When to go to Malta? Climate, seasons and best times

When to go to Malta? To tell you the truth, that’s exactly the question I asked myself before visiting this magnificent archipelago for the first time. Since Malta is just below Sicily and I knew it would be very hot, I thought spring might be a good season—especially with its beautiful beaches, villages, cliffs, and historical sites. I figured I would move around a lot and really wanted mild temperatures and to avoid the crowds.

Because it’s well known that Malta attracts a lot of people in summer, especially for partying. We agree that Malta has a Mediterranean climate, so you can go year-round. It’s only a two- or three-hour flight from France (depending on your departure city), so if you want some sun, some beach, without going too far or breaking the bank, it’s the ideal destination.

Moreover, as you may know, Malta is a fairly affordable trip, whether for plane tickets or on-site activities. In fact, since I spent 13 days in total in the archipelago, I wrote a complete guide on everything to see and do in Malta.

As you’ve understood, my goal here is to best help you decide on your dates (which isn’t always easy, I know from experience!). I will therefore give you the best periods to visit Malta, based on weather, tourism, and the experience or stay you’re really looking for. As I mentioned, I went in spring, at the beginning of April. Honestly, it’s a peaceful period, with pleasant average temperatures, even if the water was a bit cool.

I don’t know about you, but I always look at the seasons and the climate when I prepare to organize my trip on site. For Malta, we have a Mediterranean climate—a safe bet! We’re far from a tropical climate with a dry season and a rainy season. And of course, no cyclones!

As I said, in Malta you can count on sunshine almost all year, with more than 300 sunny days per year. I don’t know if you realize, but it’s huge! Needless to say, rain is rather rare, and generally it really only falls in autumn or winter. In any case, if you love blue skies, good temperatures, swimming and relaxation, you’re going to love it.

Like in any Mediterranean climate, summer is dry and very hot. Temperatures often exceed 35 °C. If you’re on the coast, you’ll at least have the sea breeze to make the heat more bearable. But in Valletta, for example, it can be scorching! Strictly speaking, it is bordered by the sea, but it’s still a city…

In winter, you can expect mild temperatures. It’s really rare for it to be below 12 °C during the day (I specify that because at night it still drops). It’s also for its climate that Malta attracts so many travelers! And even if it can rain in winter and autumn, these are small showers that pass quickly. We’re far from days of torrential rain, haha.

So that you can better visualize Malta’s climate throughout the year, here is a summary table of average temperatures by month for 2024. That way, you can easily position yourself in the ideal period for you, with the climate that suits you best. As you can see, the thermometer always stays positive, haha!

I won’t hide it: in my opinion, spring is the best time to discover Malta. That may be a personal view, but I went there in April and found it perfect. In terms of temperature, it was around 18–24 °C; I moved around a lot—walking in towns, hiking along the cliffs, taking boat trips to swim. In short, I was able to enjoy it to the fullest.

Since I was staying in St. Paul’s Bay on the coast, evenings were cool and breezy, but it wasn’t unpleasant. As for swimming, I’ll admit I didn’t dive in every day, but I still made the most of it. Of course, those sensitive to the cold might feel differently with 17-degree water, but frankly, it’s entirely doable: by staying active, you feel fine and you enjoy it. Moreover, there were very few tourists, so whether you wanted to enjoy sandy beaches, historic sites, or more natural cliff spots, it was ideal: there were no crowds, no huge traffic jams. Except if you’re in Valletta around 5 p.m., but that’s normal—it’s commuter traffic, not tourists. At restaurants during this period: no need to book; there was always space and no waiting!

Something else to consider is that the sun rises earlier and therefore sets automatically earlier than in France. For example, when I was there, it set around 7:30 p.m., whereas in France it was already around 8:15 p.m. The light was great for watching sunsets: we got some really clear days. Plus, even though Malta’s natural landscapes are rather dry and arid, there was still some greenery compared to summer, with many wildflowers. I think it’s really nice to have a bit of greenery among the stones.

As I mentioned, for swimming fans, the water remains cool—around 17 °C. My advice: don’t overthink it, just jump in and keep moving. At first it feels chilly, but you’ll see that after a few minutes it gets much better.

And if you go snorkeling or diving in Malta (our complete guide), they’ll provide you with wetsuits, which help retain body heat and are far more comfortable. As a little anecdote, when I went diving in Malta, they put me in two wetsuits. Yes, it was tight so no water could get in, but I was perfectly fine, haha.

For boat excursions, I took one that combined Comino and Gozo, stopping at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon. There was still plenty of space—operators were already running at full capacity without the summer crowds. If I can give you packing advice: do bring light jackets, especially for the evening, rather long pants, and just a few skirts or shorts for very hot days.

