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Seasonal Guide

When to Visit Malta: A Season-by-Season Guide

Malta's Mediterranean climate means there's genuinely no bad time to visit — but each season offers a different flavour of the islands.

Spring (March – May)

The islands burst into bloom. Temperatures range from 15–24°C, perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring historic sites without the summer heat. Wildflowers carpet the countryside, the sea begins to warm, and the tourist crowds haven't yet arrived. This is arguably Malta's most beautiful season — and its best-kept secret.

Summer (June – August)

Hot, sunny, and vibrant. Temperatures regularly hit 33–36°C, and the sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming well into the evening. This is peak season for beach-goers, divers, and party-seekers. The festa season fills villages with fireworks and celebrations every weekend. Book accommodation and restaurants well in advance.

Autumn (September – November)

Our favourite season. The summer crowds thin, but the sea remains warm (often 24–26°C through October). Temperatures are pleasant (20–28°C), the light turns golden, and the islands feel calmer and more authentic. September and October are ideal for diving, hiking, and cultural exploration.

Winter (December – February)

Mild by European standards (10–16°C), with occasional rain. This is the time for culture lovers — museums, churches, and historic sites are empty, restaurants are uncrowded, and accommodation is at its cheapest. Christmas in Malta is charming, with nativity scenes (presepju) in every village and traditional seasonal treats.

Getting Around

How to Get Around Malta: Transport Guide

Malta is tiny — just 27 km long and 14.5 km wide — so everything is close. But how you get around matters.

Public Buses

Malta's bus network is comprehensive, cheap (€1.50 per trip in winter, €2 in summer, or €21 for a weekly pass), and reaches almost everywhere. Services radiate from the Valletta bus terminus. Buses can be crowded in summer and schedules aren't always reliable, but for budget travel, they're excellent. The Tallinja app provides real-time tracking.

Rental Cars & Scooters

For maximum freedom, rent a car. Driving is on the left (a British legacy), roads are generally good, and nowhere is more than 45 minutes away. Be warned: Maltese driving can be... spirited. Parking in Valletta and Sliema is challenging — use the park-and-ride systems. Scooters are a fun alternative for confident riders.

Ferries

The Gozo Channel ferry runs every 45 minutes from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr (Gozo), taking 25 minutes. The Valletta ferry service connects the capital to the Three Cities (Birgu) in just 10 minutes — and the harbour views are worth the trip alone. Boats to Comino (Blue Lagoon) depart from both Malta and Gozo.

Walking

Don't underestimate walking. Valletta, Mdina, and most villages are best explored on foot. Malta also has excellent coastal walks — the north coast path from Mellieħa to Golden Bay and the south coast Dingli Cliffs walk are particularly spectacular.

Food & Drink

What to Eat in Malta: A Culinary Guide

Maltese cuisine is a delicious fusion of Sicilian, North African, and British influences, built on centuries of Mediterranean tradition. Here's what you must try:

Pastizzi

Malta's unofficial national snack. These flaky, diamond-shaped pastries are filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas and cost around 50 cents from pastizzeriji (pastry shops) found on virtually every street corner. Best eaten warm, ideally from Crystal Palace in Rabat or one of the old-school shops in Valletta.

Fenkata (Rabbit Stew)

Rabbit is Malta's national dish. Slowly braised with garlic, tomatoes, wine, and herbs, fenkata is traditionally a communal Sunday meal. The best versions are found in rural restaurants in Mġarr, Baħrija, and Rabat. It's rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

Ftira

Maltese sourdough flatbread, similar to focaccia but with its own distinct character. Topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, onions, and tuna, ftira Għawdxija (Gozitan ftira) is a particular speciality. Every bakery makes it slightly differently.

Fresh Seafood

Swordfish, lampuki (dolphin fish), octopus, and sea bass feature prominently, especially in coastal restaurants. The fish at Marsaxlokk is as fresh as it gets — caught that morning and on your plate by lunch.

Local Wines

Malta's wine scene has improved dramatically. Look for indigenous varieties: Ġellewża (a light, fruity red) and Girgentina (a crisp white). Meridiana, Marsovin, and Ta' Betta are reliable producers. Many wineries offer tastings.

Hidden Gems

10 Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss in Malta

1. Dingli Cliffs: The highest point in Malta, with dramatic 250m cliffs plunging into the sea. At sunset, it's absolutely magical — and barely visited.
2. The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua): Just across the harbour from Valletta, these atmospheric cities predate the capital and offer authentic local life without the tourist crowds.
3. Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples: Two interconnected prehistoric temples perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea. On the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight aligns perfectly through the temple doorways.
4. Popeye Village: Originally built as a film set for the 1980 Robin Williams movie, this quirky collection of colourful wooden buildings in a natural bay is surprisingly charming.
5. Wied iż-Żurrieq: A narrow, dramatic inlet near the Blue Grotto where you can take boat trips into sea caves with extraordinary light effects.
6. St. Agatha's Tower (Red Tower): A 17th-century watchtower in Mellieħa with 360-degree views of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Entrance is free.
7. Għar Dalam Cave: A cave in Birżebbuġa containing fossil remains of dwarf elephants and hippos that roamed Malta over 500,000 years ago.
8. Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni: An underground prehistoric burial site dating to 4000 BC — one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Only 80 visitors per day are allowed, so book months in advance.
9. Xlendi Bay (Gozo): A small, dramatically beautiful inlet on Gozo's southwest coast with excellent swimming, diving, and a handful of waterfront restaurants.
10. San Anton Gardens: The president's official garden in Attard, open to the public, with beautiful subtropical plants, fountains, and wandering cats — a peaceful oasis in the island's centre.