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Malta in February: Weather and Colourful Celebrations

To describe the weather in Malta in February, the Maltese have a saying: “Frar fawwar jimla l-bjar”. Roughly translated, it means that February fills everything with rain. Despite this old wife’s saying, the weather in February is not always wet. It is, however, colder than most other months of the year and tends to be wetter and windier.

You will still get quite a few days of sunshine in Malta in February if you’re lucky, but don’t expect sunny days to be the norm. More importantly, whatever the weather you will always find fun activities to do in Malta in February, especially since this time of year is quieter and you will face fewer crowds on your visits to sites.

What’s the weather in Malta like in February

February in Malta is still considered to be one of the coldest months of the year. Temperatures during this time range on average between 9-15^o C (49-59^o F), while sea temperatures are usually around 15^o C (58^o F).

This might not seem too extreme for you if you’re visiting from a much colder climate. However, do keep in mind that the strongest weather element in Malta is the humidity. This will make temperatures feel even colder than they actually are.

Luckily, gas and electric heating is very common all around the island as it’s pretty much a necessity. You will also be able to deal with the humidity by turning on a dehumidifier to help absorb the excess moisture in the air.

Is Malta warm in February?

Yes, the weather in Malta in February is pretty warm, especially compared to most other countries during the winter months. This doesn’t mean that we don’t get cold days, windy days, or wet days.

In fact, you can experience all of the above in a short visit of a few days. The weather in February can be quite tricky as it can change unpredictably and all at once.

Is Malta sunny in February?

It’s pretty common to have lovely sunny days in Malta in February. Bad storms are uncommon, but not unheard of. Luckily, horrible weather in Malta usually goes away as quickly as it comes.

What to wear and what essentials to pack

Definitely get a rainproof coat and waterproof boots or shoes. Storms are not the norm, but trust me, when it rains in Malta it floods. Always better safe than sorry (that you’ve ruined your perfectly new suede boots)
Clothes that you can layer. It’s best to be able to take things off and put them back on again as your body adjusts to the temperature in Malta in February. Switching between feeling cold and warm is perfectly normal
Thermal clothing might be useful, especially if you are expecting a few cold days during your trip, and if you are a person who tends to feel cold easily
Packing an umbrella is also a smart idea. While you will have your rainproof jacket and boots, it’s still smart to get an umbrella – just make sure it can withstand strong winds

What is Malta like in February?

February is the month when Malta starts reviving a little following the lull of the first month of the year. It’s a short month, there are plenty of events cropping up on the horizon, and the days start to get slightly longer.

Locals usually spend February enjoying hearty dinners at lovely restaurants, visiting bars and pubs with friends, and spending quality time with family by going out for walks and hikes in the lovely Maltese countryside on warm and sunny weekend days.

Best of all, Malta in February is still not classified as peak tourist season and so, all the major historical sites and museums will be open but not overwhelmingly filled with large groups of tourists and visitors.

Malta Throughout the Year

What to do in February

February might be a short month, but it’s definitely not lacking in social events you can be a part of during your visit.

Recommended tours

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:

Tour Gozo with Yippee, the best option to explore Malta’s sister island. Your options are:
1. Chauffeured/guided Tuk-tuk tours
2. Self-guided tours by Quad bike

TIP: Use coupon code MALTA5 for 5% off at Yippee!

Explore Valletta’s Harbours with this boat tour
Visit Malta’s major attractions and museums with this combo pass, including bus and boat hop-on-hop-off
Majestic Valletta Half Day Tour – Experience the attractions of Valletta on foot and with a knowledgeable, experienced guide
Night Tour through Valletta, Mosta and Mdina – a 4-5 hour tour showing you the cities as they are illuminated in the evening and nighttime
Blue Grotto and Sunday Market at Marsaxlokk Fishing Village – get close to the Mediterranean by getting guided through sea caverns and strolling the fresh fish stands at the local market
Explore Valletta with this 3-hour walking tour which combines the major sights with some of the tastiest traditional street food in the city.
Malta’s 3 Cities Tour and Wine Tasting – visit and learn about these three most historic cities and finish off with a taste of local Maltese wine.

