Malta packs a lot into a small space. This Mediterranean archipelago sits between Sicily and the North African coast, and when summer hits, the islands come alive with festivals, beach days, and warm evenings filled with local food and music. Summer in Malta runs long, often stretching from June well into September, and brings guaranteed sunshine almost every single day.
This guide walks you through the weather during summer in Malta, the top things to do, local festivals worth attending, what to wear, packing advice, and everything else you need to plan your visit right.
Weather in Malta in Summer
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. From June through September, daytime highs range between 28°C and 34°C. July and August are the peak heat months. The Sirocco wind, which blows in from the Sahara, can push temperatures above 40°C during occasional heat waves. Nights are warm too, rarely dipping below 20°C.
|
Month |
Avg. High (°C) |
Avg. Low (°C) |
Humidity (%) |
Rainfall (mm) |
|
June |
26 – 28 |
18 – 20 |
65 – 71 |
1 – 6 |
|
July |
31 – 32 |
22 – 27 |
63 – 64 |
0 |
|
August |
31 – 32 |
20 – 24 |
67 |
6 – 8 |
|
September |
28 |
20 – 23 |
70 – 73 |
24 – 67 |
Rainfall between June and August is close to zero. Malta gets over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, and summer months average 11 to 12 hours of direct sunlight daily. The sea temperature climbs to 27°C in August, making it the warmest in Europe during that period.
If you are checking the weather during summer in Malta before you book, schedule outdoor sightseeing early in the morning or after 5 PM. Between noon and 3 PM, the heat on exposed streets and coastal paths can feel intense.
Suggested Read: Malta in July: Sunshine, Beaches, and Festivals
Why Visit Malta in Summer?
Warm Mediterranean Waters All Season
The Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas surrounding Malta reach their warmest between July and September. Water temperatures hover around 25°C to 27°C, and the clarity is striking. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving are all at their best during this window. It is one of the top reasons people pick Malta for a summer trip.
Festivals That Run All Summer Long
From free open-air concerts to wine festivals at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, festivals in Malta during summer keep the calendar packed. Village feasts, known as “festas,” happen nearly every weekend across the island, complete with fireworks, brass bands, and street food.
Long Daylight Hours for Sightseeing
In June and July, daylight stretches past 15 hours. That gives you plenty of time to walk through Valletta’s narrow streets, take an afternoon boat ride, and still make it to a rooftop dinner before the sun sets. These extra hours make a real difference when you want to fit more into each day.
Fresh Summer Food Everywhere
Coastal restaurants serve grilled lampuki (dolphinfish), rabbit stew, octopus salad, and stuffed peppers made with summer produce. Seasonal foods in Malta during summer lean heavily on fresh seafood, local cheese, and Maltese bread dipped in olive oil and tomatoes. The island’s food scene is at its freshest from June to September.
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Top Things You Can Do in Malta in Summer
Take a Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon, Comino
The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is Malta’s most famous swimming spot. The turquoise water is shallow and clear, perfect for snorkeling and floating. Since May 2025, all visitors wanting to step onto Comino must register for a free QR code pass via the official site. Arrive early to grab a spot before the crowds build up. This is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in summer in Malta.
Visit the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a series of seven sea caves on Malta’s southern coast, near the village of Żurrieq. Small traditional boats take you through the caves on a 20-minute ride.
Morning visits offer the best light, when the sun hits the water and makes the caves glow blue-green. It is one of the most popular photography spots in Malta during summer.
Walk Through Valletta’s Historic Streets
Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire city is walkable, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Grand Master’s Palace are all within close distance.
Entry to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is free. For those wondering how to enjoy summer in Malta on a budget, Valletta’s public spaces and views of the Grand Harbour cost nothing to enjoy.
Swim at Malta’s Best Beaches
Malta has a mix of sandy and rocky beaches. Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa are sandy stretches on the western coast. Riviera Bay and St. Peter’s Pool offer dramatic cliff-side swimming.
Mellieħa Bay is the longest sandy beach on the island and popular with families. Head to the beach before 10 AM or after 5 PM to skip the strongest sun. This is one of the easiest activities to do in Malta during summer for all ages.
Explore the Ancient City of Mdina
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is a fortified medieval town that dates back over 4,000 years. Walking its narrow alleys feels like stepping back in time. The town has no cars, so it is quiet even in peak season. Visit in the late afternoon when the golden light makes it one of the best photography spots in Malta during summer.
