Home » Malta island » The weather » Malta in October
Visiting Malta in October can be a great choice for travellers looking to enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate at this time of the year. The average temperature during this month typically ranges around 17-24o C (63-75o F) during the day.
Although October weather in Malta can still have some cloudy, rainy days, normally, it’s still a great balance with mostly summery weather without the stifling heat. So deciding on an October trip to Malta can still be a good idea as you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
By this time of the year, the majority of tourists have returned home, and even the locals are back on schedule with their busy wintertime routines. Hence, visiting Malta in October means you’ll get to enjoy the whole island without bumping into visitors at every turn. Furthermore, the temperatures are still quite warm, making for a nice late holiday.
Statistically, the weather in Malta can still be really enjoyable at this time of year but do keep in mind that it can be a bit of a gamble. There’s no guarantee that your chosen week in October to explore Malta will be sunny and warm at this time of year.
Typically in October Malta is still quite warm, but ever-present high levels of humidity can exacerbate conditions, making the warmth feel hotter and the chill colder.
But don’t worry. Maltese people are well used to these conditions, and you’ll find both people and places quickly adapt to accommodate any sudden changes, making your stay much easier.
Do, however, keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly in October and that, moreover, windy weather doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a cool day. Hot, strong winds blowing from the South are frequent, and these bring with them grains of Sahara Desert sand, covering streets, cars, and buildings in a fresh coating of brown dust.
On top of that, rainfall in October can happen suddenly and be extreme, often flooding low-lying areas and creating unsafe situations and damage to cars and property. In fact, the average annual rainfall peaks at this time at around 120.7mm.
Luckily, days of good weather are also common during this month, with temperatures averaging between 17-24o C (63-75o F) and an average of 7.2 hours of sunshine daily. The sea temperature is around 22o C (72o F), which means it’s still relatively warm and good for swimming.
Yes, Malta tends to be sunny in October. While it’s not the same type of scorching sun you can expect to face in the summer months, a good number of days will have a lovely, sunny warmth.
Nonetheless, temperatures tend to drop some days, especially when winds are strong or rainfall is heavy. Evenings also start being much cooler than in earlier months, and sunset occurs much earlier than in northern European countries, making the days feel a little shorter.
By the time October rolls around, the locals will have returned to their wintertime routines of school, work, and evening activities.
This means that, especially during daytime hours and outside of the weekend, local historical sites, museums, and entertainment venues will be very quiet. During the evenings and weekends, the hum of life picks up again slightly as children, older students, and the majority of workers will be free to enjoy themselves.
Furthermore, the number of foreign visitors to Malta greatly decreases and you probably won’t be running into too many tourists. Nonetheless, the social calendar is still full of activities, particularly cultural ones hosted by Festivals Malta or Arts Council Malta.
Apart from this, the Maltese countryside will start to flourish again thanks to the more frequent rain showers and less scorching sunshine, making walks and hikes a lovely activity.
Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024!
Malta & Gozo guide book
Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital
Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!
Despite being past the peak of the tourist season, October still offers many opportunities for fun activities, tours, and events all around the Maltese islands. Whatever weather you find on your visit, there’s always lots to see and do around the island.
If you’re considering going on sightseeing tours or day trips while you’re visiting, there are a couple that are well-suited for this time of year:
TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5
TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5
Held on the first Saturday in October, the Notte Bianca is a yearly event held in Valletta organised by the government’s official Festivals Malta organisation. The name is Italian and means ‘the white night’ and is defined by the beautiful lights that make the capital glimmer as people walk around the late-night shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural spots.
Museums, galleries, theatres, and other cultural hotspots put on special exhibitions and performances, especially for the event. Most are accessible for free, providing you with the opportunity to explore and experience many different places in one night.
Due to the popularity of the event, special public transport is organised for the night. These can usually be booked ahead in the weeks leading up to the event since thousands flock to the free event in Valletta each year.
Following in hot pursuit of the first event, Birgufest is typically held yearly during the second week of October and is pretty much the opposite response to Notte Bianca. During this weekend-long event, Birgu is shrouded in darkness and lit only by candles and oil lamps that dot the streets, giving the city a mystical atmosphere.
In the gentle flickering light you’ll be able to enjoy historical reenactments and visit the beautiful churches and museums that open till late. The streets and narrow alleyways are wonderfully decorated and many restaurants and bars are open all night for you to sample their wares. Best of all, the entire event is free of charge.
This event is great for those with a penchant for classic, old cars. Whether you want to participate in the exciting race around Mdina’s narrow streets and stunning countryside or just want to sit back and watch them whizz past – you surely won’t be disappointed by the beauty of these old vehicles.
Visitors to the event can also while away the time by stopping at several cultural spots and activities dotting the old capital city. Another free event you should definitely think about visiting.
First held in 1968, this annual event is long-awaited by yacht owners and sailing enthusiasts alike. The race centres around an exciting racecourse in windy autumn conditions around Sicily, Lampedusa, Pantelleria, and the Egadian and Aeolian islands. Thousands of visitors flock to the Grand Harbour to watch the clear horizon, enjoy the jovial atmosphere, and support the impressive sailors. Best of all, the event is free to attend, and any seaside lover can decide to stop by.
While not strictly an event held just in October, Festival Mediterranea commemorates 7000 years of history and culture in Malta’s sister island, Gozo. The event celebrates Gozo’s culture and art scene between October and December, offering visitors the opportunity to attend lectures, talks, and tours about some of the island’s historic hotspots.
Each year, the programme of events varies and organisers try to incorporate as much as possible of Gozo’s charm, mythology, culture, art, and history. You can attend opera, and symphonic music performances, sample traditional cuisine, watch folk performances, learn about archaeology, and appreciate Gozitan creativity. Definitely not an event to be missed!
Looking for more? Check out my list of 30+ Annual events in Malta and Gozo.
Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!
While the weather in October is cooler than that of earlier months, it’s not unheard of for a good number of people to still be swimming at this time of year. While not many choose to spend a day by the beach, many locals go for a quick dip early in the morning before work or straight after. Visitors to the islands are also often seen enjoying the still-warm waters.
Of course, because October is past the peak season for going to the beach, you won’t find many of the usual beachside commodities available – such as umbrellas and deckchairs for rent, water sports and rides, or even some food kiosks that only operate during the hotter season.
The upside to this is that you’ll mostly have the beach to yourself and not have to worry about squeezing into a tight spot while surrounded by other sun-bathers.
Do also keep in mind that sudden weather changes are expected during this month, and this can mean that your planned time by the beach turns into a spontaneous run for cover! Be especially careful of strong winds and wave currents.
Luckily, as an island, Malta will offer you several different beaches to avoid strong winds and also give you the option to choose between rocky or sandy beaches. The general rule is that beaches in the North tend to be sandy, while the ones in the South tend to be rocky.
Have a look at my list of Top 10 beaches to help make up your mind about what kind of beach you’re looking for.
Depending on the weather you encounter during your October Malta trip, there are several different indoor and outdoor activities that you can do. Here’s a shortlist with some more ideas:
Looking for inspiration on how to plan your trip to Malta? Consult my tried-and-tested Malta itineraries:
Yes, October is a good time to visit Malta. You’ll face fewer crowds and queues wherever you go and benefit from better deals as the effects of peak tourist season fade away. Just be ready to face some windy and/or rainy days, possibly and occasionally some heavy thunderstorms, but don’t worry about it being too cold, as this is unlikely.
Choices for accommodation in October are many. Several places will likely be offering deals to combat the shoulder season. Luckily, you shouldn’t have much of a problem finding a place to stay because of this same reason. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even AirBnBs will most likely offer good availability during this month.
This also provides you with the freedom of choosing where to stay in Malta more easily. If you’re planning on a more culture and history-heavy holiday, somewhere like Valletta would be ideal as a number of historical sites and museums are based here. Plus, you’ll also have the luxury of the main bus terminus being in the city, allowing you to get public transport anywhere else. Furthermore, many pubs, bars, restaurants, and shops have an outlet in the capital.
More shopping opportunities and entertainment venues can be found in the areas around Sliema, St Julian’s, Paceville, Msida, Gżira, and Ta’ Xbiex. This area of Malta offers a busy daytime and buzzing nightlife pretty much all year round.
Places in the North, like Mellieħa, Buġibba, St Paul’s Bay, and Qawra, also offer a lot in the way of food and drinks venues but bear in mind that these places are more popular during the summertime and can be rather quiet in cooler months. The same can be said for localities in the South, such as Birżebbuġa, Xgħajra, Marsaxlokk, Żurrieq, and Marsascala. The places are particularly beloved by the locals but offer a more traditional village vibe than the other more modern, more popular spots.
If you’re looking to have a holiday with lots of relaxation, then I highly recommend looking into staying in Gozo. The smaller island is quieter and greener, offering a rural setting with more countryside views. In fact, apart from the usual forms of holiday accommodations, you could even look at renting a private villa or farmhouse, complete with a pool, for ultimate relaxation!
Read more here: Where to Stay in Malta.
Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you with an answer shortly!
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.
Get the best travel tips from Malta Uncovered delivered to you in bite-sized chunks by email. (Unsubscribe at any time!)
Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!
Get the most out of your visit to Malta with Malta Uncovered guidebooks – full of local knowledge and up-to-date for 2024!