Malta in Winter
The perfect destination for a sunny escape during the cold European winter months
Are you looking for a close-by European holiday spot to escape the gloomy and dark winter days? Look no further! Malta is the ideal winter destination.
Thanks to the mild climate of this Mediterranean island, you can enjoy Malta’s many cultural and natural highlights, as well as numerous outdoor activities, in a t-shirt and without the usual tourist crowds.
I spent a week exploring the Maltese archipelago in November. I stayed four nights on Malta and had three days to explore the beautiful neighboring island of Gozo.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about these stunning islands and the many benefits of visiting Malta in winter.
3 Reasons Why Malta is Especially Worth Visiting in Winter
1. Mild Climate
The small nation of Malta is located 81 km south of Sicily and around 280 km from the northern coast of Africa, in the Mediterranean. Even in winter, the climate here remains relatively mild and warm.
The lowest monthly average temperature occurs in January at 9.5°C. However, temperatures rarely drop below 15°C, making it perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities and hiking in Malta.
I visited Malta and Gozo in mid-November and felt like I was sweating as if it were summer! We were lucky with the weather, as November typically sees a few rainy days.
Additionally, Malta enjoys enjoys some of the highest average hours of sunshine (around 3000 hours) in Europe!
Good to know: The water temperatures don’t drop below 20°C until December. Even I, someone who gets cold easily, went swimming multiple times in the beautiful blue waters around Malta and Gozo in November!
2. Less Crowds
Malta is understandably a popular holiday destination. However, in winter, Malta is far less crowded than during the summer months.
While in July you might have to squeeze through the packed streets of Valletta, in the winter months, you’ll have room to breathe and can stop spontaneously without someone stepping on your heels.
This is especially nice for popular trips to the Blue Grotto on Malta or the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
In summer, you have to share these amazing experiences with countless other tourists, but in winter, you can explore and enjoy Malta’s attractions almost peacefully.
Note: Don’t expect to have Malta’s main attractions entirely to yourself in winter. There are still plenty of visitors, but it’s much more manageable compared to the summer!
You’ll also get a more authentic feel for the islands and their residents, who are often overwhelmed by the summer crowds.
Almost every time I stopped to admire a church or other site when I visited Malta last winter, locals immediately approached me.
They proudly shared the stories of each place and were genuinely happy when I asked questions and showed interest!
3. Safe Money in the Off Season
Malta isn’t the most expensive holiday destination to begin with, but in the off-season, both flights and especially accommodations are more affordable compared to the peak summer season.
⇨ I highly recommend comparing fights with Kiwi to get the best rates
With a wider selection and lower hotel prices, you might even treat yourself to something really nice that would normally be out of your budget.
Chapel 5 Boutique Suites
In the heart of the charming village of Naxxar, Verena from Austria and her Maltese husband Omar have lovingly created an outstanding 4-star boutique hotel. It features two outdoor pools, a small spa area, and three rooftop terraces! Absolutely peaceful, incredibly welcoming, and totally unique. Thanks to its central location, almost in the middle of the island, this wonderful hotel was the perfect base for our excursions around Malta. (⇨ Check availability)
Restaurants and many activities are often cheaper in the winter months since there are fewer tourists on the island. If you’re driving around Malta, it’s also easier to find parking at the main attractions.
But most importantly, for popular trips like a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon, you’ll find a wider selection in winter, often with great deals and lower prices.
Conclusion: These were just 3 of many reasons why Malta is absolutely worth a visit in winter. During the colder months, this beautiful Mediterranean island is not only a sunny escape but also a budget-friendly option.
Highlights in Malta in Winter
If you visit Malta in winter, you won’t miss any of the highlights or attractions. Sure, swimming in the sea in January or February may not be for everyone, but the cooler temperatures have many advantages.
For example, hiking on Malta and Gozo can be quite strenuous in the summer, as the islands generally offer little shade. Honestly, I would rather not hike in the summer – it’s just too hot!
