Malta Weather Guide: Climate Patterns, Winds & Seasons

Malta possesses a classic Subtropical Mediterranean climate, characterized by exceptionally long, dry summers and short, mild winters. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, it is one of the brightest regions in Europe. However, its position in the center of the Mediterranean makes it a theater for powerful atmospheric forces and distinct seasonal shifts.

The Daily Rhythm

In Malta, the sea is the primary thermal regulator. During the summer, the climate follows a rigorous cycle: mornings begin with still, clear air, followed by a rising sea breeze by midday that provides a cooling effect for coastal towns. In winter, the day-to-day weather is more volatile; a bright, warm morning can transition rapidly into a torrential downpour as Mediterranean depressions move across the archipelago. Humidity is a constant factor, often remaining above 70%, which makes summer heat feel more "muggy" and winter air feel sharper than the thermometer suggests.

Seasonal Trends

• Summer (June – September): This is the season of deep blue skies and high UV levels. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures often peaking between 30°C and 35°C (86°F–95°F). Rainfall is virtually non-existent during this period.
• Autumn (October – November): A short transition. Sea temperatures remain warm enough for swimming until late October, but this is also the wettest time of year. Rainfall frequently arrives in short, violent bursts known locally as "deluges."
• Winter (December – February): Mild and windy. Daytime highs rarely drop below 15°C (59°F), and snow is a legendary rarity (the last recorded event was in 1962). This is the greenest season, as the parched landscape revives with winter rains.
• Spring (March – May): Often considered the most pleasant period, spring brings stable, warm temperatures (around 20°C/68°F) and blooming wildflowers, though the sea remains cool until May.

Dominant Wind Phenomena

The Maltese climate is defined by three specific winds that dictate the "feel" of the weather:

1. The Xlokk (Sirocco): A hot, dry wind blowing from the Sahara. It carries fine desert dust and can cause temperatures to spike suddenly, bringing an oppressive, humid heat that turns the sky a hazy orange.
2. The Gregale (Grigal): A fierce northeasterly wind that peaks in winter. It can reach hurricane force, creating massive swells that crash over coastal walls in Valletta and Sliema. Historically, it is famous for causing shipwrecks, including that of Saint Paul in 60 AD.
3. The Majjistral (Mistral): A cool, dry northwesterly wind. It is generally welcomed by locals as it clears the humidity and provides relief during the height of summer.

Local Adaptations & Microclimates

Despite its small size, Malta experiences an Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Densely packed areas like Birkirkara and the Three Cities can be up to 4°C warmer at night than the rural western cliffs or the sister island of Gozo. Traditionally, the Maltese architecture of thick globigerina limestone and high ceilings was designed to store the cool night air and resist the daytime sun.

Locals monitor the winds closely—many Maltese will avoid swimming on the northern side of the island during a Majjistral or on the eastern side during a Gregale. Experience has taught residents that while the sun is almost always present, the island's lack of natural forests and thin soil mean the heat is "raw" and the rains are usually flash-floods rather than drizzles.