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Malta in March: Early Spring Weather and Things to Do

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 it’s also right before the big boom of tourists hit. This means you’ll get the best of worlds: weather that is becoming warmer and historical sites and stunning locations that are not overcrowded by visitors.

Better yet, if you’re lucky enough to get some really warm and sunny days during your trip, you’ll be able to do a lot of outdoor activities that you wouldn’t necessarily risk doing in the colder months.

What’s the weather in Malta like in March

Malta in March can be quite beautiful some 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 temperature ranging between 10-17^o C (50-62^o F). Even the sea starts to warm up with the average temperature going up to 15^o C (58^o F).

Of course, this doesn’t mean that the good weather is here to stay 100%. It is not uncommon for the weather in Malta in March to include days with rain showers, strong winds, and lower temperatures. The humidity will also make it all seem a little harsher as it’s at high levels all year round.

Is Malta warm in March?

Malta in Malta is usually always quite warm. Spring tends to start off mildly from 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 hot or scorching. That type of Maltese weather is reserved for later on in the year.

The weather in Malta in March tends to be somewhat more predictable than 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 out as a relatively warm day can quickly turn into a colder, grey one which might even have strong winds blowing.

Is Malta sunny in March?

Yes, the sun is usually a welcome sight during the month of March. Blue skies and bright days are more common, with grey, rainy days being less frequent. Strong winds can still hit the islands, but they often die down quickly.

What to wear and what essentials to pack

Waterproof jackets and boots are not strictly speaking a necessity. However, it’s always a good idea to bring a coat and some shoes that can withstand possible wet weather
Given the fact that rains are not always expected to be extremely heavy during March, an umbrella would usually protect you well and so, it’s smart to have one
Sunglasses are a great idea for when the sun is shining very brightly. If you’re susceptible to easily getting sunburnt, pack up a hat and some sunscreen as well, even if it is of a lower strength
Layers are always a good idea around this time. Extremely thick clothing is usually unnecessary but you’ll be grateful for the possibility of being able to put on a cardigan or a light jacket when the evening comes and the temperature becomes colder

What is Malta like in March?

March is the month when life in Malta starts 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 if the weather is good and warm enough.

Malta is a sunny country, not just when it comes to the 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 peak season and 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 can make for some of the best time for outdoor walks, hikes, and even strolls to the beaches (which are still relatively quiet at this time of year).

Malta Throughout the Year

What to do in March

With the sunnier, warmer days in March come the open-air celebrations that Malta is the perfect setting for. From local festas, to holidays, to other fun social events, there’s plenty going on in Malta in March.

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
Get a bird’s eye view of the Maltese islands with a sightseeing flight – A really unique experience and a great time of year to see Malta at its best.

Events on in Malta in March

St Patrick’s Day – 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 drinks stalls.
Feast of St Joseph – 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.
Freedom Day – Every 31st of March, Maltese people commemorate the faithful day in 1979 when the last British troops left the island and freedom from colonisation was achieved. This day is another national 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!

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

Maltese beaches

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 trip, I would definitely suggest going to one of the picturesque beaches around the island.

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 and you can enjoy a quiet stroll 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.

Other things to do

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:

Going on nature trails such as Xemxija Heritage trail, Selmun, the Marfa Ridge, Dingli, Żurrieq, or Girgenti, among others
Going on open-air bus tours (Hop On Hop Off)
Enjoying a meal al fresco (sitting outside) in places like the Vittoriosa marina or the Valletta Waterfront
Going on picnics at Buskett, Ta Qali’ National Park, or the family park in Marsascala
Sipping cocktails in the sunshine, such as at the Sliema or St Julian’s promenade
Visiting some of the national museums or historic sites, such as the Grandmaster’s Palace (State Rooms) and Palace Armoury and Casa Bernard 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 March a good time to visit Malta?

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 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 bad weather, more activity and life around, and some fun occasions of being to spend time sitting outside without feeling too cold.

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!

Where to stay

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 trip, you can always look towards other forms of accommodation, such as apartments, bed and breakfasts, and single room rental.

Where you stay also depends on what type of holiday you’re looking to have. If you want to be in the heart of it all, 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 complete 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.

Do you have a question?

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