That’s why my personal highlights in Malta in winter are definitely some outstanding hikes that you should not miss!
Valletta
Valletta is Europe’s smallest capital by area and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Within its majestic fortress walls, the city feels like a vast open-air museum, offering a wide range of attractions year-round, both in summer and winter.
Malta’s capital, Valletta, can only be explored on foot. You’ll need to wander through its many narrow streets and countless stairways, letting yourself get lost in the charm of the city.
The key highlights include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo, Malta’s main street Republic Street, and the Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens.
One of my personal favorites was the countless, sometimes colorful enclosed balconies, called gallariji, on the old townhouses in Valletta’s narrow streets. These also add a unique character to other Maltese towns!
My Tip: A great reason to visit Malta, especially Valletta, in December is the fabulous Christmas lights that Malta puts on.
My tip: No longer a secret, the viewpoint at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the highest point of the city’s fortifications, offers the best view of the city, the “Three Cities” — Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua — and the Grand Harbour, one of the most spectacular harbors in Europe.
From the other side of the harbor, in the Three Cities, you’ll get the best view of Valletta’s fortress walls from Fort St. Angelo.
In both good and bad weather, Valletta offers plenty of fascinating museums.
My favorites: the multimedia War Museum at Fort St. Elmo, Fort St. Angelo on the Birgu peninsula with its spectacular panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Mdina
In Malta’s former capital, Mdina, which sits atop an impressive rocky plateau, only 250 people live today! Walking through the grand Main Gate, you enter what might be the most beautiful walled city in Europe.
Good to know: The impressive Main Gate was featured in Game of Thrones as the entrance to the capital, King’s Landing.
The medieval old town is home to many picturesque palazzos, such as Palazzo Falson, one of Mdina’s oldest buildings, and the 17th-century Palazzo Vilhena on St. Publius Square.
Also worth mentioning is St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as the hidden courtyards and narrow alleyways you’ll discover while exploring the so-called “Silent City.” Silent, because no cars are allowed here.
My tip: Be sure to explore the lovely little streets of Rabat, right next to Mdina. Here, you’ll find St. Paul’s Catacombs, which include St. Paul’s Grotto, a World War II bunker, and a large underground Roman cemetery (⇨ location). It’s incredibly impressive and definitely worth a visit!
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a stunning natural spectacle where the sun casts a picturesque blue hue over the crystal-clear water. It’s truly a unique color, and you’ll see it at its best early in the morning!
As I mentioned earlier, this attraction in Malta is extremely crowded during the summer. During our winter visit, there were only a few other tourists, making the short boat ride on the water peaceful and relaxing.
The boat trip, which takes you through several shallow caves, lasts about 30 minutes and costs €10.00 per person. It may be even more expensive in summer!
The popular viewpoint from the road above the cave entrance is worth visiting year-round and is free of charge.
My tip: If you’re short on time and need to decide which highlight to skip, I’d suggest skipping the Blue Grotto, as long as you’re planning to visit the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
The Temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
The two temple complexes, around 5,000 years old, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk around Ħaġar Qim, while parts of the Mnajdra Temple can be explored from the inside.
The impressive archaeological sites are covered, providing some shade from the sun. The temples are 500 meters apart, connected by an easy, wide footpath.
My tip: Combine your visit to the Blue Grotto with a tour of the temples. These two Malta highlights are only about 2 km apart. If you don’t have a car, I recommend this half-day tour that includes both attractions as well as the Limestone Heritage.
We walked from the Blue Grotto to the temples, which is doable but not particularly scenic since the path runs right alongside the road.
Coastal Hike Marsaxlokk – Marsaskala
The beautiful coastal hike from Marsaxlokk to Marsaskala is one of those things you probably wouldn’t do if you visited Malta in the summer. And you’d really be missing out!
The colorful, traditional fishing boats in Marsaxlokk’s harbor are one of Malta’s iconic sights. From there, you should head southeast toward St. Peter’s Pool, a natural rock pool.
