August is the high-water mark of the Maltese year. The average high at the Luqa station is about 32 C, the average low about 23 C and the sea reaches roughly 27 C, which is the highest of any month in the 1991-2020 records. Everything that makes July pleasant carries on, and everything that makes it demanding does too.
Rain, such as it is
The average monthly rainfall is about 17 mm, on one day. That figure is unusual: it implies that, when August rain comes, it arrives in one burst rather than as drizzle. Most Augusts pass without a drop. For planning, treat the month as dry, and keep an eye on the sky only if you are on a boat.
Water first
With the sea at its warmest, the day revolves around it. The first swim of the morning is easy, the last in the evening just as pleasant. Diving and snorkelling conditions are at their most comfortable, and long swims across a bay are no longer an endurance test.
The cost is crowd density. Popular beaches such as Mellieha Bay and the Blue Lagoon on Comino are busiest from late morning. Arrive early, or head for quieter spots like Dahlet Qorrot Bay on Gozo, a rocky cove with a calmer feel.
August nights
The lowest temperature of 23 C is the warmest of the year. Sleeping without air conditioning is hard for many visitors, and rooms that face the afternoon sun hold their heat. At night, though, streets are alive. Dining outdoors often starts late, and promenades such as Spinola Bay in St Julian’s draw people until after midnight.
The calendar
15 August is Santa Marija, a public holiday and one of the principal religious feasts. The days before it can see celebrations, and on the day itself many shops close. Several towns hold their own feasts around this date. Music events are frequent: Music On Malta, SummerDaze at Ta’ Qali and Glitch Festival are usually held in August, drawing big crowds and changing traffic patterns near the venues.
How to cope with the heat
Do sightseeing before ten. Stone sites such as the Mnajdra Temples offer almost no shade. In the afternoon, choose a museum, a church or a swim. St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the cooler indoor options in Valletta. Drink water steadily, wear light clothing and a hat, and reapply sunscreen after every swim.
If you travel with children, the National Aquarium offers an air-conditioned alternative.
Pack list
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, a sun hat, high-factor sunscreen, sandals and closed shoes for rock, a reusable water bottle and a cover-up for churches. Reef shoes are useful where entry is over rock.
Same numbers, more people
The differences are small on paper. The average high is about 32 C in both months, the night-time low rises from 22 C to 23 C, the sea from 25 C to 27 C, and rain moves from zero to a mean of 17 mm on one day. What changes is the season. August is the month when the heat has had weeks to build up in the buildings and the water, and when everybody who is going to visit has arrived.
Beating the crowds without leaving
Start days early. At the major attractions, the first hour after opening is often calm, and the last hour before closing is as well. Visit beaches at either end of the day rather than in the middle. Choose weekdays for the popular boat trips, and consider the quieter coasts of Gozo and the north of Malta. Reserve restaurants on weekends and around Santa Marija.
Also allow time. Traffic builds on the main roads when many people go to the same beaches at the same times, and parking near the popular bays fills early. A bus or a taxi can take pressure off the day.
The week around Santa Marija
Around 15 August the islands run on holiday time. Church bands rehearse, streets are decorated in the towns that celebrate, and families from across the islands head to the same few beaches. Public transport follows holiday timetables and some small shops close. It is a vivid time to be there if you enjoy local colour, and a trying one if you want quiet. Booking restaurants, boats and parking spots ahead makes it far easier.
Planning point
Book accommodation, car hire and boat trips as early as possible; August fills first. If you can choose, Malta weather in September is the main alternative, with a similar sea temperature and gentler air. The yearly picture is on the weather overview.
