Start with the morning. In November the day begins near the average low of 14 C, grey light over the harbour, and the first coffee is taken indoors or in a sheltered spot. By eleven the sun, if it is out, has taken the edge off, and the afternoon can reach the average high of about 21 C. By six the light is already low.
Rain: the second-wettest month
Rainfall at the Luqa station averages about 88 mm over roughly nine days, the second-highest of the twelve months. The pattern matters more than the total. Autumn rain comes in fronts, with a few days of unsettled weather followed by clear spells. If the forecast looks poor for Tuesday, move the outdoor plan to Thursday.
Afternoons: the warm part
On a clear afternoon the island feels like early summer’s last stand. A walk out along the promenade at Sliema in shirt sleeves is realistic, and the sea at about 21 C (satellite surface record, 1991-2020) is cool but not unthinkable. Some visitors take a quick dip; most are happy to paddle.
Evenings: layers
Once the sun goes, the temperature drops quickly and the damp air makes it feel cooler. A sweater or jacket is needed, and restaurants offering indoor tables become more attractive. Dark comes early, so plan evening transport in advance.
What is on
Early November is busy: SiGMA Europe, a large iGaming gathering, usually takes over hotels around the MFCC in Birkirkara, and the Malta Book Festival normally runs in Ta’ Qali in the same week. Mid-month the Malta Metal Weekend has been held in St Julian’s. No public holidays fall in November. If you are travelling for sightseeing, avoid conference dates or book accommodation early.
A sensible November itinerary
Plan three kinds of day and swap them as the weather decides.
A bright day: Gozo. Take the ferry, visit the Ggantija Megalithic Temples, the Ta Pinu Basilica and the cliffs at Dwejra. Dwejra’s Inland Sea is a short walk from the car park.
A mixed day: Valletta, with a plan that moves between roofs and streets. Start at Upper Barrakka Gardens, then step into the Grandmaster’s Palace, and take the Triton Fountain on the way out.
A wet day: the National Museum of Fine Arts or the Malta Aviation Museum, with lunch in between.
What to pack
Layers, a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, shoes with grip and a small backpack for shedding clothing. Swimwear only if you intend to try the water.
Four degrees down again
The air drops about four degrees at the high (25 C to 21 C) and about four at the low (18 C to 14 C). The sea falls from 24 C to 21 C. Rainfall rises slightly, from 82 mm to 88 mm, and rain days from about seven to nearly nine. Autumn has fully arrived, and from here the numbers keep moving the same way into winter.
Who November suits
November suits travellers who want culture and calm. It works for a long weekend of museums, a few walks and good food; it works for people who want to see the islands without summer crowds; and it works for those who need a break from northern winter that is still somewhat mild. It suits beach-focused trips less well, because the weather can be changeable and the sea is cool.
Using the daylight
Dusk arrives early in November, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the middle of the day and indoor activities for late afternoon. If you drive on unlit country roads, do it in daylight. Check closing times for gardens and archaeological sites, which may shut earlier in the shorter days.
Practical rhythm
Breakfast on the later side, outdoors at midday and early dinner indoors is the pattern that works. Check museum and garden closing times, because many shut earlier in autumn. Keep a pair of dry shoes in the bag, since pavements and steps stay wet after rain. If you plan a drive to the west coast for the sunset, set off with time in hand, as the sun drops fast and the light fades before many people expect it. In the south, harbour restaurants remain a good option when the wind is down, with heaters or glassed-in sections on cooler evenings.
Final point
Ferry and boat services can change with the sea, so check the day before. For the full year, see the Malta weather overview; for the last month of the cycle, read Malta weather in December.
