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Winter is coming. At least for Europe that is. Sure, some people love the colder months but I can’t blame people for wanting to escape to warmer climates given the chance. At this time of year it makes sense to look to the Mediterranean and visiting somewhere like Malta in winter is where you should be looking at. It may not seem it at first glance, but winter is a great time to visit Malta.
More than just a beach getaway, Malta is packed with captivating historical and cultural attractions. This means there’s plenty to do even if you can’t swim and sunbathe. But winter in Malta also manages to combine good weather with light tourist numbers, meaning it’s the perfect getaway at this time of year. I’d even argue I think it’s the best time to visit Malta if you haven’t got beaches on the mind.
Malta Weather in Winter
One of the greatest reasons to visit Malta in December through February is the country’s pleasant temperatures. While Europe freezes, the Mediterranean island of Malta enjoys weather that the mainland could only dream of. While its true that there are days with strong winds and somewhat regular rain, the climate in Malta balances this with stable temperatures made for being outdoors.
Need proof? Just look at the photos from my other Malta posts, all taken in January and February. Sure there are some grey days there but just as many blue skies as well. I was kind of stunned at just how suitable winter was for going out sightseeing and on day trips around the islands.
As for actual Malta weather information, January and February are the coldest months while December is considerably wetter. Even still, we’re talking about highs of around 16ºC and overnight lows of potentially 9ºC. There were times when I was even tempted to take out my shorts, although that may have been optimistic.
One other thing worth pointing out is that because Malta is so far south, you’re treated to longer days than on mainland Europe. Even in early January sunrise is at 7pm and the sun sets after 5pm, which I think isn’t too bad personally. This means you can go out sightseeing and not feel any time pressure to make the most of the daylight.
Low Season in Malta
Whereas Malta in summer continues to grow in popularity, tourist numbers in low season are much more modest. This means that everything from public transportation to tourist attractions are less busy, making sightseeing way more convenient. Instead of waiting for buses and ferries, you can simply walk on board as you’d expect.
In some countries, low season comes with the problem that places like museums, hotels and restaurants are closed. I know I found that in Lucca, Italy just before coming to Malta, but my experience with Malta in winter was a different story.
There was still plenty of accommodation available across Malta and Gozo, with only Fort St Elmo closed in January. In fact removing some of the stresses that come with crowds meant I felt more comfortable being spontaneous since I didn’t have to take into account other tourists or waiting in lines.
The other perk of low season is that certain things are cheaper than they are in high season. For starters, bus fares are actually set lower for the months of November through May, so getting around that way is even more affordable outside of summer. Then there’s hotels, who tend to use low season rates to lure those tourists that are visiting Malta in January or February. All told, Malta is a quite an affordable holiday destination and even more so during low season.
Winter Activities
Probably the biggest thing you miss out when visiting Malta in winter is the country’s island beaches. Of course, by this I mean swimming and sunbathing at the beach, as you can still admire the beaches in winter. So if that is what you’re seeking out, then yes this might not be a good time to visit. I can only imagine how cold the water is! But is Malta worth visiting if you can’t go to the beach?
Yes, a resounding yes! This is a country with millennia of history, a blended Mediterranean culture and some jaw dropping landscapes. Malta has a number of UNESCO sites and plenty more that you’re unlikely to come across anywhere else. From walking the medieval streets of Valletta and Mdina, to looking along the cliffs and salt pans of Gozo, you can find plenty of interesting sights to keep you occupied.
What’s more, the weather is more often than not pleasant and warm, meaning being outdoors isn’t a chore anyway. Whether it’s cruising around the islands for a day or hiking through the countryside, activities you associate with summer are still an option. I spent much of my time on Gozo hiking across the island and only had to weather a single short sprinkle of rain in otherwise beautiful weather. So yes, there’s still plenty do during winter in Malta.
Have you ever considered travelling to Malta in winter before? Do you like to escape winter weather when you can? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
