Best Time to Visit Malta

One island, one climate

Malta is small, so you won't find big weather differences between places. Valletta, the capital, is our only listed city, and its weather is close to what you'll get in Sliema, Mdina or the beaches in the north. Gozo, the quieter sister island, feels much the same. The ferry from Ċirkewwa takes about 25 minutes.

Our data puts the best months at May to September. August is the hottest at 28°C. October is the wettest at 88 mm, so autumn starts to turn grey and showery.

Summer and the shoulder months

May and June are the sweet spot if you want swimming and sightseeing without the worst heat. Walking Valletta's steep streets is easy. The sea is cooler than in late summer, but fine for a quick dip at Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay.

July and August are hot and busy. Valletta's stone streets hold the heat, so wander the Upper Barrakka Gardens in the morning and spend the afternoon on a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. That's an island between Malta and Gozo. It gets packed, so go early or late in the day.

September is a smart pick. The sea is at its warmest, and crowds thin out a little.

Events, holidays and low season

Malta's calendar is full of village festas. These are saints' day parties with brass bands, street decorations and fireworks. Most happen between June and September, and you'll hear them before you see them. Carnival in Valletta and Floriana comes in February, with colourful floats. Holy Week in March or April brings solemn processions, especially in Żebbuġ and Valletta. Christmas is also a big deal here.

Shops and some sights close on national holidays like Republic Day on 13 December, so check opening times then.

Low season runs roughly from November to March. It's cooler and wetter, and some beach businesses shut. But if you love history and want Valletta's churches and museums without queues, it's a good time to come.