Weather in Malta in December

Mild Days, Cool Evenings and Changeable Winter Weather

December in Malta can be surprisingly pleasant on a good day. In direct sunshine and with little wind, it can feel mild around midday, while shade, wind and the hours after sunset feel noticeably cooler.

The weather is changeable, so sunshine, cloud, wind and rain can all feature during a December holiday. A rain forecast does not necessarily mean losing an entire day, but it is worth keeping some flexibility in your plans.

From our experience living in Malta, we would approach December as a sightseeing and Christmas holiday rather than a winter beach holiday. It is a great time to explore Valletta, Mdina, villages, and historic attractions without the intense summer heat, while the Christmas season adds an extra atmosphere across the islands.

Christmas scenes across Malta illustrating mild December weather.Christmas scenes across Malta in December

✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice from living in and exploring the Maltese Islands.

🧭 Find Your Best Area to Stay in Malta in 5 Questions

Here Is What You Need To Know

Crowds walk beneath Christmas lights in Valletta during December.Christmas lights over Valletta shopping streets

Statistics For December

  • 🌡️ Average Daytime High: 17.1°C (63°F)
  • 🌙 Average Nighttime Low: 11.8°C (53°F)
  • 🌡️ Average Air Temperature: 14.5°C (58°F)
  • 🌊 Average Sea Temperature: Around 18°C (64°F)
  • 🌧️ Average Rainfall: Around 85mm (3.3 inches)
  • ☀️ Average Maximum UV Index: 2 (Low)
  • ☀️ Average Bright Sunshine: Around 5.3 hours per day

These averages give a useful guide to typical December conditions, but actual weather can vary considerably from day to day, especially when wind, sunshine and rain come into play.

December Temperature Extremes

Historical Malta Airport MetOffice records from 1947 to 2010 show:

  • 🔥 Highest December Temperature Recorded: 24.3°C (76°F) — 5 December 1963
  • ❄️ Lowest December Temperature Recorded: 3.6°C (38°F) — 22 December 1967

These extremes show what's possible in December, not what visitors should normally expect. For everyday trip planning, the average daytime high and night-time low above are much more useful.

Sunshine Hours and Daylight

  • ☀️ Average Sunshine: Around 5.3 hours of bright sunshine per day
  • 🕖 Daylight: About 9 hours 55 minutes on 1st December, with the shortest days arriving around the winter solstice
  • 🌅 Sunrise: 06:50 at the beginning of December, becoming later to 07:15 by the end of the month
  • 🌇 Sunset: 16:45 at the beginning of December, becoming later to 17:00 by the end of the month

The shortest day falls around the winter solstice in the third week of December. By the end of the month, daylight has already started increasing slightly again.

Sunshine hours and daylight are not the same thing. December has close to ten hours between sunrise and sunset, but Malta averages around five hours of actual bright sunshine per day during the month.

Large nutcracker stands beside decorated Christmas tree in Malta.Nutcracker beside a large Christmas tree

What Does December Weather Actually Feel Like?

The temperature alone does not tell the full story in December. Sunshine, shade and wind can completely change how the same day feels.

On a calm, sunny day, direct sunshine can feel surprisingly pleasant around midday, and you may even be comfortable without a jacket for a while. Move into the shade or an exposed area, however, and it can immediately feel much cooler.

After sunset, temperatures drop noticeably and a jacket or warmer layer is usually needed, especially near the coast or when it is windy.

Early December

Early December can still bring some very pleasant, settled days. Sunshine can feel mild during the middle of the day, although mornings, evenings and shaded areas are cooler.

Rain and wind are still possible, so do not treat early December as guaranteed warm weather.

Late December

By late December, evenings tend to feel cooler and daylight is at its shortest around the winter solstice. Sunny days are still very possible, but unsettled weather can bring stronger wind, cloud or rain.

The change from early to late December is gradual rather than dramatic. Day to day weather conditions usually make a bigger difference than the exact week of the month.

Check Hotels In Malta Rates For This Month

Maltese house covered with colourful Christmas nativity lights.Nativity lights decorate Maltese house exterior

Is December a Good Time to Visit Malta?

Yes, especially if your main interests are sightseeing, history, walking, food and Malta's Christmas atmosphere rather than beaches and swimming.

Reasons to Visit Malta in December

  • Comfortable sightseeing: Cooler temperatures make it easier to spend several hours exploring Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities and historic attractions.
  • Strong Christmas atmosphere: Valletta, churches, nativity cribs and seasonal activities give December a very different feel from the rest of the year.
  • Good for walking and exploring: Dry, sunny days can be excellent for countryside walks and outdoor sightseeing without the intense summer heat.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Weather is changeable: Rain, wind and cooler spells can affect outdoor plans, so some flexibility is useful.
  • It is not a beach month: Swimming is possible for some people, but December should not be treated as a typical beach holiday.
  • Days are shorter: Start outdoor sightseeing early, especially if you want to make the most of the available daylight.

