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Visiting Malta in March is a great idea for the simple fact that March is when the Maltese winter starts to come to an end, but is also right for a quiet trip to the island before the big boom of tourists hits the island. This means you’ll get the best of worlds: weather that is becoming warmer and the chance to explore Malta along with its historical sites and stunning locations with fewer crowds.
Better yet, if you’re lucky enough to get some really warm and sunny days during your visit, you’ll be able to do a lot of outdoor activities that you wouldn’t necessarily risk doing in the colder months.
Compared to some other European countries, March weather in Malta can bring along some beautiful, warm days. The days start to get much longer and sunnier, with an average of 7.3 hours of sunlight daily, and temperatures start to rise, with the average high temperature ranging between 10-17o C (50-62o F). Even the sea temperature starts to get warmer, with the minimum temperature going up to 15o C (58o F).
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the pleasant weather is here to stay 100%. It is not uncommon for the weather in Malta in March to include days with rain showers, windy days, and lower temperatures. The humidity will also make it all seem a little harsher as it’s at high levels all year round. That being said, March is a good month to visit the Maltese islands.
Malta is usually always quite warm. Spring tends to start around this time and gradually become warmer over the next few weeks. If you’re lucky, you might even get a particularly warm March, with bright sunshine and refreshing breezes.
Don’t expect it to be scorching hot. That type of Maltese weather is reserved for later on in the year during the summer months.
The weather in Malta in March tends to be somewhat more predictable than in the previous months of the year. It doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t feel like you’re experiencing all the seasons in one day – very warm during the day and cool in the evening.
It’s common to get the sense that you’re experiencing multiple seasons in a day! What might start as a relatively warm day can quickly turn into a cold, grey one, which might even have strong winds blowing and heavy rain.
Yes, the sun is usually a welcome sight during the month of March. Blue skies and sunny days are more common, with grey, rainy days being less frequent. Strong winds can still hit the islands, but they often die down quickly.
March is the month when the Maltese Islands start to flourish. Streets become busier, sites become fuller, and the social calendar starts to fill up with more and more outdoor events.
Even restaurants and bars will dare to put some chairs and tables outside and even set up an area for a spot of live music if the weather is good and warm enough.
Malta is a sunny country, not just when it comes to the good weather but also in character, and you will most definitely see signs of this with the locals.
That being said, March in Malta is still not considered as peak season and is definitely not the busiest time of year. You will still be able to get around and visit places, museums, and historical sites without bumping shoulders with too many other tourists.
Apart from that, the weather in Malta in March is ideal for spending time outdoors with walks, hikes, and even strolls to the beaches (which are still relatively quiet at this time of year).
With the sunnier, warmer days in March come the open-air celebrations that Malta is the perfect setting for. From local festi to holidays and other fun social events, there’s plenty going on in Malta in March.
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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In Malta, this is a huge event. You may not be visiting Ireland, but the Maltese take celebrating this holiday very seriously. Thousands gather in St Julian’s, by Spinola Bay, all ready to party in a sea of green out on the street, seemingly as at an impromptu street party! Music and beer start flowing as early as just before lunchtime and go well into the night. But beware – if crowds are not your thing avoid them at all costs. Roads will be blocked with traffic jams, parked cars, and food and drink stalls.
For those looking to celebrate in more traditional ways. Officially a public holiday in Malta, this day falls on the 19th of March each year, and schools and workers are given the day off. Traditionally, the biggest celebrations are held in Rabat. A perfect excuse to visit this beautiful location while experiencing a traditional Maltese festa, complete with a marching band, nougat and imqaret stalls, and colourful fireworks.
Every 31st of March, locals commemorate the faithful day in 1979 when the last British troops left the island and freedom from colonisation was achieved. This day is another public holiday given to schools and workplaces. Flowers are laid at the monument in Vittoriosa (in front of the marina) in memory of the event. While not strictly speaking an activity, it’s definitely an event that’s good to be aware of. You can even spend the day going around Vittoriosa after a quick visit to the monument!