Another small spring perk: Easter celebrations. Since Catholicism is very important in Malta, it’s a lively period throughout the archipelago. There are colorful, animated processions in almost every Maltese village. I was there the two weeks before Easter, and I can tell you you could already feel the atmosphere building around these events.

As you’ve understood, in my opinion spring is the best time to go to Malta if you want pleasant weather without intense heat, lively islands yet without heavy tourist crowds. I truly recommend the months from March to May! And if you want to swim every day without feeling cold, go in May. In any case, I know that’s THE time of year when I will return to Malta without hesitation!

If you feel like a sun-soaked holiday with turquoise water and all that comes with it, going to Malta in summer should please you! To give you an idea, as early as June, temperatures easily exceed 30 °C every day. Clearly, it hardly ever rains during the summer season. I think you’ll spend many days in the water, haha. Between sandy beaches, wild coves, and boat trips, you’ll have plenty to do!

On the other hand, you have to prepare to cope with the heat (or rather face it, haha). In July and August (during school holidays), it can become overwhelming, especially inland or in cities. That’s why Maltese buildings are made of golden stone: it helps keep the buildings cool. Fun fact: in the hotel, I turned on the heating at night (even in early April, haha) because I found the room cool while it was warm outside.

Of course, the water is ideal, around 26 °C. A real treat, like swimming in a large (turquoise) pool. Moreover, it’s also the best time to put on mask, fins, and snorkel for snorkeling!

In terms of atmosphere, Malta attracts a lot of people in summer—it’s high tourist season! Between festivals, bars and nightclubs in St. Julian’s and Paceville, there are plenty of lively evenings. There are also the famous festas in Maltese villages. At this time of year, you can feel the island’s vibe at its peak. And that is reflected in the crowds at must-see places, as well as in the availability of accommodations, ferries, and activities. Think to book in advance if you go in peak summer!

In short, if you want a sunny seaside stay, and especially if you love heat, go for it! I confess I have several friends who went in summer, they loved it, but coping with the heat was still tough! If you choose this period, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the island’s buzz with festivals and parties, if the crowds don’t bother you!

It’s the favorite season of many travelers! It’s a bit like spring. In September, it’s still sunny and warm (but already less stifling than in high season, July–August). The island becomes calm again, the atmosphere more relaxed and laid-back!

The sandy beaches are still as beautiful, less crowded, with water always at 25 °C. You’ll have even more space to swim, snorkel, or even dive (for those who want to try).

October remains a good month: temperatures have dropped but remain pleasant, around 24–26 °C. It’s great if you want to do plenty of outdoor activities, not necessarily water-based. On the downside, there may be some showers, especially if you go late in the month. Again, we’re far from heavy rains, and they stop quickly. But I still advise you to bring a raincoat.

In November, the weather is much more uncertain and capricious! Rest assured, it’s still mild, between 20 and 22 °C. In the evening, it’s much cooler and more humid. Honestly, if you want to travel off-season and take your time exploring Malta, November can be ideal. Personally, I find that autumn—especially September and October—offers a good compromise between mild weather, warm waters, and fewer crowds. If you want to enjoy all the must-sees of Malta while staying calm, visiting Malta in autumn is a very good option!

To discover Malta differently, with beautiful walks and cultural visits without crowds, winter can be a good period for you. Compared to other European countries, winter is still very mild, around 12–18 °C during the day, and sometimes even warmer in the sun. Clearly, you’ll have to forget swimming, even if some brave souls jump in the water in December.

At this time, you’ll be there to enjoy the tranquility of the island. In winter, Malta takes on a whole different face: nature is much greener thanks to the rain. If you really don’t like heat, you’ll enjoy discovering Valletta, Mdina (the famous silent and colorful streets), or more traditional villages in a truly local atmosphere. You can hike at any time of day and visit historic monuments such as the Ġgantija megalithic temples and the Citadel of Gozo: you’ll be almost alone, and it’s true that without the crowds, it must be a whole different ambiance. I find that you appreciate places more when you almost have them to yourself.

That said, in terms of entertainment, in winter Malta is very quiet. We can still note that Christmas is well celebrated with many lights, huge nativity scenes, and Christmas markets. But for holidays, parties, forget it: it’s like swimming.

As I mentioned about everything related to culture, museums, cathedrals, and exhibitions, often in winter, prices are lower, so that’s a plus. I think visiting Malta in winter is a good choice if you mainly like visiting cities, cultural monuments, and taking your time without crowds.

Personally, I still find it a bit of a shame to miss the Blue Lagoon or the Crystal Lagoon (two magnificent lagoons), because it’s not the same in winter. But you can always come back at another time of year. It’s simply another way to enjoy Malta, more authentic.

