Weather in Malta in May

Warm Days, Mild Evenings and the Start of Summer Weather

May is one of our favourite times to experience Malta. Days are generally warm, with direct sunshine sometimes feeling quite hot around midday, while the shade is usually comfortable. Early May evenings can still feel a little cooler, especially near the coast or when it is windy, but by late May the weather normally feels much more like summer.

It is a particularly good month if you want to combine sightseeing, walking and outdoor attractions with some beach and swimming time, without the stronger heat that normally arrives later in summer.

May in the Maltese countryside, Mdina and the beach.May in Malta: green hills and beach days

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

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Statistics For May

  • 🌡️ Daytime temperature: Typically around 24°C
  • 🌙 Night temperature: Typically around 15–16°C
  • 🌊 Sea temperature: Around 18.4°C
  • 🌧️ Average rainfall: Around 10 mm
  • 🔆 UV index: Often very high on sunny May days

May Temperature Extremes

Malta can occasionally experience temperatures well outside the normal May averages.

  • 🔥 Highest recorded May temperature: 35.3°C on 23 May 2006
  • ❄️ Lowest recorded May temperature: 8.0°C on 4 May 1970

These are historical extremes and not typical May conditions. Most visitors should expect much milder temperatures than either record.

Sunshine Hours and Daylight

May brings long, bright days with plenty of sunshine, giving you lots of time for sightseeing, beaches and outdoor activities.

  • ☀️ Sunshine: Around 10 hours per day
  • 🕒 Daylight: 13 hours 39 minutes, increasing to 14 hours 25 minutes
  • 🌅 Sunrise: 06:09 at the beginning of May, becoming earlier to 05:47
  • 🌇 Sunset: 19:48 at the beginning of May, becoming later at 20:12
The beautiful countryside weather in Malta in May.Maltese countryside is glowing in spring with greenery

Is There a Difference Between Early and Late May?

Yes, the difference can be quite noticeable. Early May still feels like spring moving toward summer, with warm, sunny days but a greater chance of cooler evenings, wind, and fresher sea temperatures.

By late May, Malta normally feels much warmer and more settled. Days are more consistently warm, evenings are milder, and the sea gradually becomes more inviting for swimming. The countryside also starts losing some of its greener spring look as the weather dries out.

If you are mainly coming for sightseeing and exploring, either part of May can work very well. If beach time, swimming, and warmer evenings matter more, the second half of May is generally the better choice.

Green countryside in Tal-Lunzjata, Rabat, Malta.Green countryside at Tal-Lunzjata, Rabat, Malta

Is May a Good Time to Visit Malta?

Yes. May is one of the months we particularly like for a first visit to Malta because it offers a great balance of sightseeing and warmer weather.

Days are generally warm enough for walking, outdoor attractions, sightseeing and beach time, without the stronger summer heat that can make long days of exploring more tiring.

May also normally feels livelier than April, with more visitors and a stronger holiday atmosphere, while still being less intensely busy and summery than June.

We particularly recommend May if you want to explore Malta and spend some time by the sea. If your main priority is very warm sea water, consistently hot beach weather and warmer evenings, June or later would probably suit you better.

People eating at outdoor restaurants on Merchant Street in Valletta.People dining outdoors on a sunny day on Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta

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What Should I Wear & Pack?

For most of May, summer clothing is suitable during the day. We usually wear T-shirts, shorts, and other light clothes, especially on sunny days.

Early in the month, evenings can still feel cooler, particularly when it is windy or you are near the coast, so it is worth bringing one light jumper or jacket.

For a May holiday, we recommend packing:

  • 👕 T-shirts and light tops for daytime
  • 🩳 Shorts and light trousers
  • 🧥 A light jumper or jacket for evenings and windy days
  • 👟 Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
  • 🩱 Swimwear for beach and pool days
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses and a hat
  • 🧴 Sun protection, as the May sun can already be strong
  • 👗 Light evening clothes for restaurants and nights out

Visitors from the UK or northern Europe will normally find May pleasantly warm, but don't rely only on summer clothes if you are visiting early in the month.

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Things To Do During May

May is one of the best months for combining sightseeing and outdoor activities with time by the sea, before the stronger summer heat arrives.

  • 🏛️ Explore Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities: May temperatures are normally very comfortable for spending several hours walking and sightseeing.
  • 🏖️ Spend time at the beach: On warm sunny days, you can already enjoy sunbathing and swimming, particularly later in the month.
  • 🚤 Take a boat trip: May is a popular time for exploring Malta's coastline, Comino and the Blue Lagoon, although sea conditions still depend on the wind.
  • 🌿 Explore the countryside: Early May can still retain some of Malta's spring greenery, making it a good time for coastal and countryside walks before the landscape becomes much drier.
  • ⛴️ Visit Gozo: The milder temperatures make May particularly pleasant for exploring Gozo's villages, coastline and outdoor attractions.
  • 🏺 Visit Malta's historic and archaeological sites: Places such as temples, museums and historic towns can be combined easily with outdoor sightseeing during the same day.
The Megalithic Tarxien Temples in Malta.The ancient stone structures of the Tarxien Temples in Malta

Rain and Wind in Malta in May

May is generally becoming drier and more settled, but occasional rain and windy days can still affect how warm it feels.

