Planning your trip to Malta and want to know what the weather will be like? That's the most frequent question we receive at Malta Adventures. And it's understandable: the climate will influence your activities, what to pack and even the price of your stay.
The good news? Malta is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of about 19°C. It also has one of the mildest winters in Europe: even in mid-January, it's still about 15°C in the afternoon.
This guide gives you all the data month by month: air temperatures, sea temperature, sunshine, rainfall and, most importantly, what to do depending on the season. You'll know exactly when to come and what to pack.
Malta's climate at a glance
Malta enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate. In practice, this means hot, dry summers (June to September) and mild, wet winters (December to February). Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons, often considered the best time to visit the island.
Here are some key figures to give you an idea:
- Average annual temperature: about 23°C by day, 15°C at night
- Sunshine: nearly 3,000 hours a year, and only 63 days of rain all year
- Rainfall: 545 mm a year on average, mostly from October to February
- Sea temperature: around 16°C in January, 27°C in August
- Water above 20°C: from June to November
For comparison, Malta receives twice as much sunshine as London or Paris, even in December. The figures in this guide come from Malta's Met Office, the weather service at the airport.
Temperatures in Malta month by month
Here is the complete table of average temperatures in Malta, with data for air (day and night), sea, sunshine and precipitation:
| Month | Max temp. | Min temp. | Sea | Sunshine per day | Rain (mm) | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.2°C | 9.2°C | 15.8°C | 5.5 h | 79.3 mm | 11 |
| February | 15.5°C | 9.3°C | — | 6.6 h | 69.0 mm | 8 |
| March | 17.4°C | 10.1°C | — | 7.2 h | 39.7 mm | 6 |
| April | 20.1°C | 11.9°C | 16.3°C | 8.2 h | 18.7 mm | 4 |
| May | 24.3°C | 14.9°C | 18.4°C | 9.9 h | 10.3 mm | 2 |
| June | 28.8°C | 18.4°C | 22.0°C | 11.1 h | 5.8 mm | 1 |
| July | 31.7°C | 21.0°C | 25.2°C | 11.8 h | less than 10 mm | less than 1 |
| August | 32.0°C | 21.8°C | 26.7°C | 10.9 h | less than 10 mm | 1 |
| September | 28.0°C | 20.1°C | 27.2°C (2024) | 8.7 h | 59.2 mm | 3 |
| October | 25.0°C | 17.1°C | 25.7°C (2023) | 7.0 h | 77.8 mm | 8 |
| November | 20.8°C | 15.0°C | about 21°C | 6.2 h | 89.0 mm | 8 |
| December | 16.7°C | 11.0°C | 18.3°C | 5.3 h | 84.8 mm | 11 |
Figures from Malta's Met Office (Luqa station, near the airport): 1991-2020 averages; where these are not published, 1961-1990 averages, which are slightly cooler. July and August get 9.8 mm of rain between them. Sea: no published average for February, March, September and October; for September and October, the table gives the reading for a recent year that was warmer than normal.
Sea temperature in Malta
This is one of the most frequently asked questions: when can you swim in Malta? The answer is simple: the swimming season is one of the longest in Europe.
Water is considered comfortable for swimming from 20°C. In Malta, this threshold is reached from June to November, or 6 months of the year. The water is warmest in August, with an average of 27°C — as warm as a swimming pool.
In May, the water temperature hovers around 18°C: it's cool but perfectly manageable for those less sensitive to the cold. In December, the sea is still 18°C, which is warmer than the ambient air temperature at the end of the day — a surprising phenomenon that locals are well aware of.
If you're coming for water sports, the best time is from May to October. The water is ideal for jet skiing, paddleboarding, diving and boat rental.
👉 Looking for an adrenaline rush on the water? Discover our water activities in Malta.
Spring in Malta (March - May)
Spring is the favourite season for connoisseurs. Temperatures gradually rise from 17°C in March to 24°C in May, the sun is generous (7 to 10 hours a day) and the island is still green and in bloom after the winter rains.