We recommend December most for visitors who want a cultural and festive holiday with comfortable sightseeing conditions, while accepting that some days may be cooler, wetter or windier.

The band club in Paola decorated for Christmas.The Band Club in the town of Paola decorated for Christmas

What Is the Weather Like in Gozo in December?

December weather in Gozo is broadly similar to Malta, with similar temperatures, rainfall and changeable winter conditions.

What often makes Gozo feel different is exposure. Open countryside, coastal areas and higher ground can feel noticeably cooler when it is windy, while sheltered village streets may feel much milder on the same day.

On a calm, sunny day, Gozo can be excellent for sightseeing and walking. If strong wind or heavy rain is forecast, exposed coastal areas are likely to feel much less comfortable.

We would not describe Gozo as having a separate or significantly colder climate in December. Wind, shelter and location usually make more difference than the small geographical distance between the islands.

What Should I Wear & Pack?

Packing for Malta in December is mainly about layers.

On a pleasant sunny day, you may be comfortable in a T-shirt or light top around midday, but mornings, evenings, shade and windy conditions usually need something warmer.

A useful packing list includes:

  • T-shirts and light tops
  • Long-sleeved tops
  • A jumper or cardigan
  • A light to medium jacket
  • Long trousers or jeans
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear, if you are comfortable with cooler water or plan to use a hotel pool

A slightly warmer layer is also useful for evenings and exposed coastal areas.

You do not need to pack as if you are visiting northern Europe in midwinter, but bringing only summer clothes would leave you unprepared for cooler or wetter days.

Things To Do During December

December is a good month for sightseeing, walking, and historic attractions, especially on dry, settled days.

  • Explore Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities: Cooler temperatures make it much easier to spend several hours walking around Malta's historic areas.
  • Walk through the countryside: After the autumn rains, Malta becomes greener. Choose dry, calm days and avoid muddy or exposed routes after heavy rain or during strong winds.
  • Spend a day in Gozo: December can be excellent for sightseeing around Gozo when conditions are settled. Check the Gozo ferry before travelling and see our things to do in Gozo guide for more ideas.
  • Visit museums, churches and historic interiors: These are particularly useful when showers interrupt outdoor plans.
  • Enjoy festive evenings: Combine daytime sightseeing with Malta's Christmas atmosphere once the lights come on.

For more general sightseeing ideas, see our Things To Do In Malta guide.

For markets, concerts, Christmas attractions and current seasonal activities, see our December events guide.

For events at other times of the year, see our Events By Month guide.

Christmas & New Year Celebrations in Malta

December brings a strong festive atmosphere across Malta, with Christmas lights, decorated churches, nativity cribs and seasonal activities in many towns and villages.

For a first visit, we would especially recommend Valletta in the evening, when Republic Street, Merchants Street and the surrounding areas are lit up and busy with Christmas activity.

Churches and traditional cribs are also an important part of the Maltese Christmas season and give visitors a more local experience beyond the larger commercial attractions.

New Year's Eve brings another lively period, particularly in Valletta. If you plan to spend the evening outdoors, remember that late December can feel quite cold when it is windy, so bring a jacket or warmer layer.

For confirmed markets, concerts, Christmas attractions and current seasonal events, see our December events guide.

Visitors walk past decorated Christmas tree in Valletta daylight.Christmas tree in Valletta during daytime

What Happens When It Rains in Malta in December?

Rain in December can vary a lot. You may get a short heavy downpour, several hours of unsettled weather or occasionally a much wetter day.

Heavy rain can fall quickly, and some roads may temporarily flood while traffic slows down. Strong wind can also make exposed coastal areas feel much colder.

If the weather turns poor:

  • Move countryside or coastal walks to a better day, especially after heavy rain when paths may be muddy or slippery.
  • Check boat trips and Comino plans carefully, as wind and sea conditions can make them much less enjoyable.
  • Keep Gozo flexible if strong wind or prolonged rain is forecast.
  • Use indoor options such as museums, churches, cafés and historic interiors if the weather becomes unsettled.

A rain symbol does not always mean the whole day will be lost, but December works best when your plans allow some flexibility.

Top Tours In Malta For December

December can be a good month for sightseeing tours because the cooler weather makes longer days of exploring more comfortable.

Land based tours such as Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities and Gozo are usually the better choice at this time of year.

