Discover Malta

When to go to Malta

One of the Mediterranean’s longest seasons: swimming from May to late October, and the mildest winters of any destination in this guide.

When	Air	Sea	Our take
April – May	19–24°C	17–19°C	Spring sunshine and sightseeing weather; the sea is for the brave until late May.
June	27–29°C	21–23°C	Full beach season begins, before school-holiday pricing kicks in.
July – August	30–32°C	25–27°C	Hot, dry and busy — book sea-view rooms and Comino boat trips early.
September – October	25–29°C	24–25°C	The warmest sea of the year and softer crowds. Our favourite window.
November – March	15–18°C	15–17°C	Europe’s gentlest winter city break — sightseeing in a light jacket.

Malta’s shoulder seasons are the secret: September and October give you a 24-degree sea with half the airport queue, while February half-term works surprisingly well as a culture break — mild, cheap and entirely open, when half of the Mediterranean has shut for winter.

The practical guide

Getting there

One airport serves the whole country, around three and a quarter hours direct from London and most regional UK airports — the shortest flight in this guide. Nowhere on Malta is much more than 45 minutes from arrivals, and your GoToBeach package includes the transfer, so you can realistically leave home in the morning and be swimming by mid-afternoon.

Passports & entry requirements

Schengen rules apply: visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180, with a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for 3 months beyond your planned departure. The EES border system — live since April 2026 — registers a photo and fingerprints on your first entry instead of stamping. ETIAS authorisation phases in from late 2026; it is not required for summer 2026 travel, but recheck the official guidance below before you fly.

Money

Malta uses the euro. Cards are accepted practically everywhere, including buses and kiosks, so cash needs are minimal — a little for market stalls and tips covers it. Service is sometimes added to restaurant bills; where it is not, 5–10% is appreciated. Prices sit below Italy or France, and the all-inclusive options shield families from peak-season menu costs.

Health & insurance

No special vaccinations are required, healthcare standards are high and — uniquely helpful — almost every doctor and pharmacist speaks English. The UK GHIC card is valid for state healthcare in Malta, but comprehensive travel insurance remains essential, particularly if you plan boat trips or diving. Tap water is safe but heavily desalinated; most visitors prefer bottled for taste.

Getting around

Distances are tiny, and you will not need a car unless you want one. The bus network reaches every resort and sight cheaply, the Sliema–Valletta ferry turns the harbour crossing into sightseeing, and the Gozo ferry runs around the clock from Ćirkewwa. Drivers should note Malta drives on the left, UK-style — one less thing to adjust to. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is best reached on an early boat, before the day-trippers.