Malta Weather & Climate

Weather & Climate

Malta enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters. It is very similar to the climate found in the south of Italy and Greece. Rain rarely falls in summer (July to September), when the average temperatures are around 30°C through the day and 21°C at night. This time of year can produce a moderate level of discomfort due to heat and humidity. The winter months from January to March have average temperatures ranging from lows of around 9°C to highs around 16°C. Low annual rainfall of around 570mm falls predominantly in November to January. Due to this low level of precipitation, about half of Malta’s potable water is sourced from the ocean and desalinated in huge plants along the western coast.

Malta’s winds and breezes affect the weather significantly at certain times of the year. Northerlies and north-easterlies from central Europe can bring unpredictable cold periods, while the hot Sirocco winds from Africa often produce unseasonal hot and humid weather in spring and autumn. Cool sea breezes tend to moderate the high temperatures during the hottest months. Fog is common in Malta from November to March. Most tourists visit Malta during summer, however the mild winters and warm ocean temperatures, make it a year-round tourist magnet.