Weather in Malta in December

Things To Do, Essentials, And A Love For Christmas

By now the weather in Malta in December is cold and windy with expected rainy days. As we all know, December means Christmas time and we Maltese will be getting ready for this holiday.

It is one of the best times to come over. We have many things you can see and do, so you'll have a blast. Valletta is a great place to experience Christmas spirit, to do Christmas shopping and to find a gift for your loved ones at Christmas markets.

Book any tours or particular visits as early as possible because December is a very touristy month.

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Malta In December - A Quick Glance

Republic Street Valletta, Malta, decorated for Christmas shopping during December.Festive Christmas Decorations at Republic Street Valletta, Malta

Statistics For December

  • Highest Recorded 25°C (77°F) | Lowest Recorded 4°C (39°F)
  • Highest Daily Average 17°C (63°F) | Lowest Daily Average 12°C (79°F)
  • Daylight Hours Of Sunshine 5.2
  • UV Index 0 to 2
  • Rainfall 108mm (4.6")

For a real-time weather forecast for December click here.

Malta Weather Compared to European Countries

  • Austria: 2°C | 36°F
  • Belgium 4°C | 39°F
  • France 5°C | 41°F
  • Germany 2°C | 36°F
  • Ireland 5°C | 41°F
  • Italy 8°C | 46°F
  • Netherlands 4°C | 39°F
  • Poland 1°C |  34°F
  • Sweden -12°C | 10°F
  • Spain 10°C | 50°F
  • Switzerland 1°C | 34°F
  • United Kingdom 5°C | 41°F

What’s the weather in Malta like in December?

Weather-wise, December is a wonderful month to visit. Malta is not an icy island, therefore if you want to get away from the icy or snowy weather, Malta is the right place for you. It is quite common to experience sunny days where in fact, it is quite warm.

Is December The Best Time To Visit Malta?

If you are looking for a holiday where Christmas is taken to another level, then Malta is your destination. December is a holly and jolly month, streets are decorated and packed with people getting their shopping done. Yes, it is cold, but not as cold as other European countries.

what is the weather in gozo like?

Since both islands are close to each other, the weather conditions are typically the same. Gozo is generally slightly fresher than Malta as it is more to the north.

Is it the best Month to visit Malta?

Malta in December is the perfect time to visit, thanks to the mild Mediterranean weather and festive vibes. Though with lower temperatures it enjoys milder weather that most Europeans experiences cold and snow.

✅ Reasons to Visit in December:

  • 🌤️ Mild Winter Temperatures: Daytime highs (17°C/63°F), with lows around (11°C/52°F).
  • 🎄 Festive Atmosphere: The Christmas season brings decorations, markets, and events.
  • 🎶 Cultural Events: Malta International Christmas Choir Festival.
  • 🎆 New Year's Celebration: Valletta hosts a grand New Year's Eve celebration.
  • 🛍️ Shopping and Sales: Enjoy the holiday sales and explore the local shops.

❌ Reasons December Might Not Be Ideal:

  • 🌧️ Increased Rainfall: Average rainfall is 108mm across 16 days, usually in short showers.
  • 🌬️ Shorter days: With around 9.8 hours of daylight, outdoor activities are limited.
  • 🌊 Cooler Sea Temperatures: It drops to around (18°C/64°F), no sea swimming.

What Should I Wear & Pack?

  • The essential clothing in December for the Maltese is winter clothes. It is not unusual to see people (especially tourists) with t-shirts in the late morning afternoon when the weather is clear and sunny.
  • The clothes you must pack and wear are thick, warm trousers, and closed shoes. 
  • We always recommend packing a jumper, warm jacket, coats, hoodies and scarves. Preferably various layers that will give you the possibility to dress according to the weather conditions.
  • Water-tight closed shoes and walking shoes. Summer flip-flops and sandals are not adequate.
  • A portable rain cover and umbrella are necessary.
  • During this time you do not need any swimwear for the beach unless you will be using the amenities of your accommodation.  

