Climate and monthly weather forecast
Malta

Malta has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa), with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. Malta lies in southern Europe in the central Mediterranean Sea. The Sicilian island of Italy lies 50 miles to the north across the Malta Channel. Tunisia is 176 miles to the west, and Libya is 207 miles to the south. Malta's location is farther south than the cities of Tunisia, Tangier, Aleppo, and Mosul in North Africa or the Middle East. The Mediterranean Sea and the subtropical latitudes chiefly influence the climate.

Malta is an archipelago in the eastern basin of the central Mediterranean Sea, 35°N of the equator, and at a longitude of 14°E. The country has an area of 122 square miles and a coastline of more than 150 miles. The islands on the Malta Plateau derive from a shallow shelf that was once a land bridge between Sicily and North Africa. Gozo in the west, Comino in the center, and Malta in the east are the three largest and only inhabited islands of the archipelago. The topography is mainly flat, with terraced fields on low hills. The islands are low and rocky, with steep coastal cliffs. Comino is the home to the famous Blue Lagoon. No big rivers or permanent lakes exist on the islands, but small rivers form during the rainy season. Ta'Dmejrek is the highest point in Malta at only 253 meters above sea level.

The best time to visit Malta is in the latter half of the spring season from April to May. Temperatures are in the comfortable zone of 15.6°C (60.1°F) to 21.1°C (70°F), with little rain. The long days have 9 to 10 hours of bright sunshine, and the skies are clear. Summer is hot, with plenty of sunlight, and is the best time for beach holidays when seawater temperatures are above 23.9°C (75°F). Precipitation is mostly absent in the summer, but high temperatures often cross 32.2°C (90°F). Spring vacations are budget-friendlier compared to the summer due to fewer crowds.

The worst time to visit Malta, if there is any, is the winter from December to February. Much of the annual precipitation occurs in the winter. The skies are cloudy, and there is a rise in humidity. The humidity levels rise but are less compared to the autumn. Day temperatures occasionally register below 10°C (50°F), but night temperatures remain comfortably short of freezing. The seawater temperatures are cold between 15°C (59°F) and 16.1°C (61°F) and generally not suitable for swimming. Beach holidays are not popular during the cold season, and the crowds are fewer than the summer. December sees the shortest days of the year, with only 5 hours of sunshine in Malta.

Spring in Malta starts out wet but gradually transitions to a sunnier phase. Temperatures throughout the season stay within the comfortable range of 17.2°C (63°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). While early spring brings moderate rainfall, the latter part of the season is marked by increasing sunshine and warmer temperatures. The Sirocco winds, blowing from the Saharan desert, can sometimes be experienced during spring, causing a rise in temperatures and carrying dust and sand from the desert.

Summers in Malta, from June to August, are hot and dry. The interiors of the islands can see temperatures soaring up to 33.9°C (93°F). However, the coastal areas experience slightly cooler conditions. At night, temperatures fall to a comfortable 17.2°C (63°F) to 23.9°C (75°F) range. These months are virtually devoid of rainfall, and the country receives an abundance of sunshine. The Sirocco winds, when present, can raise the summer temperatures beyond 37.8°C (100°F).

Autumn in Malta continues the summer-like conditions in September but sees a gradual cooling down by November. The skies often become overcast, and the frequency of thunderstorms increases. October experiences a significant increase in rainfall. Despite these changes, temperatures remain relatively warm, though the Sirocco winds may occasionally cause spikes.

Winters in Malta are generally mild, with an abundance of sunshine despite occasional rain and wind. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 10°C (50°F), while at night, temperatures remain above freezing, ensuring a degree of comfort. The season also brings increased precipitation, with December being the wettest month. The difference between day and night temperatures remains small, and cold conditions are rare as the average monthly temperature remains above 11.1°C (52°F).

January in Malta signals the heart of winter, though it bears a mild temperament in comparison to many other European countries. Daytime temperatures hover around 14°C (57.2°F) to 16°C (60.8°F), while the nights are cooler, with lows ranging from 9°C (48.2°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). Weather in January »

February in Malta marks the tail end of the winter season. Daytime temperatures slightly increase, typically ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), while nighttime temperatures remain stable between 9°C (48.2°F) and 11°C (51.8°F). Weather in February »

March in Malta signals the onset of spring, ushering in warmer temperatures and gradually dwindling rainfall. The average daytime temperature increases to between 17°C (62.6°F) and 19°C (66.2°F), providing a gentle warmth. Nighttime temperatures remain cooler, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). Weather in March »

April in Malta welcomes the heart of the spring season, characterized by further increases in temperature and continued reductions in rainfall. Daytime temperatures rise significantly, averaging between 19°C (66.2°F) and 21°C (69.8°F), while nighttime temperatures sit between 12°C (53.6°F) and 14°C (57.2°F). Weather in April »

May signifies the end of spring and the onset of summer in Malta, with further rising temperatures and an almost complete cessation of rainfall. Daytime temperatures register between 23°C (73.4°F) and 25°C (77°F), while nighttime temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Weather in May »

June in Malta marks the true onset of summer, with significantly higher temperatures and negligible rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range between 27°C (80.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), while nighttime temperatures vary from 19°C (66.2°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Weather in June »

July in Malta is characterized by peak summer conditions, with the highest temperatures of the year and minimal to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures are typically between 30°C (86°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), while nighttime temperatures hover between 22°C (71.6°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in July »

August continues the height of the Mediterranean summer in Malta, exhibiting consistently high temperatures and virtually no rainfall. Daytime temperatures are typically between 30°C (86°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), similar to July, and nighttime temperatures linger between 22°C (71.6°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in August »

September signifies the commencement of the transitional period from summer to autumn in Malta. While temperatures begin to decrease, they remain relatively high. Daytime temperatures range between 27°C (80.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), and nighttime temperatures vary from 21°C (69.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Weather in September »

October in Malta marks the full swing of the autumn season, characterized by a further decrease in temperatures and a notable increase in rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 25°C (77°F), while nighttime temperatures decrease to between 18°C (64.4°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather in October »

November continues the transition of Malta into the heart of the autumn season, with even lower temperatures and higher rainfall. The average daytime temperature drops to between 19°C (66.2°F) and 21°C (69.8°F), and at night, temperatures decrease to between 14°C (57.2°F) and 16°C (60.8°F). Weather in November »

December marks the beginning of winter in Malta, evidenced by lower temperatures and substantial rainfall. Average daytime temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), while night temperatures decrease to between 10°C (50°F) and 12°C (53.6°F). Weather in December »