Go Diving off Gozo’s Coast
Malta and Gozo are rated among the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean. The water visibility in summer can reach 30 meters or more. Popular dive sites include the Inland Sea on Gozo, the Blue Hole, and the HMS Maori wreck near Valletta. This is one of the top outdoor adventures in summer in Malta for both beginners and certified divers.
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Festivals & Events in Malta in Summer
Isle of MTV Malta
Isle of MTV is Europe’s largest free outdoor music festival. Held annually in Il-Fosos Square, Floriana, it draws over 50,000 attendees. Past headliners include Lady Gaga, David Guetta, and Snoop Dogg. The 2024 edition featured RAYE, DJ Snake, and Nelly Furtado. Entry is completely free, making it one of the standout festivals in Malta during summer for music fans.
Malta Jazz Festival
The Malta Jazz Festival takes place in Valletta every July, set against the backdrop of the harbour and historic theaters. The 2025 edition ran from July 7 to 12 and featured international jazz acts alongside late-night free jam sessions at local bars. It is a relaxed, open-air experience that pairs well with warm summer evenings.
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What You Can Wear in Malta in Summer
What to wear in Malta during summer is mostly about staying cool and comfortable. Malta is relaxed when it comes to dress codes on beaches and promenades. But churches and cathedrals require covered shoulders and knees.
Packing tips for summer in Malta:
- Lightweight cotton or linen clothing in light shades
- A scarf or shawl for entering churches and religious sites
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
- Flip-flops or water shoes for rocky beach entries
- A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
- A reusable water bottle (staying hydrated is important)
Things to avoid during summer in Malta include walking barefoot on hot limestone rocks, skipping sunscreen on boat trips, and wearing heavy fabrics during the daytime heat. Air conditioning indoors can also be quite cold, so carry a light layer for restaurants and museums.
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FAQs
How hot can it get in Malta in summer?
Temperatures in Malta can cross 40°C during heat waves. The highest recorded temperature was 44°C in August 1999. Typical summer highs sit between 30°C and 34°C in July and August. The Sirocco wind from North Africa is usually responsible for the most extreme heat spikes.
Can you swim in Malta during the summer?
Yes, and the conditions are excellent. Sea temperatures range from 22°C in June to 27°C in August. The swimming season runs from May through October. Popular swim spots include the Blue Lagoon on Comino, St. Peter’s Pool, and Golden Bay.
What is the average temperature in Malta in summer?
The average daytime temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C between June and September. August is typically the hottest month, with averages around 27°C when factoring in both day and night readings. The best time to visit Malta during summer for slightly cooler weather is late June or early September.
Is it sunny in Malta during summer?
Malta receives around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe. July averages over 12 hours of sunshine per day. Cloud cover is extremely rare from June through August.
Is it windy in Malta during summer?
A cooling sea breeze blows across the islands most summer afternoons, which helps make the heat bearable. Strong winds are uncommon from June to August. The Sirocco, a hot wind from Africa, can occasionally bring dusty, humid conditions, but this rarely lasts more than a day or two.
Is Malta cheaper in summer?
No. Summer is peak tourist season, and places to stay in Malta during summer are priced at their highest. Budget tips for traveling to Malta in summer include booking accommodation months in advance, using public buses instead of taxis, and eating at local bakeries and village restaurants instead of touristy waterfront spots.
What can I see in Malta in summer?
There is no shortage of things to explore. You can tour Valletta’s cathedrals and museums, take a boat to the Blue Lagoon, walk through Mdina’s medieval streets, or visit the ancient Ħaġar Qim temples. Tourist attractions in summer in Malta range from UNESCO sites to natural sea caves, all reachable within short distances.
What adventure activities can I do in Malta in summer?
For outdoor adventures in summer in Malta, you can scuba dive in Gozo, try cliff jumping at St. Peter’s Pool, jet ski around Comino, sea kayak along the southern coast, and parasail off St. Julian’s Bay. Early mornings are the best time for high-energy activities.
What are the free things to do in Malta in summer?
There are plenty of things to do in Malta. Watching the cannon fire at the Saluting Battery in Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens is free daily at noon. Swimming at public beaches like Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa costs nothing. Walking through Mdina and Valletta is free. If you enjoy hot weather, open-air events, and warm seas, summer in Malta is hard to beat.