While this really depends on the particular Sunday on which Easter falls, the Holy Week always brings with it a big flurry of activity in Malta. Festivities start on the Friday before Good Friday when locals celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Processions around various villages are carried out, with the main one being held in Valletta. Maundy Thursday sees most Maltese people gather in solemnity to carry out the Seven Visits at seven different churches and pray together in Mass, where the priest celebrating will usually wash the feet of 12 men, symbolically representing the scriptures.
Good Friday will then see even more sombre processions fill the streets with a select few carrying different statues representing the passion of Christ. Naxxar, Senglea, Żebbuġ and Mosta processions are particularly well-known, but numerous villages and towns carry out their own as well. Many of the statue carriers wait all year for this chance, with several choosing to perform the procession barefoot, wearing chains and a headcover and sometimes carrying a life-sized cross as a form of penance.
It’s also worth mentioning that in the days during Lent and leading up to Easter, several local artists will exhibit their hand-sculpted versions of the passion of Christ at various local halls. The culmination of festivities will reach happy and celebratory levels on Easter Sunday, where several locations around Malta and Gozo will hold a large feast and traditionally ‘run’ in procession with the statue of the Risen Christ. Popular Easter Sunday celebrations are held in Valletta, Mosta, and Cospicua.
Looking for more? Check out my list of events in Malta and Gozo held annually.
The weather in Malta in March can be particularly stunning. If you’re lucky enough to get to experience lots of sunshine and warmth during your vacation, I would definitely suggest going to one of the picturesque beaches around the island, such as Mellieħa Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and many others.
Remember, though, the swimming season doesn’t start just yet, even though some brave people do go for a dip in March. But be careful – no lifeguards will be present on the beaches, and the sea can still be a little bit rough at this time of year, with underwater currents not unheard of.
However, being March, beaches won’t be crowded with sun-worshippers and swimmers as they are in summer, and you can enjoy a short walk or picnic along the coast. If you want some ideas on which beach to go to and why you can always have a scroll through my article for the Top 10 beaches.
Sunnier weather in Malta in March offers endless possibilities for how you can spend your time during your visit. There is so much to see, do, and even taste!
This includes:
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March is one of the most wonderful months of the year to visit Malta. The weather is less likely to be cooking up a storm, and if you’re looking for a getaway to a warmer country (without being roasted in the summer heat), then it’s the perfect time to visit.
Do keep in mind that there is never a guarantee it will be warm, sunny and lovely blue skies every day of your visit. However, the risk of facing cold, grey days is smaller in March.
Apart from that, visiting Malta in March means you achieve that happy medium of more sunlight hours during the day, less likelihood of rain and bad weather, more activity and life around, and some fun occasions of being able to spend time sitting outside without feeling too cold.
Visiting Malta in March means you’re coming over right before the peak influx of tourists and visitors starts. This means that you may still be able to get your hands on some end-of-winter-season deals and discounts, particularly from hotels.
If staying at hotels is not your style or simply not your intention for this holiday, you can always look towards other forms of accommodation, such as apartments, bed and breakfasts, and single-room rentals.
Where you stay also depends on what type of holiday you’re looking to have, if you’re planning a family holiday, solo trip or group trip with friends. Choosing your lodging also depends on whether you want to be in the heart of it all. In this case, I would recommend staying somewhere like Sliema, St Julian’s, Msida, or Gżira.
As the capital city, Valletta could also be considered to be pretty central, especially when it comes to public bus transport. However, do note that the atmosphere and lifestyle is a completely different type of busy than in the towns above. Stay here if you’re looking for easier transport around the island, quicker routes to museums, and a milder pace of life.
If, on the other hand, you’d rather be closer to nature and more rural areas, you can always look towards sleepy villages like Marsascala, Birżebbuġa, and Marsaxlokk in the south of the island, Mellieħa, Qawra, and Xemxija in the north, or Siġġiewi and Rabat in the centre.
Read more here: Where to Stay in Malta
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Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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