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If you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit Malta, this guide explains what it’s like to visit Malta in spring.
Everything you’ll read in this article comes from our personal experience as we recently spent almost three weeks in Malta in spring. From the best things to do in Malta in spring to weather information to packing tips, this guide is your tool to plan the perfect spring break in Malta.
But is spring the best time to visit Malta? Keep reading to find out!
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Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Malta Trip
What Is The Weather Like in Malta in Spring?
Situated between Sicily and North Africa, Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with rainy winters and hot summers. Similar to autumn, spring is the best time to visit Malta as temperatures are not extremely high yet and rainy days are getting scarcer.
The Weather in Malta in March
More specifically, the average temperature in Malta in March is 14°C (57°F), with 18°C (64°F) being the highest. March is still wet, with a strong possibility of showers. Although March in Malta is very unstable weatherwise, daylight is gradually getting longer, which is a good sign for warmer days.
The Weather in Malta in April
April in Malta has a slight increase in average (16°C or 61°F) and highest (20°C or 68°F) temperatures compared to March. Rainy days are fewer, with more hours of sunshine.
We were in Malta from mid to late April. During our stay, the weather was unpredictable, which is typical for a Mediterranean country. In general, there was a bit of everything. During the daytime, the weather was warm but often cloudy. Yet, it never rained. Other days were windy. Nights were always a bit chilly. We used Malta’s International Airport website for the weather forecast, as we found it was the most reliable.
The Weather in Malta in May
Moving towards the summer season, May in Malta records average temperatures of 20°C or 68°F with daily highs around 24°C or 75°F and three days of rainfall on average, significantly lower than early spring.
Is Malta Windy in Spring?
Regarding winds, Malta is influenced by Sicily and North Africa. It’s not uncommon to experience strong winds during the spring season. However, you’ll certainly find a calm day in spring to enjoy a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, Malta’s ultimate highlight.
Top 5 Things To Do in Malta in Spring
1. Attend Unique Festivals & Events
Two of the most important celebrations in Malta are held in spring. With roots in the Knights of St. John, the Maltese Carnival takes place either in February or March. If you plan to visit Malta in early spring, the Carnival in Nadur is one of the best things to see in Gozo. Later, usually in April, Easter is the time of year when you can experience unique cultural events, religious re-enactments and processions in Malta.
Unfortunately, we didn’t witness Carnival or Easter in Malta, but we were lucky enough to enjoy the Malta Fireworks Festival. Dating back to the Knights of St. John as well, the festival takes place in various locations across Malta at the end of April every year.
The most impressive show takes place in Valletta Grand Harbour, one of Valletta’s highlights. But there are plenty of other shows across the Maltese Islands. We watched the one at St. Paul’s Bay as it was closer to Mellieha, our base for that week. You can check the festival’s official site for dates and locations.
If you like strawberries, Festa Frawli is an annual festival that takes place every April in the village of Mgarr and it’s your chance to taste strawberry-based treats to your heart’s content.
2. Explore Malta on Foot
With its mild temperatures, spring is the best season for hiking and outdoor activities in Malta. As you’ll realise while exploring Malta on foot, there’s hardly any shade as trees are scarce. Therefore, if you’re into hiking, avoiding the scorching summer sun is a great idea.
This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot of sun in Malta in spring, too. There is and this is why you have to use sun protection at all times. However, the spring sun doesn’t give you the melting feeling that summer does.
Despite the compact size of the Maltese Islands, there are plenty of hikes to choose from and enjoy the natural beauty of Malta. While visiting the Blue Lagoon, hiking the perimeter of Comino Island is one of the best things to do in Malta in spring. In Gozo, don’t miss the short hike to the Mushroom Rock.
In the north of Malta Island, the Xemxija Heritage Trail is part of the Pilgrim’s Way to the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mellieha, a walk that combines the outdoors with glimpses into Malta’s history.
