Best time to visit Malta: a month-by-month guide
Malta has one of Europe's mildest climates, so there is no truly bad month — just different trips. This guide uses Malta Meteorological Office averages to show what each month is like for sightseeing, swimming and festivals.
The best time to visit Malta is April to June or September to October, when days are warm, the sea is swimmable for much of the period and crowds are lighter than in high summer. July and August are hot, dry and festive, while November to March is mild and quiet — good for history-focused trips to Valletta, Mdina and the prehistoric temples.
Use this guide with our Malta destination overview to plan which islands and sights fit your dates.
Malta month by month
Figures are long-term averages for Luqa, near the airport, from the Malta Meteorological Office via the World Meteorological Organization. Gozo is very similar.
| Month | Weather/conditions | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 9–15°C; around 14 rain days | Valletta, museums, walking | Quiet, best-value month; rough seas possible |
| February | About 9–16°C | Carnival, sightseeing | Carnival usually falls in February or early March |
| March | About 10–17°C; drying out | Walking on Gozo, temples | Wild flowers in the countryside; Holy Week may fall in March or April |
| April | About 12–19°C; around six rain days | Sightseeing, hiking | Easter processions; shoulder season begins |
| May | About 15–23°C; nearly dry | Sightseeing and first swims | Festa season starts at the end of the month |
| June | About 18–28°C; about one rain day | Swimming, boat trips, Comino | Warm and bright; demand builds |
| July | About 21–31°C; almost rainless | Beaches, diving, festas | Hottest stretch; plan sightseeing early |
| August | About 22–31°C | Swimming, nightlife, festas | Peak season; Blue Lagoon is very busy |
| September | About 20–28°C; first showers | Swimming, diving, Gozo | Warm sea; festas continue into the month |
| October | About 17–24°C; rain returns, around ten rain days | Sightseeing, late-season swims | Good value with mild weather |
| November | About 14–20°C | Culture, food, walking | Low season; boat trips reduce |
| December | About 11–17°C; wettest month (about 112 mm) | Christmas, city breaks | Nativity cribs and Christmas events in Valletta |
How the seasons differ across the islands
Malta: Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities
Sightseeing in Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities works year-round. In July and August, average highs above 30°C make midday walking tiring, so spring, autumn and even winter are more comfortable for history-heavy days.
Gozo
Gozo is quieter and more rural. Spring is best for walking its cliffs and visiting the Ġgantija Temples; summer suits swimming and diving.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is a summer magnet. Boat trips run most frequently in the warmer months and the lagoon is crowded in July and August; May, June and September are calmer, and an early-morning visit helps at any time.
Festivals and events
- Carnival — February or early March, with parades in Valletta and on Gozo.
- Holy Week and Easter — March or April, with processions in towns and villages.
- Village festas — according to Visit Malta, the festa season runs in a series of long weekends from the end of May through the summer and into September, with decorated streets, band marches and fireworks.
- Christmas — nativity displays and seasonal events in December.
Swimming and sea conditions
Malta's sea is clearest and calmest from late spring to early autumn. Lifeguards patrol most beaches in summer using a flag system, according to UK government advice; follow red flags and be cautious of currents. From October rain and wind increase, and winter storms can make boat trips to Comino or around Gozo unreliable.
Weather patterns worth knowing
- Rain is concentrated between October and February; from May to August Luqa averages fewer than three rain days a month.
- Average lows stay above 9°C even in January, so winter sightseeing rarely needs more than a warm layer.
- The jump into summer is quick: average highs rise from about 19°C in April to 27.5°C in June.
- Autumn showers can be heavy but short, with October averaging around 90 mm of rain.
- Summer sun is intense; UK government advice recommends caution in the heat and at sea.
For Valletta's harbour views, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are pleasant year-round, and the Saluting Battery makes a good stop on a cooler day. Underground sites such as the Hypogeum are a good choice when it is very hot or wet outside.
Crowds and prices
Demand climbs from Easter and peaks in July and August, when hotel rates and boat-trip crowds are at their highest. Late April to June and late September to October usually give the best mix of warm weather and value, while January and February are the quietest months. See how much a trip to Malta costs for the official charges and our package prices.
Choosing your season
- History and architecture: October to May.
- Swimming and boat trips: June to September.
- Festa atmosphere: June to September weekends.
- Walking on Gozo: March to May, October and November.
- A short winter break: Valletta from November to February.
Our Malta & Gozo Island Break suits spring to autumn, and the Valletta Boutique Luxury stay works well in any month. If it's your first visit, read our Malta travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Share your dates and a specialist will fit Malta, Gozo and Comino to the season — start with our Malta trip planner.
Sources
Malta holiday packages
Malta · 6 nights4★ HotelMalta & Gozo Island Break
- Valletta walking tour
- Blue Lagoon
- Gozo jeep safari
Malta · 4 nights5★ BoutiqueValletta Boutique Luxury
- Palazzo hotel
- Mdina by night
- Private harbour cruise
