Complete Guide: Visiting Malta In Winter

Visiting Malta in winter gives you the best of both worlds – plenty to see, do, and experience, but without the scorching heat and crowds of summer.

What’s more, everything is cheaper – including travel to and from the island, accommodation and even some activities and tours.

This guide is designed to help you plan the perfect getaway to this fascinating and friendly destination.

It includes a list of the best things to do in Malta in winter and a look at what to expect each month in terms of weather and available activities.

Visiting Malta In Winter

Visiting Malta in the winter is an amazing idea, but it will definitely be different from a summer visit.

Here are tips for visiting in December, January, February, and March.

Malta In December

Winter in Malta begins in December, but the temperatures remain mild, with an average daily high of 17 degrees Celsius, dropping to 11 degrees Celsius at night.

It is often sunny, but it can sometimes be windy, which makes the temperature feel lower than it actually is!

The best thing about visiting Malta in December is the festive cheer you feel everywhere you go.

The Maltese love Christmas and many streets and houses tend to be decorated with twinkling lights and snow scenes right from the start of the month.

Because December is the busiest winter month to visit, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation well ahead of time.

Thankfully, there are accommodation options in Malta and Gozo for all budget types too!

Malta In January

The temperatures drop a little in January, down to an average of 16 degrees Celsius during the day and 9 degrees Celsius at night.

But this is a rainy month, so be prepared for short but heavy downpours and expect it to be fairly windy too!

Once all the New Year celebrations are over, this is a quiet time to visit the island and the perfect time to see the sights without competing with the crowds. 

Malta In February

You can expect pretty much the same weather in February as in January, with the strong possibility of rain and some windy days.

February is, of course, the month of love and there are plenty of romantic spots in which to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner.

This is also the month in which the country’s vibrant and colorful carnival usually takes place.

Malta In March

As winter in Malta comes to a close, the temperatures rise again slightly to an average daily high of 17 degrees Celsius, dropping to 10 degrees Celsius at night.

The daylight hours become longer so you’ll have more time to explore and you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the occasional warm and sunny day.

That being said, it can still be wet and windy, so you may need an umbrella and a couple of layers of clothing.

Malta starts to get busier in March, but the number of visitors is still low enough to comfortably enjoy the sights without getting caught in crowds. 

Things To Do In Malta In Winter

Whether you love museums, hiking, or Christmas markets, there are plenty of fun things and beautiful places in Malta to keep you busy during your visit.

Here are some of the best things to do in Malta in winter.

Go Hiking

Winter in Malta is the perfect time to appreciate its natural beauty, as the summer temperatures can be too high for serious walking!

The island has many dramatic landscapes and beautiful sights to offer, from craggy, windswept coastlines to historic landmarks and open countryside. 

Hikes range in difficulty from fun and easy walks like the Zurrieq Loop, to the Dingli Cliffs Walk, known as the toughest hike in Malta.

For the most beautiful views, check out the Marfa Watchtowers Route which takes you along the idyllic Marfa Ridge past historic monuments and olive groves.

Or – if you prefer to get off the beaten track – head to the little island of Comino located between Malta and Gozo and take the easy walk along the Comino Loop.

Shop For Gifts At The Christmas Markets

There are Christmas markets across Malta during December, some offer general items and some with particular themes.  

Some of the best include Natalis Notabilis located in the historic heart of Rabat, and the Sliema Christmas Market, which you’ll find in the popular shopping spot at Bisazza Street. 

The Malta Artisan Christmas Market is located just underneath Valletta’s bastions.

It tends to focus on locally made arts and crafts, whilst the mouthwatering Austrian-German Christmas Market selling traditional German sausages and meats, usually takes place at the LABRANDA Riviera Hotel & Spa in Mellieha.

Visit Malta’s Museums

A visit to a museum is the perfect rainy day activity and Malta has 30 different ones to choose from! 

Some of the most popular are the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum which houses 100 beautifully restored vehicles, and Fort St Elmo, the National War Museum.

Children will love the interactive exhibits on offer at the Esplora  Science Centre, whilst the National Museum of Archaeology offers a fascinating display of artifacts dating back to the country’s Neolithic period. 

Other museums well worth a visit include the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort Rinella, and the Grandmaster’s Palace, with its impressive collection of weaponry.

Enjoy The Local Food

Malta is a foodie’s heaven and whether your preference is for formal dining or street food, you will easily find a venue to suit!

One of the most popular locations for amazing food is the Valletta Food Market – a Victorian-era structure where you can either dine, relax, or shop for food to take away with you.

If you choose to dine in, then you will be invited to select your ingredients and wait whilst they are prepared for you in minutes.

You will find a range of cuisines in restaurants across the country, although the primary traditional influence is Italian.

Local specialties include pastizzi – a tasty dish of pastry filled with either peas and onion or ricotta cheese and parsley – and Ftira, a traditional Maltese bread.

Be sure to also try the delicious fish broth aljotta, the wonderful beef olives known as braġioli, and the island’s favorite fish, lampuka.

If you are feeling a little daring, you may also want to try the favorite Maltese national dish of fenek (rabbit).

Go Horse Riding

This is a popular activity in Malta and there are lots of locations to ride, right across the country.

You don’t have to have any experience as lessons or tours with trained instructors are widely available.

Rides are affordable, usually, last from 30 minutes to an hour, and are discounted. for children

Sightseeing on horseback is a fantastic way to explore the countryside and some of the best routes are in Gozo and along the northwest coast.

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a sunset tour at the popular and beautiful Golden Bay.

Admire Malta’s Beautiful Churches

For a small country, Malta has a lot of churches – over 350. Many of them are architecturally stunning or have fascinating histories that make them well worth visiting.

What is particularly striking is the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a neo-gothic Roman Catholic church located in Valletta.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was damaged during WWII then rebuilt from 1958 to 1981. Its seaside location gives it a dramatic look, making it a popular spot for some amazing photos!

The Parish Church of the Assumption in Mosta has an interesting design said to be based on the Pantheon in Rome, whilst the Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church at Fgura displays unique avant-garde architecture.

For sheer beauty, nothing comes close to St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, home to ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, the largest altarpiece ever painted by Caravaggio.

Take Part In Carnival Week

If you are visiting Malta in February, then this is a must! Valletta is the center of the action, although festivities take place right across Malta’s town and villages.

Expect to see beautifully decorated floats, brightly colored costumes, marching bands, and masquerade balls.

There are also lots of late-night parties to enjoy and absolutely everyone is encouraged to dress up, wear a mask and take part in all the fun. 

A slightly different carnival experience is on offer at the Nadur Carnival on Gozo, where the costumes range from the strange to the macabre.

This is a particularly popular event with the Maltese youth, so it’s a good idea to take an early ferry to Gozo, as the later ones become packed with party-goers!

Final Thoughts On Visiting Malta During Winter

If you have been wondering about what to do in Malta in winter, I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas.

With such a diverse range of attractions, there really is something for everyone on this beautiful and welcoming Mediterranean island.

If you are visiting Malta soon, make sure to check out these guides:

• Is Malta expensive
• Where to stay in Malta
• Is Malta worth visiting