In short: Malta is mild in winter, with daytime temperatures usually in the mid to high teens Celsius, quiet streets and lower prices. It is ideal for city breaks, walking and long stays. Pick a home with good heating and plan a few indoor days for rain.
What the weather is like
From December to February, daytime temperatures usually sit around 15 to 17°C, dropping to around 10°C at night. Most of the year's rain falls between October and January, often in short heavy showers between sunny spells. The sea is too cool for most people to swim, but walking, cycling and sightseeing are far more comfortable than in the summer heat.
Why winter is a good time to visit
The streets of Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities are quiet, flights and accommodation cost less, and you see Malta as locals live it. Winter is also popular with remote workers and long-stay guests, who get the best value on monthly rates.
Winter events worth planning around
December brings Christmas lights and nativity cribs across the island, with Valletta at the centre. The Valletta Baroque Festival fills churches and palaces with concerts in January. Carnival takes over Valletta and Gozo in February, with floats, costumes and street parties.
Things to do on a winter trip
Walk the coastal paths at Dingli Cliffs and the north, explore the museums and palaces of Valletta, cross to the Three Cities by ferry, spend a day in Mdina and Rabat, and take the ferry to Gozo on a clear day. Some boat tours to Comino run a reduced timetable in winter, so check before you go.
See our 1 stay in Rabat and Mdina →
Where to stay in winter
Maltese stone buildings stay cool, which is perfect in August and less so in January. Choose a home with air conditioning that heats as well as cools, and consider a cosier place over a big open-plan villa. All our homes have heating, several have fireplaces or fire pits, and our local team is on WhatsApp if anything needs attention.
For winter city breaks, Valletta and the Three Cities are the most atmospheric. For longer stays, Sliema and Msida offer the most services within walking distance.
See our 5 stays in Msida, Pietà and Ta' Xbiex →
Questions
Is Malta warm in winter?
Mild rather than warm. Expect around 15 to 17°C during the day and about 10°C at night, with plenty of sunny days between showers.
Can you swim in Malta in winter?
A few hardy locals do, but the sea is around 15°C in February. Most visitors save swimming for May to November.
Is Malta cheaper in winter?
Yes. Flights and accommodation are usually much cheaper from November to March, apart from the Christmas and New Year period.
Written by the Maltese Stays team, who manage licensed holiday homes across Malta. Updated November 2026.
