Malta averages over 300 days of sunshine a year and sits in the central Mediterranean, which makes it one of the most weather-reliable short-break destinations in Europe. Summer temperatures reach 30–32°C with essentially zero rainfall; winters are mild at 14–16°C with occasional rain but frequent sun. Here is what each month actually feels like.
- 01Peak summer heat is dry and relentless – manageable on the coast but Valletta's narrow streets feel genuinely oppressive at midday in July and August. Plan sightseeing for early morning or after 17:00, and book accommodation well ahead.
- 02Shoulder season (May, June, September, October) gives 22–28°C, comfortable swimming and far fewer crowds. The best compromise for most visitors.
- 03Winter (December–February) is mild at 14–16°C – cool enough to need a jacket but warm enough to sit outside in the sun. Rain is possible but rarely persistent.
- 04Malta gets roughly 580mm of rain per year, almost all between October and March. Summer months are essentially dry.
- 05Sea temperature stays swimmable (above 20°C) from June through November – a longer season than almost anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Malta temperature by month: full table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Sea Temp | Rain Days | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C | 9°C | 15°C | 13 | Mild, occasional rain |
| February | 15°C | 9°C | 15°C | 11 | Similar to January |
| March | 17°C | 11°C | 15°C | 8 | Warming, mostly dry |
| April | 20°C | 13°C | 17°C | 5 | Pleasant, light crowds |
| May | 24°C | 17°C | 20°C | 3 | Warm, ideal |
| June | 28°C | 21°C | 23°C | 1 | Hot, very little rain |
| July | 31°C | 24°C | 26°C | 0 | Peak heat, peak crowds |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | 27°C | 0 | Hottest month |
| September | 29°C | 22°C | 26°C | 2 | Warm, quieter |
| October | 24°C | 18°C | 24°C | 7 | Pleasant, sea still warm |
| November | 20°C | 14°C | 21°C | 10 | Mild, increasing rain |
| December | 16°C | 11°C | 17°C | 13 | Cool, some wet days |
Averages based on long-term meteorological data for Malta.
January and February
January and February are the coolest months, averaging around 15°C during the day. Rain is possible – these are the two wettest months – but it rarely persists for days at a stretch. More typical is a morning shower followed by a sunny afternoon.
Malta in winter is genuinely pleasant for sightseeing: Valletta, Mdina and the historic sites are uncrowded, prices are at their lowest, and the limestone buildings photograph well in the low winter light. You will need a jacket in the evenings.
Sea temperature is around 15°C in these months – cold for swimming, comfortable for divers who are used to a wetsuit. Outdoor cafe life continues year-round.
Full detail: Malta in January · Malta in February
March
March sees temperatures climbing towards 17°C and rainfall dropping quickly. By the second half of March the weather is often genuinely warm and mostly dry. It is the month the island starts to green up – the countryside looks its best in late winter and early spring before the summer heat browns everything.
March is good for walking, cycling and sightseeing without the summer heat. Easter, if it falls in late March, draws visitors but prices remain well below peak.
Full detail: Malta in March
April
April averages 20°C and sees only around five rain days across the month. Sea temperature is around 17°C – cold for most swimmers but not impossible for the determined. The landscape is still green, wildflowers are out across Gozo and the rural areas, and the main sites are noticeably quieter than summer.
April is one of the best months to visit for anyone combining sightseeing with outdoor activity. The light is clear, the heat is comfortable, and the evening temperatures are pleasant rather than cold.
Full detail: Malta in April
May and June
May (24°C) and June (28°C) are the prime shoulder months – warm enough to swim from June, reliably sunny across both months, and meaningfully quieter than July and August. Sea temperature reaches 20°C in May and 23°C in June.
June has virtually no rain (typically one wet day per month on average) and long daylight hours. The Blue Lagoon and Comino are busy by mid-June but not at the extreme crush of high summer.
For most visitors, May and June are the best months to visit Malta – particularly if heat above 30°C is a concern.
Full detail: Malta in May · Malta in June
July and August
July and August are Malta's hottest months, averaging 31–32°C during the day with lows around 24°C at night. Rain is effectively zero across both months. The Maltese celebrate numerous village festas (patron saint festivals) through these weeks, with fireworks, brass bands and street celebrations.
The heat is manageable on or near the water but can feel oppressive in the enclosed streets of Valletta or Mdina at midday. Plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon; reserve midday for the beach or a shaded lunch.
Crowds peak in August, particularly at the Blue Lagoon and popular beaches. Prices are at their highest. Booking accommodation well in advance is essential.
Full detail: Malta in July · Malta in August
September and October
September (29°C) and October (24°C) are arguably the best months of the year for a combined beach and sightseeing trip. Sea temperature stays at 26°C into September and 24°C through October – warmer than the air temperature in much of northern Europe at the same time.
Crowds drop noticeably after the first week of September. Prices fall. The evenings turn comfortable. October brings occasional rain but still averages only seven wet days across the month.
September is particularly good value: high-summer sea temperature, post-peak prices, fewer visitors.
Full detail: Malta in September · Malta in October
November and December
November (20°C) and December (16°C) see temperatures cooling and rainfall increasing, though neither month is reliably wet in the way northern European autumns and winters are. A typical week in November might give two or three overcast days and five sunny ones.
The Christmas period in December brings festive decorations to Valletta and Mdina. Prices are low, sites are uncrowded, and the mild temperatures make daytime sightseeing comfortable. It is not beach weather, but Malta's historic sites, restaurants and café culture are all year-round propositions.
Full detail: Malta in November · Malta in December
When is the best time to visit Malta?
For most visitors: May, June or September – warm enough for the sea, not brutally hot, and quieter than peak summer.
For beach holidays and maximum sun with no compromise: July–August – accept the heat and book early.
For budget travel and sightseeing without crowds: March, April or October – pleasant temperatures, low prices, good light.
For a city break: November through February – Valletta and Mdina at their most peaceful. Pack a light jacket.
The best time to visit Malta guide goes deeper on the trade-offs between seasons, and the worst time to visit Malta is honest about the downsides of peak August.
Whatever month you choose, Malta's compact size means you can cover a lot of ground in a short trip – the island is roughly 27 km end to end.
Featured image: Mario Paolata / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