If you imagine your vacation in Malta between lounging on the beach and swimming in turquoise water, I can only recommend going between June and September. It’s clearly the ideal time to fully enjoy the Maltese archipelago! You’ll literally spend every day, or at least a part of each day, in the water. From June, temperatures rise without being stifling, and the sea warms up: it’s perfect for swimming. In July and August, you’re clearly in the heart of summer: the water is warm, between 25 and 27 °C, the beaches are lively, festivals are in full swing, the sky is blue… in short, you really feel on vacation.

For diving enthusiasts or those wanting to try scuba diving in Malta, know that summer is also the best time for scuba diving: visibility is excellent, the water is calm, the sun is out, and the light play underwater is magnificent.

Even in September, diving remains a very good option. You can dive in many beautiful spots depending on your level, like the Blue Hole in Gozo, which is really famous for that.

As I mentioned, I did my first dive in Malta in April. I was well outfitted with two wetsuits, so temperature wasn’t a problem, especially since it was sunny that day: there was plenty of light, good visibility, and the water was calm, near St. Paul’s Bay for reference. Honestly, I don’t regret that experience at all.

That said, diving or snorkeling in September is also an excellent alternative: there are fewer people, fewer boats, and weather conditions are perfect to explore the seabed without worrying about rainy days, which are extremely rare at that time.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a vacation combining beach, sun, warm temperatures, and water activities, I really recommend going in summer in Malta, or possibly in September. You’ll see, there are plenty of beaches and coves (Golden Bay, Anchor Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha) with translucent waters to discover for a dip and fully enjoy Malta!

I think, throughout this article, you can guess that it’s the quiet periods I prefer. Or rather moments that offer a good compromise between weather and crowd levels. If that balance is what you’re looking for, I clearly recommend spring and autumn. In my opinion, these are the periods most conducive to visiting Malta in complete tranquility.

There are fewer tourists between March–April and October–November. Honestly, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Malta has to offer: the charm of its towns and villages, hiking on coastal cliffs (though not exactly treks, haha), swimming, and more! Honestly, I’d even say you’re more likely to love Malta at those times. Of course, that’s just my opinion, haha!

We agree, Malta is already at its base a fairly accessible destination, but if you want to take advantage of the best deals, definitely target the period between January and March. Since Malta tends to “hibernate” atmosphere-wise at that time, flights are much cheaper, and accommodations as well. To tell the truth, sometimes you find accommodations at half the summer prices: it’s really worth it!

Honestly, if you want to discover the island another way and without breaking the bank, winter will be clearly the best time. Of course, as I said just above, it’s still winter: it’s cooler, landscapes are greener, and there aren’t many people. Plus, most tourist places remain open all year round.

Moreover, there are often more advantageous offers, even for tours, at that time of year. So clearly, if you want to travel cheaply between January and March, you should do very well, even at the last minute! To go further and give you a better idea of the budget to plan for your trip to Malta, regardless of the period, I wrote you a detailed article where I share all my practical advice!

Well, no surprise: if you come to Malta to party or enjoy more traditional events, summer is when you need to come. From June to September, the whole archipelago lives to the rhythm of concerts, local festas, and festivals. For a more authentic side, it’s also at this time that each village organizes its own festa, with colorful processions, markets, and a truly local atmosphere.

For concert and party lovers, know that there are major events like Isle of MTV Malta, a free open-air concert in July, the Malta Jazz Festival in Valletta, and the Glitch Festival for electronic music fans. Among all these concerts, there are also quite a few showcases by English-speaking but also French-speaking artists, so I advise you to check the programs to choose the right time, especially if your favorite artists come to Malta.

Know that even in February, there are events, notably the Malta Carnival, which is quite popular, especially on the island of Gozo. But clearly, to be frank: if you want to come to Malta when it’s lively, when there’s atmosphere, crowds, and plenty to party without breaking the bank (because yes, partying in Malta is really not expensive), plan your trip between June and September. And of course, remember to check the schedule of events and concerts that interest you most: I bet you’ll have a great time!

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I’ll stop here for this article on when to go to Malta. I hope this will help you plan your trip to Malta based on climate, seasons, and your desires! Keep in mind that Malta is a destination that can be visited year-round thanks to its very pleasant, purely Mediterranean climate (always mild temperatures!). That’s also why Malta attracts so many travelers! It makes me want to go on vacation again, but again in spring or autumn for sunny days with few tourists, haha!

Always with the idea of helping you organize your stay in Malta, I recommend checking our articles on travel itineraries in Malta and on how to get around in Malta. I think it will save you time! And let’s face it, organizing is not the most fun part, haha.
Alright, I’ll see you soon for new articles on the Maltese archipelago!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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