Best months to visit
AprilMay
May, June, September and October are the sweet spot: warm sea, lighter crowds and air temperatures comfortably in the mid-20s. July-August are reliably dry but very hot with regular 33-35 °C days.
Best for
Beach
June to October — sea 21-27 °C, near-zero rain, full lido and resort service through September.
Hiking
March to mid-May and October to early December — mild 17-23 °C, wildflowers in spring, comfortable for the Dingli Cliffs and Victoria Lines.
Sightseeing
April to early June and September to early November — pleasant 20-26 °C and lighter crowds than the July-August peak.
Climate notes
- Hot dry summer (June-September): one of the driest stretches in the Mediterranean, with rainfall under 5 mm per month and daytime highs of 28-32 °C — Malta sits at 35.9 °N, the warmest classical Mediterranean island.
- Mild damp winter (November-February): 40-90 mm rain per month and daytime 14-16 °C; sea cools to 16-17 °C in February-March.
- Sirocco wind (xlokk): hot dry southerly off the Sahara, most common March-April and again in September; can push temperatures past 38 °C in summer and bring fine red dust.
- Counter-intuitive winter fire risk: bone-dry June-September is when most fires occur, but unusually dry winters can leave grasslands tinder-dry as early as April.
- Limestone landscape: thin soil, no rivers and minimal vegetation cover make heatwaves feel intense — shade is scarce inland.
- Bone-dry July: typically zero rainy days, with August averaging only one or two.
Temperature (min / max °C)
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Regional notes
- Valletta and the Three Cities (east coast): exposed to summer sirocco and heat; sheltered harbours stay swimmable longer into autumn.
- Mellieħa and the north coast: catches more winter rain than the south, with greener fields in spring and the most popular sandy beaches (Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay).
- Gozo: a few millimetres wetter than Malta in winter, with a more rural feel and quieter beaches; sea conditions match the main island.
- Comino (Blue Lagoon): sheltered turquoise water reaches 27 °C in August but the tiny island has no shade — peak crowds June-September.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Malta?
May, June, September and October offer warm sea (20-26 °C), comfortable 22-28 °C air and lighter crowds than July-August when daytime regularly hits 32-34 °C. Spring brings wildflowers; autumn keeps the sea warmest.
Can you swim in Malta in October?
Yes — sea temperature averages 23-24 °C in October, similar to early June. Beach lidos start closing in mid-October and most resort services wind down by the end of the month.
How hot does Malta get in summer?
Coastal areas reach 28-32 °C in July and August, with sirocco days pushing 35-38 °C. Nights stay warm at 22-25 °C. Inland Mdina and Rabat feel slightly hotter than the coast.
Does it ever rain in Malta in summer?
Almost never. July typically has zero rainy days and August averages one or two short showers. Annual rainfall is around 550 mm, almost all of it falling between October and March.
What is the sirocco wind?
A hot dry southerly wind off the Sahara (locally called xlokk). It is most common in March-April and September, sometimes carrying fine red dust. In summer it can push temperatures above 38 °C; in winter it brings warm humid spells.
When is fire season in Malta?
July to mid-September — garrigue scrub and dry grass burn easily, especially during sirocco events. Fires are usually small and quickly contained, but Civil Protection issues warnings on red-alert days; avoid lighting anything outdoors.
Does it ever snow in Malta?
Effectively never. Snow has been recorded only a handful of times in the last century and never settles. Winter lows rarely drop below 7-8 °C.
What is the wettest month in Malta?
November averages around 90 mm and December 95 mm, with most rain falling as short heavy showers and thunderstorms rather than continuous drizzle. Even in winter, sunny days remain common.
Is Malta a year-round destination?
For sightseeing, yes — winter highs of 14-16 °C make Valletta, Mdina and the temples comfortable for walking. For beach holidays the season is firmly June through October.
Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025