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August in Malta is usually the hottest time of the year and the peak of tourist season, with many locals and visitors choosing to take their summer holiday on the island at this time.
The month tends to be full of very hot, sunny days, with slightly cooler evenings. As with any weather, there is never a 100% guarantee of no rain showers, but these rarely last for very long.
You should expect large crowds of tourists everywhere you go and for entertainment and cultural venues to be packed, as well as public transport and beaches to be under strain.
That being said, August is a beautiful time to visit Malta as the sun shines warmly, the beautiful sea waves encouragingly, and opportunities for enjoying delicious food and drinks and good music are everywhere. Better yet, you can spend all the time you want outdoors without having to worry about bad weather ruining your plans.
Do note that the hot weather can at times become unbearable, particularly during one of the frequent heatwaves. If you’re not sure you can handle high humidity and stifling temperatures, it might be best to avoid the summer season completely and opt for warm months with gentler temperatures.
August weather in Malta is very warm, with some days being unbearably hot. High levels of humidity make the temperature feel much higher than it actually is and give a general sense of ‘airlessness’ and stickiness to the air. The frequent heat waves that hit the islands throughout the month also contribute to this.
Don’t let this stop you from visiting Malta in the summertime. Luckily, the locals are used to dealing with these extremes and pretty much every indoor spot is well equipped with air-conditioning systems and electrical fans. Outdoor venues are kept cool with a variety of awnings, tent structures, large electrical fans, and even some systems which spray cool mist into the air.
It’s also important to note that local authorities encourage people to stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00 while also keeping well hydrated with water.
Hydration is particularly important as you often find yourself needing to drink a lot more than you usually do, so you should always aim to have water with you wherever you go. It’s also a good idea to drink more than you think you might need, since you will be losing a lot of salts and minerals from the perspiration on your skin. Dehydration is a big medical issue for several people, including locals, during the summer.
Keep in mind that during heatwaves, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to soar well into the 30o C (86o F), sometimes going over 40o C (104o F). UV rays also climb up the scale considerably in August.
With an average of 11.4 hours of sunshine every day, August has some of the longest days of the year. Don’t forget to protect your skin and head during these hours. On the other hand, rainfall averages around 8.7mm during this month, and is usually to be expected towards the middle or end of the month.
Temperatures average between 22-31o C (71-87o F) but don’t forget that humidity and heat waves will make the heat feel worse. Luckily, the sea is at a temperature of around 26o C (78o F), so you can count on the waters to cool you down and a refreshing sea breeze to ease the evenings.
Yes, Malta in August is at its hottest. Long hours of sunshine, high temperatures, high levels of humidity, and frequent heat waves pushing the temperature even higher all contribute to the famous Maltese summer.
Fortunately, gentle sea breezes help cool the evenings and nights, while the Mediterranean sea is perfect for a refreshing swim.
Towards the middle of the month, some rain showers might start to fall but these usually don’t last long at all. The chance of getting strong rain showers increases slightly the closer you get to the end of the month, but it’s still not something to worry about.
UV rays are also very high during summertime, so it’s important to protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Yes, definitely. A small risk of rain in the second half of the month still doesn’t stop August from being one of the sunniest months of the year. With the longest hours of sunshine recorded, you can start your day of exploring early and spend well into the late evening enjoying yourself.
Powerful, warm winds blowing over from North Africa can bring with them stronger heat and a cloud of brown, sandy dust from the Sahara desert. It’s quite normal to see streets, cars, and even buildings covered in a light coating of brown dust. Just make sure to wear sunglasses if you’re walking in it, as getting some in your eyes can be very painful and unpleasant.
Malta in August is at the height of activity. Tourists and locals alike find several ways to keep busy and enjoy themselves during the summertime and everywhere you go, there will be a buzz of energy and life.
From little children wading in the shallow pools at the beach, the young people drinking in bars, the adults enjoying great food and wine, and to the older generation sitting on chairs outside their front doors, everyone in Malta seems to find a way to enjoy the outdoors during summertime.
Malta in August is truly something to experience as the whole island comes to life and fun events and activities are in full swing in every spot. There is definitely a lot to do and depending what you wish for, you’re sure to find something to please you.
The main difference in the country’s landscape is that by this point in the year, the greenery has dried up due to the strong heat and sunshine, and so, the Maltese countryside is rather yellow, dusty, and dry. Luckily, the stunning sea blues make up for this and you don’t need to worry about hiking through trails since it’s somewhat unwise to do so in such strong heat.
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While Malta is well-known as a summer destination with beaches and outdoor parties galore, there are still plenty of things to do around the island during the summertime.
It’s important to keep in mind that it might be best for you to adjust any plans to follow the local authorities’ suggestions of keeping out of the sun between 10:00 and 16:00.
If you’re considering going on sightseeing tours while you’re visiting, there are a couple that are well suited for this time of year:
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Summertime weather is the best time to spend days at the beach. Due to the hot temperatures, practically any time of day is suitable for swimming (with caution during the strongest hours). If you prefer avoiding the crowds and the peak of the day’s heat, taking an early morning swim is best. Evening-time swimming is also cooler as the sun will start losing its strength. However, you might encounter those who go for a dip after work or those who are choosing to have a barbecue or a drink at this time.
