The Climate of Malta
The climate of Malta has Mediterranean characteristics of hot dry summers and cool wet winters but due to its low latitude, the summers and winters are somewhat warmer than other Mediterranean stations of Europe. The hottest month at Valletta, Malta is July with a high of 84 F (29 C) and a low of 73 F (23 C). The coolest month is January with a high of 57 F (14 C) and a low of 50 F (10 C). The average temperature for July therefore is 79 F (26 C) and that of January is 54 F (12 C).
Comparing these temperatures of summer and winter with that of Rome of 76 F and 45 F respectively, we find out that although the summer temperatures are not much higher than other typical Mediterranean stations, the winters are definitely warmer and it is this peculiar feature of climate of Malta that makes it an ideal place to visit in winter. Just imagine that when the temperatures in central Europe are around 28 F (-2 C), Malta is enjoying temperatures of 54 F (12 C) – a full 14 degrees warmer!
The rain is concentrated chiefly in winter months. Total annual rainfall at Valletta is 23 inches (584 mm) of which 18 inches (457 mm) fall in winter and only 5 inches (127 mm) fall in summer. The rainiest month is December with 4 inches (102 mm) of rainfall while the driest is July having nil rainfall. This rainfall pattern is typical of Mediterranean stations. Hours of sunshine per day varies from 12 in July to 5 in December. Relative humidity, due to the influence of Mediterranean Sea, remains high throughout the year. It varies from 76 percent in December to 65 percent in July.
In a nutshell, therefore, the climate of Malta is hot and dry in summers and mild and wet in winters. Winters, especially are very mild and it is the best season to visit the island.
