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 |