The stunning coastal trail leads north along impressive cliffs and rock formations. For most of the hike, you’ll be right by the water, with gorgeous views of the sea.
Stay along the coast until you reach the salt pans of Marsaskala. From there, you can take the bus back (€1.50 or €2.00 per person/one way).
Note: On the route from Marsaxlokk to St. Peter’s Pool, you’ll still find signposts, but after that, the coastal paths are no longer marked! I highly recommend using an offline map app or use my GPX tracks for that hike.
Golden Bay
In the summer, Golden Bay, one of Malta’s most beautiful beaches, is definitely worth a visit.
Of course, the beach is just as stunning in the winter, but if it’s too cold for swimming, I’d suggest using your often too-short vacation time for other activities instead.
Gozo
Let me say this upfront: Many people visit Gozo just as a day trip, returning to Malta by ferry in the evening.
However, the smaller sister island has so much more to offer, so you should plan for at least one, but ideally two, nights to fully explore Gozo’s attractions.
Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse
✅Family owned 3-Star Hotel
✅Only steps away from the bus terminal & the citadel of Victoria
✅Very tasty Breakfast
Gozo / Highlights in Malta in Winter
You absolutely must visit Gozo’s capital, Victoria, with its impressive Citadel, which was built as early as 1500 BC. Like Malta, Gozo is home to countless stunning churches.
Notable among them are the large Ta’ Pinu Basilica and the Basilica of St. John, which has one of the largest domes in Europe.
Gozo’s entire coastline is a natural wonder, and hikers can explore it on an easy multi-day coastal hiking trail. My favorite coastal area is the rugged cliffs in the north of the island—absolutely breathtaking!
On the coastal hike from Marsalforn to Dwejra Bay, you can also admire the Marsalforn Salt Pans, the Wied il-Mielaħ rock formation (the “new” Azure Window), the picturesque Wied il-Għasri gorge, the Blue Hole, and the Inland Sea.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Another Malta highlight that is overwhelmingly crowded in summer is the Blue Lagoon. However, in the winter months, the turquoise waters of this narrow sea channel are a stunning and less crowded destination.
The small island of Comino is accessible by ferry or a booked day trip from both Malta and Gozo.
If you want to explore the island, do some hiking, and maybe take a dip at the far end of the island, I recommend taking the ferry.
But if your main goal is swimming and snorkeling, the excursion boats are a better option. Near the ferry landing, there’s only a small stretch of beach, which fills up quickly even in winter.
On the boats, you’ll have lounge chairs and much more space to relax and dry off in the sun after your swim in the turquoise waters.
Hiking in Malta and Gozo
Malta and Gozo are fantastic hiking destinations in winter! Since both islands have very few trees or shaded areas, winter with its mild temperatures is the ideal time to visit and hike. I was even sweating quite a bit in November!
The coastlines are especially picturesque: steep cliffs, hidden coves, beautiful beaches, ancient watchtowers, salt pans, and small coastal towns with harbors. The islands are incredibly diverse!
My tip: There are nearly no marked hiking trails on either island. For this reason, make sure to have a hiking app with offline maps. Ideally, follow the exact route descriptions from your hiking guide to avoid ending up on private property or in a dead end.
Conclusion: Malta in Winter
I hope, I could show you that Malta is the perfect destination for the colder months.
You won’t miss out on any of Malta’s highlights by skipping a summer visit—if anything, you’ll likely experience more of your destination.
Your trip will also be much more relaxed overall, as you’ll save money during the off-season and deal with fewer tourists, meaning less stress.
And if the winter weather doesn’t cooperate, the island supposedly has 365 churches and chapels (one for each day of the year) for you to explore. Valletta also offers plenty of interesting museums for rainy days.
Thanks to the milder climate, you can enjoy beautiful hikes on Gozo and Malta in winter. These are experiences you’d likely skip in the summer heat—and you’d really be missing out!
