Europe
Malta
Europe
Malta
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Malta, a sun-soaked gem in the Mediterranean, offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Explore Valletta's grand palaces and St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio masterpieces. Wander through Mdina's silent streets, frozen in time. Dive into azure waters at the Blue Lagoon or uncover prehistoric temples older than the pyramids. Savor fresh seafood in charming fishing villages, and experience the lively festa season. With English widely spoken and a warm climate year-round, Malta provides an accessible yet exotic escape.
Best time to visit. Visit Malta from April to June or September to November. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. You'll enjoy warm, sunny days perfect for sightseeing and beach activities, without the intense heat and tourist influx of peak summer months.
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Country stats
Population
542,051
166th
Land area
122 sq. mi.
186th
Highest elevation
830 ft
Currency
Euro
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$22.737 billion
118th
GDP per capita
$41,738
25th
Year founded
5900 BCE
Official langauge
Maltese
English speaking
Widely spoken
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.915
25th
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
left
Capital
Valletta
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F - 50°F | 59°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:15 pm | 10 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| February | 61°F - 50°F | 59°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:50 am | 5:45 pm | 8 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| March | 63°F - 52°F | 62°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:10 am | 6:15 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| April | 66°F - 55°F | 66°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 6:45 pm | 4 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 73°F - 61°F | 73°F - 61°F | Sunny | 5:00 am | 7:15 pm | 2 days 0.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 81°F - 68°F | 82°F - 69°F | Sunny | 4:45 am | 7:45 pm | 1 days 0.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 86°F - 73°F | 88°F - 75°F | Sunny | 5:00 am | 7:45 pm | 0 days 0.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 86°F - 73°F | 89°F - 76°F | Sunny | 5:30 am | 7:15 pm | 1 days 0.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 82°F - 70°F | 84°F - 71°F | Sunny | 6:00 am | 6:30 pm | 3 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 75°F - 64°F | 76°F - 64°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 5:45 pm | 6 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 68°F - 59°F | 68°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 5:00 pm | 8 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| December | 63°F - 54°F | 62°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 4:45 pm | 10 days 3.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck | February 10 | Commemorates St. Paul's shipwreck on Malta with religious processions and festivities. | Interesting to observe, some closures. | ||
| Carnival | February or March (varies) | Colorful parades, costumes, and parties before Lent. Major celebrations in Valletta. | Lively atmosphere, good for tourists. | ||
| Freedom Day | March 31 | Marks the departure of British troops in 1979. Parades and commemorative events. | Some closures, interesting for history. | ||
| Good Friday | March or April (varies) | Solemn religious processions and services commemorate Jesus Christ's crucifixion. | Limited services, religious observances. | ||
| Easter Sunday | March or April (varies) | Joyous celebration of Christ's resurrection. Church services and family gatherings. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Worker's Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights. Trade unions organize rallies and events. | Some closures, political events. | ||
| Sette Giugno | June 7 | Commemorates the 1919 uprising against British colonial government. Official ceremonies. | Historical significance, some closures. | ||
| Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul | June 29 | Religious feast with fireworks, band marches, and festive atmosphere in many towns. | Lively celebrations, good for tourists. | ||
| Feast of the Assumption | August 15 | Major religious feast honoring Virgin Mary. Processions and fireworks in many towns. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Victory Day | September 8 | Commemorates historical victories. Military parades and wreath-laying ceremonies. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| Independence Day | September 21 | Celebrates Malta's independence from the UK in 1964. Official ceremonies and events. | Patriotic atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Religious feast honoring Virgin Mary. Church services and some local celebrations. | Minimal disruption, religious observances. | ||
| Republic Day | December 13 | Marks Malta becoming a republic in 1974. Official ceremonies and some local events. | Some closures, patriotic celebrations. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebrates birth of Jesus Christ. Religious services, family gatherings, festive mood. | Avoid travel, most places closed. |
1 | Greet locals with 'Bongu' (good morning) or 'Bonswa' (good evening). Many Maltese speak English, but they appreciate efforts to use local greetings. |
2 | Dress modestly when visiting churches. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Some popular sites like St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta provide shawls for visitors. |
3 | Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if service charge isn't included. Round up taxi fares. Tip tour guides €1-2 per person. |
4 | Maltese drive on the left side of the road, like in the UK. Be cautious as a pedestrian and driver. Roads can be narrow and winding, especially in older towns. |
5 | Public transport is reliable and affordable. Buy a tallinja card for bus rides. It's cheaper than single tickets and can be used on both Malta and Gozo islands. |
6 | Respect siesta time, typically 1-4 PM. Many small shops close during these hours, especially in smaller towns. Plan your day accordingly to avoid disappointment. |
7 | Try local delicacies like pastizzi (savory pastries), rabbit stew, and fresh seafood. Maltese cuisine is a unique blend of Mediterranean and North African flavors. |
8 | Learn basic Maltese phrases. While English is widely spoken, locals appreciate tourists who make an effort. 'Grazzi' (thank you) and 'Jekk jogħġbok' (please) go a long way. |
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