Ask ten regular visitors for the best time to visit Malta and expect three or four different months. They are not disagreeing; they want different things. A swimmer, an archaeology fan and a parent with two small children each have a calendar of their own. The numbers below come from the Luqa weather station and a satellite sea record, both for 1991-2020, and the full detail is on the Malta weather overview.
If the beach is the point
You want the sea at a comfortable temperature, and that narrows the choice. The sea averages about 22 C in June, 25 C in July, 27 C in August, 26 C in September and 24 C in October. May, at about 19 C, is fine for short dips; it will not suit long swims for most people.
Within that window, the choice is a trade between sea warmth and crowds. August has the warmest water and the biggest crowds. September has nearly the same water at about 26 C, with air a few degrees cooler and a bit of rain returning. June has the longest days and the almost complete absence of rain, with a sea that is warm enough. For a first beach trip, September or late June is a safe pick. See the month pages for June, August and September. Beaches that suit the season are listed at Malta’s best beaches.
If you want sightseeing
Archaeological sites, forts and old towns have little shade and a lot of stone, so mild temperatures make for long, comfortable days. March to May and October to November are best. April has highs near 20 C and only about 22 mm of rain; May has highs near 24 C and about 9 mm. October is warmer, at about 25 C, but wetter at about 82 mm. Plan April or May for the most reliable mix. In winter, sightseeing still works, with rain contingency; museums and churches cover the wet hours.
If you want to dive
Diving runs year round. The sea is warmest from August to October and coolest in February and March, so the main difference is the suit you wear. Autumn offers warm water after the summer’s heat, while spring is cooler and the sea is at its lowest point. Dive sites around Gozo and Comino, such as the Blue Hole, are worked into most programmes. Winter divers should expect thicker suits and the chance of rough sea closing entry points on some days. Check with an operator for current conditions.
If you travel with children
Families tend to look for a swimmable sea and a manageable sun. Late May and June, and September, hit that balance, with air in the high 20s and no extreme heat. July and August are fine with planning but tiring for small children in midday heat. The school holiday periods raise demand on beaches and attractions, so go outside them if you can. Indoor attractions such as the National Aquarium and Esplora Interactive Science Centre help on hot or wet days.
If budget matters
Demand drives prices more than weather does. July, August and the Easter period are usually the busiest, and the weeks either side tend to be easier on the budget. Winter is typically quiet. This guide has no price data, so compare actual flight and room prices for neighbouring weeks before fixing dates, and read the weather page of each candidate month. A cheap week in November or February comes with cooler weather and more rain, which suits city breaks better than beach plans.
If festas and events are the draw
The festa season runs through the summer, with a parish band, a procession and fireworks on most weekends in one village or another. National holidays add to the picture: 10 February (St Paul’s Shipwreck), 19 March (St Joseph), 31 March (Freedom Day), Good Friday, 1 May, 7 June (Sette Giugno), 29 June (St Peter and St Paul), 15 August (Santa Marija), 8 September (Our Lady of Victories), 21 September (Independence Day), and 8, 13 and 25 December. Good Friday moves each year.
Some events recur in the same months. February usually has carnival, July the Malta International Arts Festival, October Notte Bianca and Birgufest, and early November a book festival. Dates shift, so confirm each before booking, and see the events calendar for what is listed.
If you want to walk
Hiking and coastal walks suit the months when the sun is not punishing: March to May and October to November, with winter on dry days. The cliff paths at Dingli Cliffs and the valleys of the north are best on a bright spring day, when the countryside is green. Avoid long exposed walks in July and August except at the start or end of the day, and always carry water.
If you want winter sun
Malta in winter is not warm, but at 16-17 C by day it is considerably milder than much of northern Europe, and many long-stay visitors choose it for that. Expect rain on about eight to ten days a month from December to February and a sea too cold for swimming. The reward is quiet streets and a full calendar of concerts and exhibitions. See Malta weather in January for a realistic picture.
If you want to avoid crowds
Winter and the shoulder weeks of spring and autumn are quietest. The popular spots, such as the Blue Lagoon, are far calmer in May or late September than in July and August, and early mornings help in any month.
A short decision guide
- Warmest sea and long evenings: August, with the highest crowds.
- Swimming without the squeeze: June or September.
- Sightseeing and walking: April, May, October.
- Mild-weather city break: March or November.
- Quiet winter trip with museums: January or February.
- Fewest rain days: May to August, and the least rain of all in July.
Every month has its own page with the figures and a view of what to pack: March, October, December and the rest are linked from the weather overview. Once you have a shortlist of two months, read both and then check a live forecast before you book anything non-refundable.