Maltese beaches

Malta’s coastline is a sight to behold whatever time of year you’re visiting. While the sea is still quite cold in Malta in February, there’s nothing to stop you from having a stroll along the promenade on a warm, sunny day. Trust me, there’s nothing better than being out in the Maltese winter sunshine.

If you’re still wondering how the beaches of an island famous for its summer can be enjoyed during winter, have a look at my article for the Top 10 beaches for some ideas on the best spots year-round.

Other things to do

Malta in February might seem like a busy, colourful time of fireworks, music and celebration, but if you would rather have a quiet winter break, you will still find plenty to do.

This includes:

Going on nature trails such as Buskett, Wied Gћollieqa Nature Reserve, and Majjistral Park among others
Taking Segway Tours to explore the islands
Having a hearty meal and a drink
Visiting a few of the national museums or historic sites, such as La Sacra Infermeria, Bir Mula Heritage Museum, the Domus Romana, and Fort Rinella among others.

Need a Malta guidebook?

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

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Is February a good time to visit Malta?

February is an amazing time to visit Malta if you’re looking for a mild winter trip but are willing to risk a few days of possible rain and bad weather.

You won’t be disappointed if you do decide to chance it. It’s the perfect time to visit since it’s during the off-season period and the islands will be quieter, less congested with visitors, and the weather much less stifling and unbearably hot.

Apart from this, you will also probably get to benefit from cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation, fewer queues for things and fewer crowds.

Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?

Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!

Events on in Malta in February

The feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck (Feb 10th) – As you probably know, Malta celebrates having a strong Roman Catholic faith and that all started when St Paul was stranded on the island in 60 A.D. The Maltese still commemorate this moment through a public holiday on the 10th of February each year. Despite not being peak festa season, you will still be able to experience the excitement of a proper Maltese festa if you’re visiting around this time. Valletta is the hub of the celebrations, with traditional processions, band marches, music, fireworks, and food being available
The Valletta Carnival – February is known as Carnival month in Malta. Every year, for the final few days before Lent starts, the streets in Valletta erupt in a celebration of colour, music, and comedic (or satirical) floats with dancers taking to the streets to perform and parades. Everyone puts on colourful costumes and joins together for a fun few days of celebration for all the family
Nadur Open Air Carnival – Gozo has its own spin on Carnival time. Celebrated during the same period of time, this carnival is usually described as being spontaneous, with less colourful floats and more satirical messages being passed through the people’s costumes and slow-moving vehicles. Not a family event, but definitely one for grown-ups who want to enjoy a fun, lively atmosphere in an unusually themed setting. Do beware that this is an event that thousands attend each year – be prepared to spend hours waiting in the queue for the Gozo ferry and even in Gozo, places get pretty crowded around this time. In fact, if you plan on going, book accommodation well in advance if possible.

Looking for more? Check out my list of 25+ Annual events in Malta and Gozo.

Where to stay

Luckily for those visiting, Malta in February is not a peak period of the year for tourists. This means that if you’re coming over during this time, you will probably be able to benefit from special deals and discounts at various hotels in Malta as well as AirBnBs.

Depending on what type of lodgings you’re looking for, you’ll surely be able to find something to suit your needs.

People who enjoy nightlife and busy city life will do well to look for accommodation in locations such as Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida, or Gżira.

Valletta is a wonderful spot to be in since it’s the capital city. Day and night, it’s always bustling with life and activity, but on a more mellow scale than the above towns. Perfect if you want to spend your daylight hours going to various museums and historic sites and your evenings being entertained.

For people who prefer to be closer to nature, coastal villages like Marsaxlokk, Birżebbuġa, and Marsascala in the South, and Mellieħa, Buġibba, and St Paul’s Bay are great. More rural locations are also worth having a look at, such as Siġġiewi and Rabat.

If you’d like some more help with finding where to stay, you can have a look at my article detailing tips and suggestions on where to stay during your visit.

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