Menu
Menu
I often get asked what the best time of year is to visit Malta. The answer isn’t always easy to give. It really depends on why you’re travelling to this small island nation and what type of Malta holiday you’re looking for.
The short answer that applies to most types of travellers is April, May and June.
Why?
Hard to find dates in these months? You could consider late March as well, although it can still be a bit of a gamble weather-wise as to whether it’ll be an early spring in the making or experiencing the last of winter weather.
If the summer heat is something you long for and actually want for your holiday, you have two options.
1) Go in July, August or September. There’s a good chance you won’t see a single cloud in the sky during your whole stay and you’re guaranteed to get a tan even if you stay in the shade. Yes, it will be busy on the beaches, but not to the extent that it’s likely to be an annoyance to you.
Be aware, though, the further into August/September you plan your holiday, the more likely it is that the rising humidity will bug you. Further into September there’s also a chance for freak rainstorms (signalling the change of season) to cause floods in the lower lying parts of Malta and Gozo.
2) Go in the second half of September or October. Forget about autumn. Malta’s autumn usually comes and goes in a matter of weeks. Temperatures are still around 22-28 °C (72-82 °F), and sometimes even last into November.
If your main focus is exploring the Maltese islands, your best bet is basically any month apart from July/August. December, January and February are usually the coldest and wettest months of the year. One year the weather remains relatively sunny, the next you could be unlucky with cloudy and rainy weather. It’s a bit of a gamble, that time of year.
Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2023!
Malta & Gozo guide book
Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital
Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!
Get the best travel tips from Malta Uncovered delivered to you in bite-sized chunks by email. (Unsubscribe at any time!)
Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!
Get the most out of your visit to Malta with Malta Uncovered guidebooks – full of local knowledge and up-to-date for 2023!
Good, pertinent information, thank you!
Hi, we would like tot come to Malta in the last week of May. What is the weather like there at this time of the year? we have visited Malta previously in July/August which was supper hot and we really liked it but this time we are coming with 2 years old daughter. So we think July/Aug will be to hot but wondering if May is not to cold, specially the sea temperature.
Hi Anna! In the last week of May it’ll usually be warm spring weather, so you’ll likely hit the sweet spot in balance between hot summer and early spring. The sea temperature, however, will still be a little cold even though most locals will take their first dip of the year at this time. mid- to late-June would be a much better choice in that regard.
I wish I would have read your articles before my Malta visit in February, 2019. Though it was not the best month to visit, still way warmer than Finland. I had really great time Malta. I visited few not so popular touristic places. I will remember your articles if I re-visit the island.
Hi Thanks for the details. How about travelling in April , is it too cold for swimming?
Hi Sunil, to the average person it’ll definitely be too cold for swimming at that time still!
Edward is it still warm at the end of September in Malta?
It sure is Chris, often well into October even.
Planning a 7 day trip to Malta in mid February. Is this a good time to go?
Coleen
Hi Coleen, that’s pretty early in the season and unless you’re very lucky the weather’s unlikely to be warm and sunny. “Museum weather”, so to speak.
We’re looking for a beach holiday somewhere warm/hot for our family of 3 teenagers in October 2018. Ideally somewhere that offers some water-sports stand-up boarding, cycling, walking, gym. Will Malta have anything to offer?
Hi Anne, it’ll still be warm at that time of year and watersports are available at a few of the more popular beaches like Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay. Cycling/mountain biking I would only really recommend in Gozo, as Malta’s roads are pretty busy and don’t cater for cyclists much at all. Gozo is still relatively quiet so easier/safer to get around by bike. There are several gyms around in the more popular areas and happy to suggest a few once you decide where in Malta/Gozo you’d like to stay. I hope that helps!
Thank you 🙂
My girlfriend and I are going for a couple at days in late October. Is the island still busy with tourists or will it be a little quieter?
Hi Luca, it’ll be a lot quieter than July/August but the downside is that the weather can be a little unpredictable (even though warm, temperature-wise).
Hello Ed,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Sicily in October. I stumbled upon your wonderful website while doing some pre -trip research, on Malta! I am most fascinated with Malta’s long history and it’s beauty. I would like to include Malta either prior to or after our trip to Sicily. The Sicily tour begins on October 16 th in Palermo, although we were thinking about going to Catania for a few nights prior and then taking a train to Palermo to begin our tour. Your website is very informative, and I so happy to have discovered it!
I am hoping you can help me though, since The details of doing this side trip have me in quite a conundrum!
First, the longest I think we can afford to stay ( based on the accommodation prices would be 4 nights, unless you know some convenient places that are under 135/ night? I had heard pirices in Malta arevery reasonable, but so far the hotel, B and B costs look pretty steep.
Secondly, I’m wondering if you can suggest where we should stay if we would like to go to Gozo also? I’m not thrilled about having to stay more than one place, but we will if that’s the best way.
Third, I have read many mixed reviews about the public transit, but I’m a bit concerned about
where we can park, ( as well as driving on the right side!) the trafffic, and best place to rent a car if we get one? At the airport or once we get to Valetta or wherever we stay?
We were going to also try to visit the small towns in the “boot” of Italy, but I think Malta is going to be our choice instead due to its convenience to Sicily!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Thank you in advance for your help,
Barbara
Hi Barbara, thanks, glad you like the site! I’d need a bit more info (e.g. where you’re looking to stay in Malta and how much time you’re looking to spend in Gozo) though I’ll do my best:
1) Accommodation is often cheaper searching on Airbnb (Added a link that gives you a small discount). Rates will be a lot lower than nearby hotels though you’ll only be able to get self-catering options there, renting directly from property owners.
2) Gozo – First off, I’d only consider staying there if you feel a day trip isn’t enough. For transport a hop on/hop off is probably the quickest/easiest way around though if you decide to actually stay there (and spend more than a day) I’d highly recommend renting a car. Driving there is easy (even if on the right hand side) and public transport generally gets worse reviews than in Malta.
3) Where to park really depends on where you’re looking to stay. Worst places are probably Sliema, St. Julian’s and the Bugibba area at this time of year. If you decide to go for Airbnb you could try and get a place with parking included, that could be an option. Otherwise let me know where you want to stay and I’ll give you an idea. Valletta as such isn’t practical for parking for sure, unless again, your choice of accommodation includes private parking. Otherwise you’ll have to park outside city limits and include a 10-15 minute walk. Renting from the airport or Valletta doesn’t make much difference, though perhaps if you’re nervous about driving on the right hand side you’re better off arranging for a car to be delivered at the location of your stay, which is usually included with the price. I hope that helps!