- A rash vest for snorkelling
- Lip balm with sun protection
Rain Gear
- A waterproof jacket for autumn and winter
- A compact umbrella for sheltered streets
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A dry bag for boat trips
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance details
- Any prescribed medication
- A small first aid kit
- Drinking water for outings
- Any personal sun or heat protection needs
Beach Essentials
- Snorkel mask if needed
- Water shoes for planned rocky entries
- Beach towel
- Waterproof case
- Water bottle
Electronics
- An adapter checked against your accommodation's sockets
- Portable power bank
- Weatherproof phone protection
- Charging cables
Weather Safety Tips
Stay safe and comfortable throughout your trip
Rain & Wind
- •Check the Malta Meteorological Office forecast before setting out.
- •Keep an indoor alternative when rain is forecast.
- •Avoid exposed cliffs and waterfronts in strong wind.
- •Follow local warnings and do not enter floodwater.
Sun & Heat
- •Plan summer walks for early morning.
- •Carry sunscreen and use shade for breaks.
- •Take a hat to outdoor historic sites.
- •Shorten the itinerary if the forecast or your comfort calls for it.
Hydration
- •Carry drinking water on walks.
- •Refill before leaving town rather than depending on a stop along the route.
- •Take regular breaks when walking in the heat.
- •Check that everyone in your group has water before a boat trip.
Sea Safety
- •Check beach flags and follow lifeguard instructions.
- •Use the marine forecast, not monthly sea averages, to assess a boat day.
- •Ask your dive operator about equipment, conditions and insurance requirements.
- •Choose an entry and exit appropriate to your ability, and skip the swim if conditions are unsuitable.
Good to know
Malta Weather Month by Month
Weather by Destination
Explore detailed weather conditions for each location