The Best Time to Visit Malta May Not Be What You Expect—Here's Why
So you’re planning a trip to Malta? After living there for a year, and visiting several times after, here’s my advice on when to plan your trip, and the best months for traveling to Malta.
The best time to visit Malta: September + Early October
Malta is best known as a summer destination, but I actually think the best time to visit is September and early October. This time of year is still warm (especially in September) and you’ll still find people hanging out at outdoor bars, drinking cocktails on the streets of Valletta, and swimming in coves along the coast—but not melting in the sweltering summer heat. Plus, since you’re out of the peak tourist season, hotel and airfare prices tend to be a bit lower.
Although the island starts to become a bit rainier and windier starting in October, I really love visiting for the Birgu Lights Festival, an annual festival where the medieval city of Birgu turns off all of its electric lights and illuminates its streets with candles. While wandering the streets, festival-goers will come across street vendors selling food, musical performances, and other exhibits. It’s a truly magical and unique experience to Malta.
💡 Packing tip: Bring your bathing suit and sunscreen, but also come prepared with a jacket (preferably something that’s good in windy conditions) and a hat. On my last trip to Malta a few Octobers ago,I packed the Up in The Air Jacket by ADAY, which I loved because it was stylish enough for going out, while also being super functional in Malta’s climate this time of year.
The second best time to visit Malta: Late April - August
Malta transforms in the summertime, welcoming in vibrant beach parties and days spent diving into the cool Mediterranean waters. It’s not my favorite time to visit, but it is the most popular time for tourists, especially those seeking a warm summer holiday. Late April through August can be quite a lot of fun if you’re seeking a sun-filled vacation. If you want to avoid the worst of the summer heat, plan to go a bit earlier in the season (May or June).
Just note that as it is peak travel season, hotel and airfare prices are at their highest and availability is lower. Be sure to book hotels in advance and consider restaurant reservations if there’s anything you have your eye on.
💡 Packing tip: Summers in Malta are hot. Be sure to pack a bathing suit, plenty of sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. If you plan to go swimming, I’d recommend bringing a quick-dry towel. I like the lightweight Nanodry towel by Matador.
The worst time to visit Malta: Late December through March
Malta can be very windy much of the year. ^ Photo take in October.
In my opinion, January and February are the worst months to visit Malta. November through February are the rainiest times of year here but more annoyingly, January is also the windiest month in Malta. The winds can become quite strong during this time (as much as 39 km per hour) and are no joke. Also, while it’s not as cold as elsewhere in Europe, it gets chilly—especially when you consider that not all homes and businesses here have heating.
Even if it’s the worst time of year to visit Malta, it’s still not a bad time of year to visit—especially if you’re more interested in the historic sites and prepared to put up with the weather. Temperatures are still more mild than elsewhere in Europe, and if your main reason for visiting is to see its archeological ruins, you’ll be treated to a crowd-free experience. Also, Carnival happens during this time, typically around the end of February each year. If you want to partake in Carnival celebrations, Malta’s second-smallest island Gozo, has an especially fun and unusual celebration.
Just be prepared for strong winds and sudden rain. For the strong winds, bring a good windbreaker and a hat. For the rain, however, the best approach is to find shelter if it starts raining. Typically, rain in Malta is strong but quick—I’ve seen streets turn into knee-deep rivers in a matter of minutes, only to clear out an hour later. At the first raindrops, you’re best off popping into the nearest pub for a beer and waiting things out.
💡 Packing tip: This time of year, a good down jacket and a hat to keep your hair under control are the most important items to bring. I’d also recommend some comfortable, waterproof shoes. I’m partial to Sorel’s line of waterproof Chelsea Boots for these kinds of trips, since they don’t look overtly like rain boots and function just as well as a pair of Wellies.
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