Malta in January: Weather, Events and Things to Do

Malta in January is quiet, mild and the cheapest it gets. Days are around 16°C, the islands are green after the winter rain and the big sights are free of queues. It is not beach weather, but it is ideal for a city break. Here is the weather, what is on and the best things to do in Malta in January.

Malta Weather in January

January is one of Malta’s coolest and wettest months, but it is mild by northern European standards. Days average about 16°C (60°F) and nights about 10°C (50°F), with around 5.5 hours of sunshine a day and about ten days with some rain. The sea drops to around 15 to 16°C, too cold for most swimmers.

Compare every month in our Malta weather by month guide.

Events in Malta in January 2027

• New Year’s Day (1 January): a public holiday, after the New Year’s Eve party and fireworks in Valletta.
• Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem: Gozo’s living nativity village usually stays open into early January. Check dates before you cross.
• Valletta Baroque Festival: concerts in Valletta’s churches, palaces and the Manoel Theatre, usually from mid to late January. The 2026 festival ran from 8 to 25 January, and Festivals Malta announces each year’s dates.

See the full calendar on our What’s On in Malta page.

Best Things to Do in Malta in January

• Explore Valletta’s museums and churches: St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the National Museum of Archaeology without the summer queues. See our Valletta guide.
• Wander Mdina: the Silent City is at its quietest. Read things to do in Mdina.
• Walk Gozo’s coast: the cliffs and salt pans are green and the walking weather is cool. Plan it with our Gozo guide.
• Visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday: the fishing village holds its big market on Sunday mornings.
• Take a harbour cruise: Grand Harbour cruises run all year. Compare Malta boat trips.

What to Pack for Malta in January

• A warm jumper and a light coat
• A waterproof jacket or umbrella
• Comfortable shoes with grip for wet limestone streets
• Sunglasses: sunny winter days are bright

Is January a Good Time to Visit Malta?

Good	Not so good
Lowest prices of the year	About ten rainy days
No queues at the big sights	Sea too cold for most swimmers
Mild days around 16°C	Fewer boat trips running

January Compared With December and February

Month	Average high	Sea	Rainy days	Sunshine a day
December	17°C	17 to 18°C	About 10	5.2 hours
January	16°C	15 to 16°C	About 10	5.5 hours
February	16°C	15 to 16°C	About 8	6.4 hours

January and February are Malta’s coolest months, but still mild compared with northern Europe. If you want a little more sun, February has about an hour more sunshine a day. Compare every month in our Malta weather by month guide.

Best Day Trips in January

• Valletta’s museums: the Co-Cathedral, Fort St Elmo and the Lascaris War Rooms are perfect on a cool or rainy day. See our Valletta guide.
• Gozo: quiet roads, green fields and coastal walks, with the nativity village open into early January. See things to do in Gozo.
• The prehistoric temples: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast, without the summer heat.
• A long Maltese lunch: rabbit stew or a fenkata in a country restaurant. See our Maltese food guide.

Where to Stay in Malta in January

Valletta and Sliema are the best bases in winter, with restaurants, museums and ferries on the doorstep and plenty of hotels open all year. January is often the cheapest month for hotels after New Year. See where to stay in Malta for the full comparison.

Malta in January FAQ

Is Malta warm in January?

It is mild rather than warm. Average highs are about 16°C (60°F), with cooler evenings around 10°C.

Can you swim in Malta in January?

The sea is around 15 to 16°C, too cold for most people, although some locals swim all year.

Is January a cheap time to visit Malta?

Yes. After New Year, January is one of the cheapest months for flights and hotels.

What is the weather like in Malta in January 2027?

We use long-term averages. For your exact dates, check a forecast a few days before you travel.

Is January a good month to visit Malta?

Yes, for a quiet, good-value city break. Days are mild at around 16°C, sights are uncrowded and prices are low, but expect some rain and a sea that is too cold for most swimmers.

Keep Planning

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