Malta has around 300 days of sunshine a year, so there is no truly “bad” time to visit. But the islands feel very different in August than in February. Sea temperatures, crowd levels, boat-trip availability and hotel prices all swing with the seasons.
Short answer: the best time to visit Malta for most travellers is late May to June or September to mid-October. You get warm sea, long days and reliable boat trips, without the peak heat and crowds of July and August.
Malta seasons at a glance
| Season | Typical daytime high | Sea | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 17–25°C | Cool until late May | Moderate | Sightseeing, hiking, Easter traditions |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 28–32°C+ | Warm, 23–26°C | High | Beaches, Blue Lagoon, festas, nightlife |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 20–28°C | Warmest of the year in Sept | Moderate | Swimming + sightseeing combined |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 15–17°C | Cool, around 15°C | Low | City breaks, history, low prices |
Figures are typical averages. For the live forecast before you travel, check our Malta weather page.
Malta month by month
January & February: quiet, mild and great value
The coolest and wettest months, but “cold” in Malta still means sunny afternoons in the mid-teens. Valletta, Mdina and the prehistoric temples are pleasantly uncrowded, and hotel rates are at their lowest. Winter winds such as the gregale can occasionally cancel boat trips to Comino or delay the Gozo ferry, so keep a flexible day in your plan.
Events: Malta Carnival usually lands in February (sometimes early March) with colourful floats in Valletta and the famous Nadur carnival in Gozo.
March & April: spring colours and Holy Week
The countryside turns green and yellow with wildflowers, making this a superb time for walking the Dingli Cliffs or Gozo’s coastline. Easter is one of the most atmospheric times of year: Good Friday processions wind through the villages and towns, and there are Easter Sunday celebrations across the islands.
Events: Holy Week processions; the Malta International Fireworks Festival usually takes place around late April over Grand Harbour.
May: our favourite all-rounder
Warm days in the mid-20s, very little rain and long evenings. The sea is still refreshing, but boat trips are running in full and the Blue Lagoon is far calmer than in summer. May is ideal if you want to combine culture, a Gozo day and your first swims.
June: summer without the peak
Proper beach weather arrives. Village festas start, with brass bands, fireworks and decorated parish churches every weekend until September. Book boat trips a few days ahead, especially at weekends.
July & August: hot, busy and buzzing
Peak season. Expect temperatures above 30°C, very warm seas and the most crowded beaches, Blue Lagoon pontoons and ferries. Prices are at their highest. It is still a brilliant time for a beach-and-boat holiday. Plan sightseeing for early morning, swim in the afternoon, and save the evenings for sunset cruises and festas.
- Pre-book Comino & Blue Lagoon tours and choose the earliest departures
- Use a private driver with air-conditioning for sightseeing days
- Book an evening sunset cruise for the coolest hours on the water
September: the insider’s choice
The sea is at its warmest, the heat eases slightly and the summer crowds thin out after the first week. September delivers the best balance of swimming and sightseeing of the whole year.
October: warm sea, cultural calendar
Days in the mid-20s and sea still warm enough for most swimmers. The first autumn storms can arrive, but they rarely last long. Valletta’s Notte Bianca arts night and Birgu’s candle-lit Birgufest usually happen in October.
November & December: off-season charm
Quieter streets, low prices and comfortable walking weather. December brings Christmas lights in Valletta, nativity cribs (presepji) across the islands and the Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem living-nativity village in Gozo. See our Christmas in Malta guide.
Best time for specific trips
- Beach holiday: mid-June to early October
- Blue Lagoon without big crowds: May, early June, late September and October
- Sightseeing and history: March–May and October–November
- Budget trip: November to February (excluding Christmas and New Year)
- Families: June and September, warm sea with gentler heat
- Cruise passengers: any month. See our Malta cruise port guide
Booking tips for every season
Whatever month you choose, three things make the biggest difference: book your airport transfer in advance (especially for late arrivals), lock in boat trips early in summer, and keep one flexible day in winter in case the wind cancels a sea crossing.
Ready to plan? Browse all things to do in Malta with live availability, many with free cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Malta?
For most travellers, June and September are the best months to visit Malta. Both offer hot sunny days, warm sea for swimming and reliable boat trips, with fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August.
Is Malta too hot in August?
August is Malta's hottest month, with daytime highs often above 30°C and high humidity. It is great for beaches and boat trips, but plan sightseeing for early morning and use air-conditioned transport or a private driver during the hottest hours.
Can you swim in Malta in October?
Yes. The sea in Malta stays warm well into October, usually around 22–24°C, so swimming is comfortable for most people. Boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon continue to run, weather permitting.
Is Malta worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter in Malta is mild, usually 15–17°C during the day, with far fewer tourists and lower prices. It is ideal for exploring Valletta, Mdina, the prehistoric temples and Gozo, although rough seas can occasionally cancel boat trips.
When is the cheapest time to go to Malta?
The cheapest time to visit Malta is from November to February, excluding the Christmas and New Year period. Flights and hotels are significantly cheaper than in summer.
