Malta isn’t just a summer destination. Winter here is mild and sunny, the islands are quiet, and it’s the best season for sightseeing, hiking and culture. More and more travellers have worked this out: winter visitor numbers have grown by over 200% in the last decade. Here are the best things to do in Malta in winter, from November to March.
What is Malta like in winter?
- Temperature: usually 15 to 17°C by day and around 10°C at night
- Sunshine: plenty of sunny days between short rainy spells
- Crowds: far fewer tourists, with cheaper flights and hotels
- Best for: sightseeing, hiking, history, food, festivals and live events
15 things to do in Malta in winter
1. Explore Valletta
Malta’s capital is compact, walkable and full of history. Don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral and its Caravaggio paintings, the Grand Master’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the Saluting Battery fires its cannons at noon and 16:00.
2. Enjoy the Christmas lights and markets
From late November to New Year, Valletta and many villages light up for Christmas, with markets in Rabat, Ta’ Qali, Gozo and beyond. See our full Christmas in Malta 2026 guide for dates.
3. Hike the cliffs and countryside
Winter is Malta’s best hiking season. After the rains, the fields turn green and wildflowers appear. Great walks include the Dingli Cliffs, Majjistral Nature and History Park near Golden Bay, and the coastline of Gozo.
4. Step back in time at the prehistoric temples
Malta’s megalithic temples are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast, or Ġgantija in Gozo. If you want to see the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, book weeks ahead, as daily tickets are very limited.
5. Wander the Silent City of Mdina
Mdina’s quiet lanes and bastion views are at their best without summer crowds. Stop for coffee and cake on the walls, then visit the St Paul’s Catacombs in neighbouring Rabat.
6. Take a day trip to Gozo
Gozo is greener and calmer than Malta, especially in winter. Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa, explore the Citadel in Victoria, see the Ta’ Pinu basilica and walk along the cliffs at Dwejra.
7. Visit the Three Cities
Take the short ferry from Valletta across the Grand Harbour to Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua. Wander the narrow streets, visit Fort St Angelo and enjoy the waterfront.
8. See a show at Teatru Manoel
Built in 1731, Teatru Manoel in Valletta is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. Winter is its busiest season, with plays, concerts, opera and Christmas pantomimes. Browse our Theatre & Shows calendar.
9. Catch a concert or big event
From rock and metal weekends to orchestras and international stars at the MFCC, winter is packed with live music. See what’s on in our Concerts & Live Music calendar.
10. Go to Marsaxlokk’s Sunday market
The fishing village of Marsaxlokk is famous for its colourful luzzu boats and its Sunday morning fish market. Stay for a seafood lunch by the harbour.
11. Celebrate Carnival in February
Malta Carnival 2027 runs from 5 to 9 February, in the days before Ash Wednesday. Expect colourful floats, costumes and dancing in Valletta and Floriana, and the wild, spontaneous carnival in Nadur, Gozo.
12. Join the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck
On 10 February, a public holiday, Valletta celebrates St Paul, Malta’s patron saint, with a procession, band marches and decorated streets. It’s one of the few traditional village-style feasts held in winter.
13. Discover Malta’s museums
Rainy day? Visit MUŻA, the national art museum in Valletta, the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo or the National Museum of Archaeology, home to the famous “Sleeping Lady” figure.
14. Eat Maltese winter food
Winter is the time for hearty Maltese dishes: rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek), vegetable soup (minestra), baked pasta (timpana) and, of course, hot pastizzi straight from the oven.
15. Swim on sunny days (if you’re brave)
The sea is still around 21°C in November and drops to about 15 to 16°C by February. Plenty of locals swim all winter, so on a calm, sunny day, why not join them?
Tips for visiting Malta in winter
- Pack layers: sunny days can feel warm, but evenings, wind and rain can be chilly.
- Check opening times: some sites and boat trips have shorter winter hours or close in bad weather.
- Watch the weather: strong winds can sometimes delay the Gozo ferry or close boat trips to Comino.
- Get around: use buses, ferries or ride-hailing apps like Bolt and eCabs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Malta has one of the mildest winters in Europe, with sunny days, few crowds, lower prices and lots of culture and events, making it ideal for sightseeing and walking.
What is the warmest winter month in Malta?
November is the warmest of the winter months, with daytime temperatures around 20°C. January and February are the coolest, at around 15 to 16°C.
Can you swim in Malta in winter?
You can, though the sea gets cool. It’s around 21°C in November and about 15 to 16°C in February, so most visitors only swim on calm, sunny days.
What events are on in Malta in winter?
Winter highlights include Christmas markets and lights in December, New Year’s Eve in Valletta, Carnival and the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck in February, plus concerts and theatre all season. See the full Malta events calendar.
Plan your winter trip
Find out exactly what’s on during your stay in our Malta events calendar, updated every week. Coming soon? Read our guide to Malta in November 2026.