Malta has a hot subtropical Mediterranean climate.
Winter lasts from December to March.
It is usually quite mild, with relatively constant temperature of about 16°C.
The island receives most of its precipitation in this part of the year.
Malta’s transition seasons, spring and autumn, are very short.
They cover respectively the months of April and November, and offer mild weather and pleasant temperatures of around 19 – 20°C.
Summer is the longest season in Malta. It is very hot and lasts from early May to late October.
It offers great weather, perfect for the beach.
In warmer years there are wonderful days for swimming and sunbathing even in April and November, although in April seawater is still cold, only about 16 – 17°C.
Summers are very dry, with scarce rainfall and temperatures between 23 and 30°C on average.
Sometimes, however, under the influence of hot air masses from the Sahara Desert in Africa, thermometers can record temperatures of over 40°C! July is the driest month of the year.
Usually during the period there are no rainy days, and the average monthly rainfall is 0 mm.
Exceptions, however, are still possible.
Most rain usually falls in winter. The wettest month, December, receives around 112 mm on average.
Malta is one of the warmest and driest European countries.
For this reason it usually doesn’t snow over the island.
According to historical records, however, in the twentieth century the island experienced snowfall at least twice.
The first time this happened was in 1905 and the second time was during the winter season in 1949.
In both cases, however, it comes to a non-lasting snow melting shortly after touching the ground.
Malta is one of the sunniest countries not only in Europe, but also in the world as a whole.
There are only about 15 completely cloudy days per year.
In the remaining 350 days the sun doesn’t miss to appear even if for a while.
For this reason, the island is considered to be a suitable place for using solar panels at home for solar energy harvesting.
If you are planning a holiday in Malta, the best time to travel is during the months of May and October.
They offer warm weather, perfect for long walks and swimming in the Mediterranean.
In May or October you have the chance to avoid unbearable summer heats and huge crowds of foreign tourists.
Weather in Malta – Month by Month
January
January is a cool month, with temperatures around 15 – 16°C.
The weather is not suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
It is wet and rainy. The sun still sets early.
You need relatively warm clothing with long sleeves as well as a warm anorak or a not too thick jacket.
February
February is a cool month too, with temperatures of about 16°C.
It enjoys a larger number of sun hours and a little more enjoyable weather as a whole.
The weather is not suitable for the beach.
A jacket is still required, but you can already feel in the air the arrival of spring.
March
March is the sunniest winter month.
The weather usually becomes more dry, with longer and sunnier days.
It is not still suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
A jacket is still required, although in warmer and calm days you can go outside with a short-sleeved shirt.
Night temperatures are still low.
April
April is a variable spring month with mild temperatures of around 19°C.
This is a warmer and sunnier month in comparison with the period December – March, but sometimes it is also surprisingly cool.
There are, however, especially during the second half of the month, some very pleasant days with a good weather for the beach and nice temperatures of over 20°C.
Sea water is still cold.
May
May is the first summer month in Malta.
It is pleasantly warm, but not too hot, and offers an excellent beach weather and great temperatures of over 24°C.
As it is usually quite sunny and dry, you will feel most comfortable in light summer clothes.
Sea surface temperature is over 18°C.
June
June is a hot summer month with plenty of sunny days and temperatures of around 28°C.
It offers clear and cloudless skies, warm sea and long days.
The sun sets approximately at 8:30 pm.
July
July is the driest month of the year.
The heat can be unbearable even along the Mediterranean coast.
The average daytime temperature does not fall below 30°C.
Heat of over 40°C are not uncommon.
August
August is the hottest month of the year.
It is very dry, with almost no rain.
In August Malta is full of tourists.
Because of the strong sun and high temperatures, you should be very careful during the hottest hours of the day!
The temperature may exceeds 40°C!
September
September is a hot month.
It offers, however, more pleasant temperatures in comparison with July and August, usually around 28°C.
The water along the coast is still very warm.
September offers perfect conditions for the beach.
October
October is one of the most pleasant months in Malta.
The temperature is usually over 24°C.
The month offers excellent conditions for swimming and sunbathing.
Sea surface temperature is still quite high.
November
November is a transitional autumn month.
The average daytime temperature is 19°C.
There are some warmer days with over 20°C and good conditions for swimming.
Compared with the recent months, the weather is much cooler, but there are still some very nice days.
Sea water is still warm and good for swimming.
The number of sun hours decreases and the days become shorter.
December
December is the darkest month of the year.
The average daytime temperature is about 17°C.
The number of rainy days usually increases.
As the winter season has already started, a light jacket or an anorak would not be superfluous.