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The weather in Malta in January might be colder, but the Maltese weather staples of sunshine and warmth are definitely still present. Despite probably being one of the coldest months of the year, it is still relatively warm weather.
As a Mediterranean island, Malta is usually busiest and liveliest during the warmer months. January is not known as the most jam-packed month of the year. However, you will definitely find lots of things to do when you visit and you won’t have to face large crowds when taking trips to museums and sites.
The start of the year is usually the coldest time in Malta, with January’s temperatures ranging on average between 10-15o C (49-59o F). Sea temperatures are also at their lowest at an average of around 15o C (58o F).
One of the most surprising elements for people is usually the humidity. In Malta, the climate tends to be very humid all year round, and believe it or not, this can make the cold a little harsher.
Not to worry though as uncomfortable temperatures can be dealt with by turning on air conditioners and electrical/gas heating, and humidity by switching on a dehumidifier.
The short answer is yes, if you’re looking to get sunshine during the darker and colder months of the year, January can be a good time to visit. However, don’t expect summer heat and to be spending days on the beach.
In Malta, the weather can be a bit hard to predict and sometimes, grey days can follow extremely warm and sunny days and vice versa.
It’s common to get the sense that you’re experiencing multiple seasons in a day! What might start out as a relatively warm day can quickly turn into a colder, grey one which might even have strong winds blowing.
Yes, it often is. Dull weather is uncommon and blue skies are still quite prevalent even if it is January. Just bear in mind that Maltese storms can be intense and somewhat violent at times, but they go away as quickly as they come.
Despite January being one of the quieter months in Malta, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of things to do.
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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If you talk about Malta, you will inevitably end up mentioning its stunning beaches. While January is not exactly the best beach-going time of the year, Malta’s coastline can still be enjoyed in other ways than swimming, sunbathing, or doing water sports.
In fact, there’s nothing better than taking a walk along the waterline during a warm day when the sun is shining. Check out my article for the Top 10 beaches for some ideas on finding the right one to take your family to for a fun day out, or your partner for a romantic stroll.
If you’re not one to visit the beach outside of summer, and you’d rather not spend your time at festivals and shows, there’s a number of quiet winter activities you can enjoy doing in Malta during the month of January.
This includes:
The lull in busy life following the holidays is most often a welcome one for people who enjoy exploring places without finding all the sites clogged with large groups of visitors and tourists.
January is the time when most locals get in touch with nature. Warm and sunny wintry Sunday mornings are perfect for taking a hike up one of the various beautiful nature trails (examples listed below).
Apart from that, most locals prefer doing indoor activities like visiting wine bars, eating heartwarming dinners, and spending quality time with friends and family drinking hot beverages to keep warm.
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Sunshine isn’t always a guarantee when visiting Malta in January, but odds are there will be some sunny days during your visit.
A chance of grey skies doesn’t mean that it’s not a good time to visit. In fact, it might be the perfect time if you’re the kind of traveller who doesn’t mind visiting places off-season and exploring when there are less tourists around and the general atmosphere is one of more calm and quiet.
If this is something that sounds like you would enjoy it, then by all means, add January to the top of your list. Cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation, less queues, less crowds, and milder weather to a hot fiery summer. Sounds like the perfect holiday in the making to me!
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If you’re visiting the islands during January, luck might be on your side since, at this time of year, most accommodations will be offering deals and discounts to encourage visitors to book in during the quieter time following the busy Christmas period and preceding the peak Spring/Summer times.
Obviously, one size does not fit all when it comes to what sort of accommodation you look for.
If you’re looking for busy cities where the nights will still be alive and bustling, look for accommodation in places like Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida, and Gzira. Valletta might also be a good spot for you if you enjoy going out in the evenings but would like something slightly more mellow with a gentler nightlife. It’s also ideal if you want to wake up in the morning and visit historic sights and museums, since you’ll be in a central location to most cultural spots.
If you wish to get cracking on walks, hikes and enjoying nature, quieter villages in the South, like Marsascala, or the North, like Mellieha, are ideal. You might even find lodgings in the centre of the island a perfect medium for you to explore all around the island.
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. On Malta Uncovered you can also find a list of the 25 Best Hotels in Malta and the Best Malta AirBnB holiday lets.
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