On the other hand, if you want to have the full experience of going to the beach – tanning, cooling down in the water and enjoying the heat, then a mid-day trip might be best for you. Keep in mind that most people will want to do just this and beaches fill up pretty fast and can get very cramped.
Do keep in mind that the local authorities recommend staying indoors and in the shade as much as possible between 10:00 and 16:00 since it can get so hot. You should also never risk not taking sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and preferably a beach umbrella. Don’t underestimate how strong the Maltese summer sun can be, especially to those not used to it.
Luckily, being an island, Malta offers different beach options and you’re sure to find one (or several) that you like. Whether you prefer a rocky beach or a sandy one, or whether you want to find a popular spot or a secluded one, there’s a long list of beaches from which you can choose.
As a general rule, beaches in the South of the island tend to be more popular with locals, while the further north you go, the more the mix of locals and tourists you will find. At the same time, the North is where there is the largest concentration of big, sandy beaches. Places like Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Bay), and Armier Bay are prime examples.
Rocky beaches and more secluded spots are more easily found in Southern villages such as Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Delimara, Birżebbuġa, and Xgħajra, among others. The Blue Grotto in Żurrieq is also a lovely spot in the South, but it’s quite a popular bathing area so crowds might be an issue.
On the other hand, beaches in Gozo are also quite stunning but same as with the main island, some are more popular than others, such as Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Marsalforn, Dwejra, Mġarr ix-Xini, and ir-Ramla l-Ħamra. For quieter locations you will have to do some more thorough research and maybe speak to locals who have the best knowledge of hidden spots.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous sea in the whole of the islands. Its divine aquamarine beauty cannot be denied, but hordes of people flock to it during the summer, filling every inch of the beach. If this doesn’t appeal to you, I suggest giving it a miss and visiting during the off-peak season.
Have a look at my list of Top 10 beaches to help make up your mind about what kind of beach day experience you wish to have.
Even though you’re visiting the country at the height of summer, you might want to do some other things than just spending all your time at the beach. Don’t let the heat deter you from exploring, as there are plenty of interesting indoor places to visit and activities which can be done in the evenings. Here are some more ideas of things you can do:
August is a good time to visit Malta, but keep in mind it’s the hottest time of year, and also peak season, which can make it busy in places like beaches and attractions.
Malta in August is a haven of fun activities, most of which are outdoors or beachside. You’ll have options for aquatic activities galore – from swimming and sunbathing to snorkelling, diving, wind sailing, and even going for water rides. This keeps both your young ones entertained, as well as yourself since it’s great fun to cool off and enjoy the day at the beach.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to travel around and explore the country without worrying about bad weather or seasonal places being closed. Several museums and historical sites are open and entertainment venues such as restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs are usually overflowing with revellers until the early hours of the morning.
There are also many outdoor events and festivals being held throughout August, thanks to the pretty reliable weather allowing for plans to go ahead.
Since August is right in the middle of peak tourist season, places of accommodation for these times are usually pre-booked very early on and late finds tend to come at a high price. It’s important to do your research well when you’re looking for a place to stay and booking as soon as you know the dates of your trip will help you to avoid disappointment.
There are several hotels around the island, which offer various levels of amenities and luxuries and come at a wide range of prices to match. The same can be said with regard to bed and breakfasts, AirBnBs, flats, farmhouses and anything else in between. Fortunately, in this day and age, most lodgings are equipped with air-conditioners or at least electrical fans, making dealing with the summer heat much easier.
Most importantly, you need to decide which location would be best for you to stay in when considering how you plan on spending your time in Malta. While the island is quite small, traffic can be a nightmare, as is travelling by public transport for long distances due to the sheer number of people visiting in the summer. Staying in a spot that is midway between most areas you wish to visit is a smart decision that will make your travelling less stressful and more efficient.
Valletta is a good place to be if you want to explore many different places. This is because the main bus terminus is there, with buses to every part of the island. You’ll also be within walking distance of several venues, restaurants, pubs, bars, museums, historical sites, and high street shops. Do make a note of the fact that some of the beaches, particularly the popular sandy ones, are a long bus ride away, up in the North of the island.
Marsascala, Marsaxlokk and Birżebbuġa are some of the places in the South of Malta which offer accommodation in quiet villages. It’s relatively easy to travel around this area and you can find some great offerings of restaurants, bars, and beaches.
Similarly, you will find towns and villages that offer the same up on the other side of the island. Places like Qawra, Mellieħa, Buġibba, Xemxija, and St Paul’s Bay are all good choices.
The main hub of activity is around the Paceville, St Julian’s, Gżira, Sliema, Msida, Pembroke, and Ta’ Xbiex areas. Here, the streets are filled with popular brands, high street shops, upper-scale restaurants and bars, nightclubs and all sorts of entertainment activities. You’ll also find rocky beaches and long stretches of promenade where to take a stroll and stop for an ice cream or a cool juice. Not surprisingly, these towns are also the ones that come with the highest price tag.
Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, is a great option for those wishing to have a quiet, retreat-type holiday in more traditional villages against a rural backdrop. Here, you also have several great options to rent a farmhouse or villa with its own large outdoor area that often includes a swimming pool.
Read more here: Where to Stay in Malta.
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