Hiring A Car? Check The Best Rates

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

Things To Do During December

  • If you love the sea and wish to dive, then you can still do that in December. Diving is possible all year round on the Maltese islands. Just be aware that the sea temperature will be around 19°C during this time of year. Book your diving experience for beginners here.
  • Visit Valletta especially during this month since it will be decorated for the Christmas season. Apart from that Valletta will be transformed into a Fairyland Santa's City where you can join all the other locals shopping and getting ready for Christmas.
  • Being that by this time it would have rained quite a bit, take the opportunity to go for walks in the countryside and admire the ambient we have.
The band club in Paola decorated for Christmas.The Band Club in the town of Paola decorated for Christmas
  • A good way to entertain your children is to organise a visit to the Popeye Village fun park at Mellieha, especially at this time with Christmas activities.
  • If you want to have some fun and relaxing time you can go to Eden Superbowl for a game of bowling or to the Eden cinemas.
  • Why not hop on a ferry and visit the island of Gozo? Over here you can visit the Bethlehem F'Ghajnsielem live crib. Many Maltese people go up to Gozo for this activity. Apart from that there are plenty of other things to do.

Christmas & New Year Celebrations Across The Islands

  • Christmas Time - Many activities around the islands such as crib exhibitions, Christmas markets, several concerts and the very popular pantomimes.
  • Winter solstice at Mnajdra - A magical moment marks the beginning of winter, as the sun aligns perfectly with the ancient temple at the Mnajdra Archaeological Park.
  • Malta International Christmas Choir Festival - A number of choirs from different European countries will be participating in this festival in Valletta and other locations.
  • L-Istrina - Held every year on the 26th December, the collection of funds to help philanthropic institutions and many individuals with different medical needs.
  • Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem 2025/26 - Over the course of a few months, numerous volunteers put up a timeless version of the Nativity story in Gozo.
  • New Year's Eve Parties - Malta is known for its abundance of parties. Countdown to new year with fireworks, events, and a live stage at Valletta.

Rainy Day Delight: Authentic Maltese Flavors

  • Rabat's Legendary Pastizzi - Malta's most beloved flaky pastries, are served hot from the oven just outside historic Mdina.
  • The rustic setting of a Gozo farmhouse 
  • Gozo’s Food Feasts Restaurants – Offers a rustic setting in which to enjoy hearty dishes of rabbit stew and beef olives.
  • Mosta Rustic Pizzerias - Enjoy a thin-crust pizza with local toppings like bejna can be found adjacent to the iconic Rotunda dome.
  • Village Kitchen Classics – Home-style dishes are served in family-run restaurants, including bigilla (Maltese broad bean dip), octopus stew, and baked pasta.

Check Hotels In Malta Rates For This Month

  • Find good rates about hotels in Malta from Booking.com.

Top December in Malta Tours

Quick December in Malta Thoughts

There are plenty of December events and also November events that proceed through this month.

You will notice Christmas sales and also offers at most of the shops around the island.

The weather will be absolutely beautiful for long walks in the countryside.

The village of Tarxien with a street illuminated for the Christmas season.The village of Tarxien, Malta, decorated for Christmas

Nobody generally swims during this period because the sea temperature is quite low and will be rough.

The weather during this month is up and down and sometimes unpredictable, so we suggest you check the weather before to your visit.

The temperature rarely falls below 10°C during the day. But during the night temperatures typically fall quite low but not so low.

Average number of sunshine hours are between 5 and 6 hours.

Does Malta get too cold in December?

The mild winters in Malta makes it a popular destination for those who want to escape the cold weather to enjoy some winter sun. Compared to most European countries, it is milder.

Which is the coldest month in Malta?

There is no doubt that January and February are the coldest months of the year with chilly winds, frequent rain showers, shorter days, and temperatures that occasionally fall below 10 degrees Celsius.

Would it be worth going to Malta in December?

I would definitely say yes. Malta is an excellent destination all year round with comfortable temperatures ranging from daily average highest of 17°C (63°F) to Lowest average of 12°C (79°F).

In December, does it snow in Malta?

There is no frost or snow on the islands of Malta. But in Maltese houses we do not have central heating and humidity which turns 'mild' temperatures into 'freezing'. Hotel rooms and most rental apartments have central heating nowadays.

Is it possible to sunbathe in Malta in December?

It is so nice in Malta in December that you can enjoy your coffee outside. What a great idea! On a good day, sunbathing and swimming are possible, though the water will be cold and in general no one swims.

In December, does Malta get windy?

Occasionally, the Sahara Desert sends a hot wind and dust storm over, preventing things from cooling down too much. There is a lot of wind in Malta because it is exposed and flat, with a maximum elevation of just 250m.

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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.

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