March
March is a transitional month. The days are getting longer, temperatures hover around 17°C and showers become less frequent (about 6 rainy days). It's still too chilly for swimming, but it's perfect for exploring the island: Valletta, Mdina, the megalithic temples, the Dingli Cliffs. The best part? Prices are low and there are hardly any tourists.
It's also the start of the party season: the first White Parties, and Paceville's clubs ramping up. Check out our Malta party guide for March 2026 so you don't miss a thing.
April
April is an excellent month to visit Malta. Temperatures reach 20°C in the afternoon, rain is rare (4 days on average) and the island is covered in wildflowers. Holy Week (Easter) is a spectacular event to experience in Malta: processions in the streets of Birgu and Mdina, historical re-enactments and a unique atmosphere.
It's also when the boat party season kicks off. The first trips out to sea start at the end of April, in ideal conditions. Discover our boat party in Malta.
May
May is often considered the best month to visit Malta. It's 24°C in the afternoon, the sun shines for 10 hours a day, there's hardly any rain (10 mm for the whole month) and the water is starting to be warm enough to swim (18°C). The island is still quiet, prices haven't skyrocketed yet and conditions are ideal for every activity: quad biking, Gozo & Comino day trips, hiking, diving, cultural visits.
👉 Discover all our activities in Malta for spring.
Summer in Malta (June - August)
Maltese summer means guaranteed sunshine, warm seas and non-stop partying. But it's also peak tourist season, with the highest prices and the most crowded sites.
June
June is the ideal month for those who want to enjoy summer without the crowds of July and August. Temperatures are pleasant (29°C in the afternoon), the sea reaches 22°C (perfect for swimming) and the party scene gets into full swing: pool parties, boat parties, outdoor events.
It's also the month of Isle of MTV, the free festival organised by MTV Europe in Floriana, right outside the gates of Valletta. An event that attracts around 50,000 people with top international artists.
👉 The month's programme: things to do in Malta in June.
July
July is the heart of summer. It's close to 32°C in the afternoon, the sun shines for nearly 12 hours a day and it almost never rains (less than 10 mm for July and August combined). The sea temperature is 25°C. It's the ideal time for fans of jet skiing, boating and swimming.
On the party front, everything is in full swing: Le Classico at the Sky Club, Bad Bunnies at the Toy Room, Starlight at TwentyTwo, pool parties at Hugo's and Gianpula, and boat parties several times a week. Check out our full events calendar.
Watch out for the sirocco: this hot wind from the Sahara can push temperatures above 35°C for a few days. Stay hydrated, wear a hat and keep out of the sun between 12:00 and 16:00.
August
August is the hottest month of the year. Highs of around 32°C, sea at 27°C, 0 to 1 day of rain. It's also the busiest month for tourists: crowded beaches, peak prices and advance booking essential for popular activities.
The nights are warm (22°C minimum) and the nightlife is at its peak. Paceville's clubs are packed every night and outdoor events keep multiplying.
👉 Book your parties and events in advance — they sell out fast in August.
Autumn in Malta (September - November)
Autumn is Malta's best-kept secret. Tourists leave, prices drop, but the sea is still warm and the sun shines.
September
September is practically a summer month in Malta. Temperatures are still high (28°C in the afternoon), the sea is still very warm (27.2°C in September 2024) — it's one of the most pleasant months for swimming — and the summer crowds have begun to disperse. The first thunderstorms may occur, but they are short and fleeting.
Boat parties and water activities keep running. It's an excellent month for jet skiing and day trips to Gozo and Comino, with fewer people than in summer.
October
October is a transitional month. Temperatures remain pleasant (25°C in the afternoon) and, above all, the sea is still warm: 25.7°C in October 2023, a warmer-than-normal year. The second half of the month can be more unpredictable, with more frequent showers (an average of 8 rainy days).