3. Soak up The Sun on Malta’s Beautiful Beaches
Malta is an island country in Southern Europe. This might lead you to believe it’s ideal for swimming any time of the year. It’s not. If you’re looking for a heavily beach-themed vacation, you should probably visit Malta in summer or early autumn.
During spring, there are some days that feel as hot as summer days, thus perfect for swimming. But it’s not always like that. As we already mentioned, the weather in Malta in spring is unpredictable. Moreover, sea temperatures are still low, following the winter. If all you want is to bask under the bright sun though, skipping swimming when weather conditions aren’t ideal, you’ll love spring in Malta.
Obviously, you’ll be tempted to jump into the glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea at some point. But consider yourselves warned. The water will be cold. We know it first hand as we couldn’t resist swimming during our Blue Lagoon & Comino day trip and we can verify that the sea was quite cold. But, once there, it’s inevitable not to jump in those crystal-clear waters.
Swimming or not, visiting Malta in spring allows you to spend lazy days on the beach, sunbathe or have a picnic with fewer crowds. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay on Malta Island and Ramla Bay in Gozo were our two favourite beaches to do any or all of the above.
4. Enjoy The Most Popular Places Without Crowds
Speaking of fewer crowds, the earlier in the spring you travel to Malta, the smaller the number of tourists you’ll come across in popular spots. The Blue Lagoon and Mdina are only a couple of the best places to visit in Malta that are so packed during the summer months that are impossible to enjoy.
If you travel to Malta in spring, it’s a great opportunity to visit historical sites and prehistoric temples or organise a day trip to Marsaxlokk in a more relaxed way without the peak season’s tourist crowds.
And let’s not forget that visiting any destination in the low season is one of the best ways to travel responsibly.
5. Plan The Perfect Road Trip
Driving in Malta might sound intimidating if you’re not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, but it’s not that bad. A well-planned road trip is probably the best way to see Malta, as it allows you to explore the less-travelled roads and remotest locations on the Maltese Islands at your own pace.
The downside? Malta is notorious for its traffic jams, especially on the main streets near Valletta and other major towns during the high season. However, spring is the perfect time to plan a Malta road trip to avoid the summer’s severe traffic congestion that could ruin your travel plans.
What To Pack For Spring in Malta
Spring in Malta is the most unstable season of the year as it can have a bit of everything: rain and sunshine, hot and cold days. This transition from winter to summer can be tricky when it comes to packing. Here’s a very brief overview of what to pack for your trip to Malta in spring.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are absolutely necessary. Not only on sunny days but also when it’s not the hottest or brightest of days. Don’t forget your swimsuit and flip-flops for your boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. Pack a light jacket or a sweater for cold nights and a small umbrella in case it rains.
Other Seasons To Visit Malta
Spring might be the best time to visit Malta but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan a trip to Malta any other time of the year if spring doesn’t work for you. In a nutshell, here’s what to expect from Malta in autumn, winter and summer.
Autumn in Malta
Similar to spring, autumn is shoulder season in Malta. With warm pleasant weather, autumn is also a great time to visit Malta. Compared to spring, the upside is that the sea temperature has warmed up after summer, especially in early fall. The downside is the reduced daylight, which leaves less time for exploring.
Winter in Malta
Malta enjoys mild winters with February being the coldest month. By cold, we mean that the lowest temperature is about 13°C (55°F), which isn’t that bad. But what about rain? With twelve to sixteen days of average rainfall, Maltese winter weather can get annoying for travellers. Another downside to travelling to Malta in winter is that many bars and restaurants are closed.
Summer in Malta
The peak season in Malta lasts from June to August. July is the hottest month with temperatures up to 32°C (90°F). The summer heat can make sightseeing hard. Yet, summer is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches. Apart from the heat though, the hordes of tourists that flock to the small country are the main reason to avoid Malta in summer.
If you ask us, spring is the best time to visit Malta for the pleasant weather and fewer crowds. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip to Malta in spring to enjoy your escape to this beautiful island country as much as we did.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria