Malta
Malta · Europe
The best time to visit Malta is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 37°C (99°F); in winter, nights average 10°C (50°F), dropping to around 6°C (43°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Malta – What you should know
Malta, the European Union's smallest member state in the Mediterranean, has a classically Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. With over 300 sunny days a year and a long swimming season from May to November, Malta is one of Europe's sunniest destinations. The Mediterranean warms up to 26°C (79°F) in high summer.
In July and August, temperatures typically rise to 31–33°C (88–91°F), and the Sirocco — a hot wind from North Africa — can bring muggy periods. Those who prefer sightseeing should choose May, June or September: temperatures of 24–28°C (75–82°F) and little rain. Underwater visibility often reaches 30–40 metres (98–131 ft), making Malta one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 16° (61°)12– (54–)19 (66) | 16° (61°)12– (54–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)37 (99) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)36 (97) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)32 (90) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)28 (82) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 10° (50°)6– (43–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)14 (57) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)16 (61) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)20 (68) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)16 (61) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 9h UV 7 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 |
🌊Water Temp | 17° (63°) | 16° (61°) | 16° (61°) | 17° (63°) | 20° (68°) | 23° (73°) | 26° (79°) | 28° (82°) | 26° (79°) | 24° (75°) | 22° (72°) | 19° (66°) |
🌧Rain Days | 8d63mm (2.5") | 6d67mm (2.6") | 4d40mm (1.6") | 2d12mm (0.5") | 1d7mm (0.3") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 1d9mm (0.3") | 3d33mm (1.3") | 6d76mm (3.0") | 7d78mm (3.1") | 6d70mm (2.7") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From April to August, UV levels in Malta reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Malta with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Malta
December – February
Malta's winter is mild and windy: 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F), rarely below 10°C (50°F) at night, and the dampest months with six to eight rain days. Valletta and Mdina without the cruise crowds — and the island buses finally run on time again.
March – May
The best travel season for everything on land: 17 to 24°C (63 to 75°F), the limestone island briefly green, the Dingli Cliffs walkable without heat. The sea only warms to usable temperatures from May.
June – August
High summer: 31°C (88°F), zero to one rain day a month, the stone radiating heat back into the night. The Blue Lagoon on Comino is overrun by day — go early or late, or skip to Gozo instead.
September – November
The long Maltese autumn: in October the sea still holds over 24°C (75°F) and the air 25°C (77°F), and the island exhales. Only in November do wind and rain return.
Events & Festivals
February
- Malta Carnival· varies (5 days before Ash Wednesday, usually February)
One of Europe's oldest carnivals, with more than 500 years of history. Elaborate floats and costume groups parade through the streets of Valletta and Floriana; on the island of Gozo, the villages party spontaneously until dawn.
June
- L-Imnarja (Mnarja)· 28–29 June
Malta's oldest folk festival in Buskett woodland near Rabat — dating back to the Knights of St John in the 16th century. Rabbit stew (fenkata), folk music and horse races; 29 June is a public holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Malta?
- The best time to visit Malta is May, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Malta?
- In summer, daytime highs in Malta average 32°C (90°F), with peaks around 37°C (99°F); in winter, nights average 10°C (50°F), dropping to around 6°C (43°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Malta get?
- Malta has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are May, June, and July.
- How warm is the water in Malta?
- Water temperature in Malta ranges from 16°C (61°F) (February) to 28°C (82°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, and October), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
AprMayOct
