Malta in December: Weather, Christmas and Things to Do

Malta in December is mild, festive and quiet. Valletta is lit up for Christmas, Gozo has its famous living nativity village and the year ends with fireworks over the Grand Harbour. Days are around 17°C, so it is more city break than beach holiday. Here is the weather, what is on and the best things to do in Malta in December.

Malta Weather in December

December brings Malta’s mildest winter weather, with average highs of about 17°C (63°F) and lows around 12°C (53°F). You can expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day and about ten days with some rain. The sea cools to around 17 to 18°C, too cold for most swimmers. Pack for a mild spring day in the UK, with a jacket for the evenings.

See how December compares in our Malta weather by month guide.

Events in Malta in December 2026

• Christmas in the Capital (until 31 December): Valletta’s street decorations, Christmas tree and nativity crib, with live performances and family activities.
• Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem (from mid-December): a living nativity village in Gozo, open on weekends and holidays.
• Public holidays: the Immaculate Conception (8 December), Republic Day (13 December) and Christmas Day (25 December).
• New Year’s Eve in Valletta (31 December): a free party in St George’s Square from 10pm to 2am, with fireworks over the Grand Harbour.

Christmas in Malta

Christmas is a big occasion in Malta. Churches and homes put up elaborate cribs, called presepji, and many towns display them for visitors. Valletta’s streets are decorated from late November, and Republic Street and the area around City Gate are busy with families in the evenings.

In Gozo, Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem turns more than 20,000 square metres of fields into a nativity village, with over 150 actors playing bakers, farmers and innkeepers. Entry is free, with donations going to local causes. It opens from mid-December, so check the dates before you cross.

Best Things to Do in Malta in December

• See Valletta lit up: walk from City Gate down Republic Street in the evening. Read our Valletta guide.
• Visit the nativity village in Gozo: combine it with the Citadel and Dwejra. See our Gozo guide.
• Explore Mdina on a quiet winter day: see things to do in Mdina.
• Try Christmas food: look for qagħaq tal-għasel (treacle rings) and a cup of imbuljuta, a warm chestnut and cocoa drink.
• See in the New Year in Valletta: free fireworks over the Grand Harbour.

What to Pack for Malta in December

• A warm jumper and a light coat for the evenings
• A waterproof jacket or umbrella
• Comfortable shoes for wet limestone streets, which can be slippery

Malta in December FAQ

Is Malta warm in December?

It is mild rather than warm. Average highs are about 17°C (63°F), with cooler evenings around 12°C.

Can you swim in Malta in December?

The sea is around 17 to 18°C, which is too cold for most people, though some locals swim all year.

Is Malta good for Christmas?

Yes, if you want a mild, festive city break. Valletta is decorated, Gozo has its nativity village and the New Year’s Eve party in Valletta is free.

Is Malta busy in December?

It is one of the quieter months for tourism, apart from the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Keep Planning

Sources: Climate of Malta, Luqa 1991 to 2020 (Wikipedia), Met Office holiday weather: Malta, Valletta Cultural Agency, Visit Gozo: Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem.