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October might fall in Autumn, but in Malta, the weather is still sunny and warm for the most part with only occasional grey, wet days. This means that deciding to visit the island during this month can still be a good idea as you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
By October, the majority of tourists have returned home and even the locals are back on schedule with their busy wintertime routines. Hence, if you visit Malta in October, you’ll get to enjoy the islands without bumping into visitors at every turn. Furthermore, the temperatures are still quite warm, making for a nice late holiday.
Although statistically, the weather can still be really enjoyable, do keep in mind that it can be a bit of a gamble. There’s no guarantee that your chosen week in October to visit Malta will be sunny and warm at this time of year.
Typically, October is a mixture of different types of weather – some days warm and sunny, others chilly and windy, and some grey and rainy. The ever-present high levels of humidity 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 is also still relatively warm and good for swimming, at an average temperature of 22o C (72o F).
Yes, Malta in October is still quite warm. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will get good weather on your visit, but for the most part, October is a safe bet. The evenings tend to be cooler than those of the previous few months, often with a fresh breeze picking up as the sun starts to set.
During this month, the humidity tends to still be quite high, making the cooler temperatures still feel rather warm. The sea is also still warm for those brave enough to venture into its rapidly cooling waves. Always be wary of underwater currents, which can be stronger than they appear on the surface.
Keep in mind that strong, flood-worthy rains and strong winds are quite common in October. This knowledge will come in handy if you’re planning to pass through low-lying areas, such as Birkirkara, Balzan, Msida and Qormi.
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 heavy. Evenings also start being much cooler than in earlier months and sunset occurs much earlier than 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 the island is greatly decreased 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.
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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 while you’re visiting, there are a couple that are well suited for this time of year:
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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 frequenting the beach. 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 the sudden changes in weather expected during this month can mean 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.
October may bring with it colder temperatures and stronger winds, but this doesn’t mean that a number of days are still quite sunny and warm. There are a number of different indoor and outdoor activities that you can do. Here’s a shortlist with some more ideas:
Yes, October is a good time to visit the island. 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 possibly face some days of windy and/or rainy weather, 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 end of the peak 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 on the island 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 the island 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.
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