Does It Rain Much in Malta in May?

May is normally one of the drier months in Malta, and rain is unlikely to dominate your holiday.

From our experience, when rain does arrive it is often a shower or a few unsettled hours rather than several completely wet days. However, an occasional wetter day is still possible, so May should not be treated as completely rain free.

Conditions can also change quickly. A cloudy or windy spell may make the day feel noticeably cooler, but sunny weather often returns relatively quickly during this time of year.

For most visitors, rain would not be a major reason to avoid Malta in May.

Can May Feel Windy in Malta?

Yes, and wind can make quite a difference to how warm May actually feels.

On a sunny day, temperatures may look very pleasant, but a strong breeze can make an exposed seafront, beach or boat trip feel noticeably cooler. This is particularly noticeable early in May and when you move out of direct sunshine.

If you are planning a boat trip or spending a long time near the coast, it is worth checking the wind as well as the temperature. A light extra layer can still be useful on windier May days.

Top Tours in Malta for May

Swimmers at Hondoq ir-Rummien beach, Gozo.Hondoq ir-Rummien beach in Gozo

Can You Swim and Sunbathe in Malta in May?

May can already offer great beach weather in Malta, especially on sunny, calm days. Sunbathing is generally easier than swimming early in the month, as the sea can still feel fresh, but conditions become noticeably more like summer as May progresses.

Can You Swim in Malta in May?

Yes, you can definitely swim in Malta in May, although how comfortable the sea feels depends quite a lot on when you visit and your tolerance for cooler water.

In early May, the sea can still feel quite fresh when you first get in, especially on a windy day. We would still swim on sunny, calm days, but it doesn't yet have the warm summer feel you get later in the season.

By late May, the sea usually feels noticeably more comfortable, and swimming becomes a much more natural part of a beach day.

If swimming is one of the main reasons for your holiday and you prefer very warm sea water, June or later would be a safer choice.

Can You Sunbathe in Malta in May?

Yes. By late May, beach days usually feel much more reliably like summer, with warmer sunshine and more comfortable conditions for spending longer at the beach.

Schools and universities have not finished for the summer yet, so weekdays can still feel relatively calm. At weekends, however, you will often notice more local families heading to the sandy beaches to enjoy the warm weather. Some people will already be swimming, although the sea can still feel quite cold, especially earlier in the month.

The May sun can already be strong, so sun protection matters even when the air doesn't feel extremely hot.

Quick May In Malta Thoughts

  • ☀️ Warm without peak summer heat: May is excellent for sightseeing, walking and spending long periods outdoors.
  • 🏖️ Beach weather is already possible: Sunny days can be very good for sunbathing, especially later in the month.
  • 🌊 Swimming gets better as May progresses: Early May can still feel fresh, while late May is normally more comfortable.
  • 👕 Mostly summer clothing: Pack light clothes but keep one light layer for cooler evenings and windy days.
  • 🌿 A changing landscape: Early May can still retain some spring greenery before Malta becomes much drier.
  • 👥 A good middle ground: May normally feels livelier than April but less intensely busy and summery than June.

Our thoughts: May is one of our favourite months for a first Malta holiday if you want to combine sightseeing, outdoor activities and some beach time without the stronger summer heat.

People walking around the silent city in Malta.Tourists gathered at one of the most popular squares in Mdina, Malta

Check the weather in other months in Malta

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Malta in May

Is Malta hot in May?

Malta is usually warm, not consistently hot, in May. Direct sunshine can feel quite hot around midday, particularly later in the month, but evenings and windy days can still feel cooler.

Is early May colder than late May in Malta?

Usually, yes. Early May still feels more like spring, while late May usually brings warmer days, milder evenings, and more comfortable conditions for swimming and spending time at the beach.

Do I need a jacket in Malta in May?

A heavy jacket is not usually necessary, but a light jumper or jacket is useful, especially on early May evenings, windy days, exposed seafronts, and boat trips.

Is Malta crowded in May?

May is normally busier and livelier than April but less intensely busy than the main summer period. Popular attractions and beaches can still be busy, especially later in the month and at weekends.

Is May better than June for visiting Malta?

It depends on the type of holiday you want. May is excellent for combining sightseeing and outdoor exploring with some beach time, while June is generally better if warmer sea temperatures and more consistently hot summer weather are your priority.

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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.

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