Malta between January and March is where winter slows down but the islands keep their Mediterranean spark. Mild weather, powerful history, interactive museums and lively events like Carnival and St Patrick’s Day make this the perfect time for curious, culture-loving travellers.
Gentle winter-spring weather
From January through March, Malta enjoys cool but comfortable days with far more sunshine than most of Europe. Daytime temperatures typically sit in the low to mid-teens Celsius, with cooler evenings and occasional short showers, so layers and a light jacket are all you usually need.
By March, days are longer and brighter, the countryside is green, and café terraces begin to fill, but without the heat of summer. This shoulder-season feel lets you explore major sights and enjoy harbour views in a relaxed, unhurried way.
January: quiet streets and big history
January is Malta at its calmest. UNESCO-listed Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities feel atmospheric, with golden stone streets, dramatic bastion walls and crisp winter light over Grand Harbour.
Spend your days stepping through 7,000 years of history. The National Museum of Archaeology introduces Malta’s prehistoric temples and mysterious ancient figurines, while baroque churches and palaces reveal the splendour of the Knights of St John. When you want a break, duck into a café in Mdina, Rabat or Valletta for warming coffee, pastries and people-watching.
Outdoors, take leisurely walks along Valletta’s fortifications, the Three Cities waterfront or out to Dingli Cliffs, where the sea views feel especially dramatic in winter. With fewer boat tours running, January is perfect for land-based sightseeing, photography and slow, lingering dinners in traditional townhouses.
February: Carnival and village life
February keeps the mild winter feel but adds a burst of colour. Malta’s famous Carnival fills Valletta, local towns and especially Gozo with music, costumes, satirical floats and late-night celebrations, giving you a vivid window into Maltese creativity and culture.
Alongside Carnival, you may encounter religious feasts such as the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta, when statues, bands and processions animate the baroque streets. This mix of sacred tradition and playful celebration is a hallmark of Maltese life in winter.
If the weather turns showery, simply swap outdoor plans for galleries and museums. Valletta, Mdina and the harbour towns are full of historic houses, churches and small museums that let you keep exploring without stepping far into the rain.
Interactive, war and history museums
Malta shines for travellers who like museums that feel alive and immersive.
- Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara turns science into play, with hands-on exhibits, experiments and outdoor areas overlooking the Grand Harbour. Families and adults alike can touch, build and experiment their way through the galleries.
- The Museum of Illusions offers mind-bending rooms and optical tricks that are fun, interactive and very photo-friendly – a great choice for a short, rainy-day outing.
- The Malta Aviation Museum showcases restored aircraft, engines and memorabilia that bring Malta’s aviation and wartime story to life in hangars you can walk through at leisure.
For deeper war and defence history, head to Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum. Step inside thick coastal fortifications, then explore exhibitions that trace Malta’s story from the Knights through the World War II Siege of Malta, explaining why these tiny islands played such a major strategic role.
History fans can add themed stops like classic car collections and smaller local museums, which reveal everyday life, craftsmanship and transport over the last century. Together, they make Malta a destination where history is felt, not just read.
March: early spring and St Patrick’s Day
By March, Malta feels like early spring: the countryside is lush, wildflowers begin to appear and the air stays cool enough for comfortable walks. Coastal paths around Dingli, Mellieħa and Gozo are ideal for half-day hikes, with sweeping sea views and quiet village stops along the way.
You can start your day in a museum or temple site, then head out in the afternoon for cliff walks, harbourfront strolls, or a ferry ride to Gozo or Comino for peaceful bays and fishing villages. Shoulder-season ferries are easy to use, and viewpoints are rarely crowded.
March also brings a fun Irish twist to the islands: St Patrick’s Day. Irish pubs and bars – particularly around St Julian’s and Paceville – celebrate with live music, themed parties, flowing Guinness and streets filled with green-clad revellers. Pair a day of forts, temples and museums with an evening of Irish tunes and you have a lively finale to your winter-spring break.Choosing Malta in January, February or March means mild weather, deep history, interactive museums and authentic village life – with Carnival confetti and St Patrick’s Day cheer as unforgettable bonuses.