This is the perfect time to explore the island without the stifling heat: cultural visits, coastal hikes, traditional villages. And prices are significantly lower than in peak season.
As for events, don't miss Notte Bianca in Valletta (museums open at night, concerts, free shows) and Birgufest in Birgu. Discover our complete guide to nightlife in Malta.
November
November surprises many visitors. While it's already cold in the rest of Europe, Malta still enjoys 21°C in the afternoon, with the sea at around 21°C. It's the wettest month of the year (89 mm, 8 days of rain), but the showers are generally short and intense — no continuous drizzle like in northern Europe.
It's a good month for travellers looking for low prices and peace and quiet. Accommodation is at its cheapest and the island gets back its local atmosphere.
👉 Weather, sea and things to do in detail: Malta in November.
Winter in Malta (December - February)
The Maltese winter is short and mild: from December to February, it's about 15 to 17°C in the afternoon, and the monthly average does not drop below 12.6°C.
December
December is a rainy month (85 mm, 11 days of rain), a little less than November, but between the showers the sun still shines for more than 5 hours a day. Temperatures (17°C in the afternoon) are much more pleasant than in the rest of Europe. Malta dresses up in Christmas decorations and the festive atmosphere is warm, with markets, lights and living nativity scenes in the villages.
The sea averages 18°C: too cool for a beach day, but a short swim is still possible for the brave.
👉 The whole month in detail: Malta in December, plus our Christmas in Malta and New Year's Eve in Malta guides.
January
January is, along with February, one of the two coolest months (12.9°C on average), but the term is relative: we're talking roughly 15°C in the afternoon and 9°C at night. Maltese cold is primarily a damp cold, intensified by the wind, which can make it more unpleasant than a dry continental cold. The sun still shines for 5.5 hours a day.
This is the cheapest time to visit Malta. Perfect for culture and architecture: Valletta, the megalithic temples, the Three Cities. And the clubs in Paceville stay open all year round, with premium events in winter like the Hot Pool Party in a heated pool.
👉 Weather, sea and things to do in detail: Malta in January.
February
February is, by a narrow margin, the coolest month of the year (12.6°C on average, about 15°C in the afternoon), but the days are getting longer and the showers are easing off (69 mm, 8 days of rain). It's also the month of the Malta Carnival, a tradition recorded as far back as 1535: five days of costumed parades and floats in Valletta, and a night-time carnival in Nadur (Gozo).
Check out our Malta party guide for February 2026 to make the most of the Carnival and the month's events.
👉 The whole month in detail: Malta in February, plus our guide to the Malta Carnival.
When to go to Malta, depending on your goal
The best time depends on what you want to do. Here's our recommendation based on your profile:
| You want... | Best time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach and swimming | June - September | Sea at 22-27°C, almost no rain, 9 to 12 hours of sunshine |
| 🎉 Nightlife and parties | June - August | All the clubs, pool parties and boat parties up and running |
| 🏛️ Culture and sightseeing | March - May / Oct | Ideal temperatures for walking, not too crowded |
| 🚤 Water sports | May - October | Warm sea, calm conditions, all activities open |
| 💰 Tight budget | Nov - March | Lowest prices, discounted flights and hotels |
| 📸 Best all-round compromise | May - June / Sept | Good weather, sea warm enough to swim, reasonable prices, not too crowded |
👉 Coming to party? Discover our complete guide to nightlife in Malta with all the clubs, parties and events of 2026.
👉 Coming for adventure? Here are our best activities in Malta: jet skiing, quad biking, Gozo & Comino day trips and boat rental.
What to pack in your suitcase
The contents of your suitcase will depend on the season. Here are the essentials:
Summer (June - August)
- Light clothing: shorts, T-shirts, summer dresses
- Swimsuit (essential!)
