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The weather in Malta in May might just be some of the best weather the island experiences all year round. Malta in May is the perfect balance between lovely sunshine that’s not too hot and refreshing breezes that aren’t too cold. Rainfall is also uncommon, making this one of the best months in which to visit.
May falls slightly before peak tourist season in Malta starts, so a bigger crowd of both locals and visitors can be expected at all the popular spots. More events are held during this time of year and several seasonal locations start opening up their doors.
Malta in May is a warm, sunny affair with very few instances of rain and cold spells. Of course, no one can truly predict what the entire month will be like, but for the most part, the sun tends to shine most days, sometimes even getting quite strong.
Following the wetter months of the year, May is usually when the Maltese countryside is at its best, with beautiful rolling hills and large squares of green fields.
Evenings in May can get quite chilly as a cool breeze can pick up. Furthermore, a few rain showers here and there are expected at this time of year, although they shouldn’t be too strong, and usually, these wet spells only last a day or so.
The temperature is lovely and warm at an average range of 15-23o C (59-73o F), with sea temperatures being around 18o C (65o F). Rainfall averages around 8.5mm, and sunlight shine for around 10 hours a day.
Yes, Malta in May is definitely warm. Some days are quite a bit warmer than others, while a few here and there are a little bit duller and colder. As the day dwindles to an end, the temperature gets colder and a breeze tends to pick up, giving the evenings and night a cool chill.
Obviously, saying that the weather in May is always sunny and warm wouldn’t be true, as colder and rainy days can always crop up unexpectedly. However, it’s good to note that the likelihood of such days is lower than in the very early or very late months of the year.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the weather can shift to summer heat quite quickly at this time of year, so it’s even more important that you keep an eye out for the weather forecast before your visit in order to pack the right type of clothes.
Yes, Malta in May tends to be extremely sunny and warm, with some days being almost unbearably so. Luckily, it’s still early enough in the year for a slight wind or breeze to be relatively refreshing.
On other days, you might be unlucky enough to come across the rare wet and grey days in May, but these don’t usually last for very long and aren’t very strong storms either. Keep in mind that strong winds are a staple of Maltese weather all year round so any month can bring with it a few windy days.
Malta in May is stunning. The flowers are blooming, the grass is lush and green, and the streets still look fresh from the recent wet months (as opposed to very dry and dusty as the weather gets progressively hotter and drier).
Apart from the weather, the events calendar starts filling up considerably, with more parties, local festi (or feasts), and events happening all around the island. Restaurants and bars will also start spilling tables and lounge chairs in their outdoor spaces and people will flock to enjoy delicious meals al fresco (outside) and sip on cool cocktails as the longer sunlight hours change to sunsets.
Locals, particularly, will happily start swimming this early and the smell of barbecue also starts making its way everywhere until the end of summer.
Malta in May is a brilliant landscape for all forms of entertainment and adventure. The weather allows you to explore nature, enjoy the stunning bays, eat and drink outside at any time of day, and party till the early hours of the morning at the various events. There are several things that you can do at this time of year and you’re sure to find something to fulfil your wishes.
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 May you can visit the St Joseph the Worker feast in Birkirkara (a public holiday around the island with locals getting the day off from school and work), St George Preca in Swatar (the first Maltese saint), St Paul’s Shipwreck in Munxar, Gozo, the Annunciation in Tarxien, and St Anthony of Padua in Għajnsielem, Gozo.
Looking for more? Check out my list of 25+ Annual events in Malta and Gozo.
The weather in Malta in May allows for spending days at the beach to be a real possibility. Warm days with long sunshine hours allow you to head down to your choice of bay early in the day and spend sunning yourself on the rocks or sand.
The sea itself is usually still a little chilly at this time of year, however, several locals and visitors alike feel brave enough to take the plunge and most of them report back that after a while, your body gets used to the water temperature enough to make for a pleasant swim. Do note that lifeguards are not usually around on beaches this early in the year.
If you’d rather not risk getting goosebumps all over, there’s nothing better than enjoying some local food and drinks while you let the warm May sunshine build up your tan.
On the other hand, you can also choose to visit the beach specifically to watch the magnificent sunrise or sunset, or simply to take an evening stroll along the promenade. Breathtaking views are sure to be everywhere you look across the beautiful Mediterranean horizon.
Another stunning spot is the Blue Lagoon in Comino, an oasis of divinely aquamarine waters that is very popular with locals and tourists alike. May is the perfect time to visit as the weather will likely allow you to make the short ferry ride but you’ll also get to avoid the swimmers filling every inch of the beach as they do in later months.
If spending some time by the water during your visit to Malta in May sounds like something you’d be up for, I suggest having a look through my list of Top 10 beaches to help you make up your mind about which one is the best for you.
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May is one of the best times to visit Malta. It’s the perfect weather to explore the island’s nooks and crannies before it gets too hot. Beaches also wait invitingly for you to listen to the gentle waves or brave getting your toes wet (and a little cold).
On top of that, there are some great events that are usually held annually in May. You will find opportunities to spend time both indoors and outdoors, so you can always do what you feel like without missing any of the fun of discovering this beautiful island.
The warm and sunny weather in May means you can make the most out of the green countryside and the dazzling blue sea. You have lots of options when it comes to choosing an activity for the day and the below are just some more ideas:
Trying to find cheap accommodation in Malta in May can be a bit tricky since prices start to go up as there are usually more visitors to the island. This doesn’t mean you should give up, as you can definitely still find some good deals and even a hidden gem or two that gives you your money’s worth, whether you’re looking for the best hotels or for something a little more self-catering.
The perfect accommodation depends on your needs, so I encourage you to have a look around to find whether you would prefer to stay at a local hotel, Bed and Breakfast, AirBnB, farmhouse, or even a single room in a larger property.
Where you stay also depends on what you want to be doing during your time visiting. If you’re looking to maximise time at the beach, I highly recommend looking at seaside towns and villages like Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Birżebbuġa, Mellieħa, Qawra, Xemxija, and even Gozo (Malta’s sister island).
Central locations such as Rabat, Mdina, and Siġġiewi also offer you lodgings that are not seaside, but still in quiet spots that are close to beautiful views and nature. Gozo is also always a great option for a quiet retreat since beautifully renovated farmhouses dot the small island.
People looking to enjoy many different types of cuisines, bars, clubs, and even do some shopping should definitely go for a place in Sliema, Gżira, Msida, St Julian’s, or Buġibba. On the other hand, if you want to be close to museums and also able to do a little bit of everything, the capital, Valletta, is a great place to be since many historical sites and museums have their home here, shops, restaurants, and various bars are within easy reach, and buses that take you to the rest of the island are also here.
Do note that the busier places tend to come with slightly more expensive accommodation, but this really depends on how well you do your research as deals and lucky finds exist all over!
Read more here: Where to Stay in Malta
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