Boat trips to Comino or the Blue Lagoon may still operate, but they are much more dependent on wind and sea conditions. If you are considering one, check the forecast and latest departure information before booking or travelling.

If your itinerary is flexible, use the best weather day for any boat or exposed outdoor tour and keep land based sightseeing for more changeable days.

Hiring A Car? Check The Best Rates

  • Looking to hire a car for your holiday? Check Discover Cars for rates.

Can You Swim in Malta in December?

Yes, but December isn't typical beach-swimming weather. The average sea temperature is around 18°C (64°F), which will feel cold to many people.

Some Maltese people swim year-round, but they are a small minority and usually regular cold-water swimmers. You may also occasionally see visitors from colder countries going into the sea on a calm, sunny day.

What matters most is not just the sea temperature. Sunshine, wind, air temperature and sea conditions can completely change how comfortable swimming feels.

On a sheltered sunny day, a swim may be enjoyable if you are used to cooler water. On a cloudy, windy or rough day, the same sea temperature can feel much less inviting.

Can You Sunbathe in Malta in December?

Sometimes. On a mild, sunny and sheltered day, it can be pleasant to sit in the sun for a while, especially around midday.

However, December is not a dependable sunbathing month, so think of this as a bonus rather than something to plan your holiday around.

Quick December In Malta Thoughts

  • 🌤️ Good for sightseeing: December is comfortable for exploring Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities and historic attractions without the intense summer heat.
  • 🎄 Excellent for Christmas atmosphere: Decorations, churches, cribs and seasonal activities give the month a distinctive festive feel.
  • 🌧️ Weather is changeable: Sunshine, wind and rain can all feature, so flexible plans are useful.
  • 🌊 Not a typical beach month: Swimming is possible for some people, but December suits sightseeing better than a beach holiday.
  • 🧥 Layers work best: Sunny periods can feel mild, while evenings, shade and windy conditions are noticeably cooler.

Our view: December is a great choice for sightseeing, culture, and Christmas atmosphere, as long as you are prepared for changeable winter weather rather than guaranteed warmth.

Top December in Malta Tours

Check the weather in other months in Malta

See our complete Weather in Malta guide to compare conditions year-round.

Malta in December Weather FAQs

Is Malta Warm or Cold in December?

Malta is mild, not hot, in December. Sunny, sheltered conditions can feel pleasantly warm around midday, while evenings, shade and windy weather feel considerably cooler.

Does It Rain a Lot in Malta in December?

December is one of Malta's wetter months, but rain does not necessarily last all day. You may experience short heavy downpours, several hours of unsettled weather or occasionally a much wetter day.

What Is the Weather Like in Malta at Christmas?

Christmas weather can range from pleasant sunshine to cooler, windy or rainy conditions. Daytime sightseeing can still be very comfortable, but bring a jacket or warmer layer for Christmas Eve and evening activities.

What Is the Weather Like in Malta on New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve can be mild compared with much of Europe, but late December evenings may feel cold when it is windy. If you plan to attend outdoor celebrations, check the forecast and dress in layers.

Can Hotels and Apartments Feel Cold in December?

Yes, particularly in some older Maltese properties. Traditional stone buildings can feel cool or damp during unsettled weather, and heating is not always the same as central heating found in northern Europe.

Hotels are generally well prepared for winter, while many apartments use air conditioning units for heating. If you are booking an older property, it is worth checking what heating is available.

Is December or January Better for Malta Weather?

Both are winter months and can bring mild sunny days as well as rain and wind. The weather can vary considerably from year to year, so there is no guaranteed warmer choice.

The main difference for many visitors is atmosphere: December has Malta's Christmas and New Year celebrations, while January is usually quieter after the festive period.

Want To Share This Page On Pinterest? Pin It Here!

It is cold outside especially in the morning and evening. During the day it will be a bit warmer depending on the weather some times even hot days. Rain expected. The weather in Malta in December.

Planning a winter escape to Malta? Discover what the weather is really like in December! From festive Christmas lights to cooler temps and cultural events, our ultimate guide will help you plan your perfect holiday.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Other Related Pages That Might Interest You


Love this page? Spread the Maltese vibes on social media!

Albert and Benjamin Magro, local Malta travel writers

We are Albert and Benjamin Magro, two Malta locals who enjoy exploring the island and sharing practical advice with visitors. Our guides combine local knowledge with first-hand visits to Malta's towns, beaches, attractions and accommodation areas. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook for more Malta tips, photos and videos.

🍺 Enjoyed Our Malta Guide?

If our tips helped you plan your Malta trip, you can say thanks by buying us a Cisk! Your support helps us continue creating and updating our free travel guides.

🍺 Buy Us a Cisk