- SPF 50 sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Flip-flops for the day, clean trainers for the evening
- A chic outfit for rooftop parties (TwentyTwo, Hugo's)
- No need for a jumper — the nights are warm (18 to 22°C)
Spring and autumn (March - May / Sept - Nov)
- Light clothing + a jacket or sweatshirt for the evening
- Windbreaker or light rain jacket (especially in March and November)
- Swimsuit (especially from May to October)
- Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Winter (December - February)
- Warm jumpers and layers
- Coat or windproof jacket
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Note: accommodation in Malta is often poorly insulated — bring layers even for indoors
The sirocco phenomenon
The sirocco is a hot, dry wind that blows from the African Sahara. It affects Malta mainly in spring and autumn, and sometimes in summer. When the sirocco blows, temperatures can rise 5 to 10°C above normal, and the air becomes heavy, sometimes laden with Saharan dust.
This phenomenon is generally short-lived (1 to 3 days). To put the heat peaks in context: Malta's record is 43.8°C, on 9 August 1999, and the thermometer hit 43.3°C on 18 July 2026, a record for the month of July (Malta's Met Office).
Tip: if the sirocco is forecast, avoid intense outdoor activities between 12:00 and 16:00, stay well hydrated and favour activities by the sea or visits to indoor sites such as temples and museums.
Malta Adventures: make the most of every season
Whatever the season, Malta Adventures has something for you:
- ☀️ Summer: Boat parties, jet skiing, parties and pool parties
- 🌸 Spring: Gozo & Comino day trip, quad biking, boat rental
- 🍂 Autumn: Discounted activities, fewer crowds, sea still warm
- ❄️ Winter: Hot Pool Party in a heated pool, Paceville clubs all year round
👉 The Malta Adventures VIP Pass gives you access to the best experiences in a single package.
FAQ: Weather and climate in Malta
What is the best time to go to Malta?
The best time to visit overall is from May to June and in September. You'll enjoy excellent weather (24-29°C), pleasant sea conditions, reasonable prices and fewer crowds than in the height of summer. For beach time and nightlife, June to August is ideal.
What is the sea temperature in Malta?
On average, the sea ranges from about 16°C in January to 27°C in August. It stays above 20°C from June to November, the most pleasant period for swimming.
Is it warm in Malta in winter?
Malta has one of the mildest winters in Europe. In January and February, it's about 15°C in the afternoon and 9°C at night. This is comparable to early autumn in France. It almost never snows in Malta.
Can you swim in Malta in October?
Yes. In October, the sea is still warm (25.7°C in October 2023, according to Malta's Met Office). It's an excellent month for swimming, especially during the first two weeks.
Does it rain a lot in Malta?
No. Malta receives an average of 545 mm of rain a year, mostly from October to February. In summer (June-August), it hardly ever rains. Maltese rain comes in the form of short, intense showers, not continuous drizzle.
What is the temperature in Malta in April?
In April, the average temperature is 20°C during the day and 12°C at night. The sun shines for about 8 hours a day and it rains on only 4 days on average. It's an ideal time to visit the island.
What is the temperature in Malta in December?
In December, it's about 17°C in the afternoon and 11°C at night (14.5°C on average). An average of 85 mm of rain falls, a little less than in November, and the sun still shines for more than 5 hours a day. It's much milder than the rest of Europe.
Is it too hot in Malta in August?
In August, it's 32°C in the afternoon on average, and over 35°C during sirocco spells. It's hot, but tempered by sea breezes along the coast. Avoid the hottest hours (12:00-16:00) and go for water sports and nights out.
How many hours of sunshine does Malta get?
Malta enjoys nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year: 2,954 hours on average over 1961-1990, 3,124 hours in 2022 and 3,020 in 2023. In July, the sun shines for nearly 12 hours a day. Even in December, there are more than 5 hours of sunshine a day, twice as much as cities like London or Paris.
When is the sea warmest in Malta?
The sea is warmest between late July and mid-September: 27°C on average in August. It stays warm in October (25.7°C in October 2023): perfect for swimming.