Good Time to Visit

Weather

The Maltese weather is warm for most of the year, with dry summers and mild winters. The hottest months are between July and September, but the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes. Average annual rainfall is about 40 cm, whilst the average daily winter temperature is 13°C.

Visitors are advised to bring linens and lightweight cotton clothing between March and September, with some warmer clothes for cooler evenings and in winter. A raincoat is also a good idea during winter.

More detailed information about the Maltese weather may be found in Climate in Malta.

Festivals

Important annual events include Carnival, usually celebrated in February, featuring colourful floats, masks and dancing. Between April and September the Maltese enjoy their Festa season, a significant time for families and for village life. During these spectacular feast days each village hosts a range of festivities in commemoration of local saints, with church services, outdoors celebrations and fireworks featuring prominently over the course of five days. Saturday and Sunday are the big nights, with major fireworks displays and brass band parades.

More information about the festas may be seen in Maltese Culture.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Malta:

Date Holiday
1 January New Year's Day
10 February Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck
March/April (variable) Good Friday
19 March St Joseph's Day
31 March Freedom Day
1 May Labour Day
7 June Sette Giugno (Commemoration of 1919 Riot)
29 June Feast of St Peter and St Paul
15 August Assumption Day
8 September Our Lady of Victories
21 September Independence Day
8 December Immaculate Conception
13 December Republic Day
25 December Christmas Day