Last updated: January 18, 2025
Il-Mellieħa, Malta, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate (Koppen-Geiger class Csa), showcasing mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The temperature varies significantly throughout the year, with a minimum of 7°C (46°F) occurring in February, while average seasonal temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F). The summer peak is marked by an impressive maximum temperature of 31°C (87°F) in August. This distinct climate contributes to the region's rich biodiversity and vibrant tourism, making Il-Mellieħa a noteworthy study in climate dynamics.
Il-Mellieħa, Malta, experiences a distinct seasonal temperature pattern, beginning with cool winter months characterized by minimum temperatures around 7-8°C (46-47°F) in January and February, rising slightly to an average of 14°C (58°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually increase, reaching averages of 15°C (58°F) in March and 16°C (61°F) in April, before warming significantly in May to an average of 19°C (66°F). The summer months of June through August showcase the peak warmth, with July and August averaging 25-27°C (78-81°F), and maximum temperatures soaring to 31°C (87°F). This warm phase transitions into a mild autumn, where September retains a comforting average of 25°C (78°F), before eventually dropping to 16°C (61°F) by December. The gradual fluctuations throughout the year reflect the region's Mediterranean nature, offering both mild winters and hot summers that are characteristic of the climate.
Mellieha experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with February seeing a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and August peaking at a maximum of 31°C (87°F). This variation makes it an appealing destination for visitors seeking both cooler winter temperatures and warm summer days. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Mellieha, you can refer to the link: monthly temperatures in Mellieha.
Il-Mellieħa, Malta, exhibits a strikingly seasonal precipitation pattern, with a pronounced wet season extending from autumn to winter. January and February receive relatively consistent rainfall, totaling 40 mm (1.6 in) and 41 mm (1.6 in) respectively, contributing to the cooler months' moisture. As spring approaches, precipitation decreases significantly, dropping to 34 mm (1.3 in) in March and plummeting to merely 9 mm (0.3 in) in April. This downward trend continues into summer, where rainfall is sparse, with June recording only 2 mm (0.1 in) and July witnessing no measurable precipitation.
In contrast, the autumn months herald a return of increased rainfall, particularly notable in October and November, which are the wettest months of the year. October experiences a substantial 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, followed closely by November with 120 mm (4.7 in), as the region transitions back into the cooler and wetter winter period. December contributes 61 mm (2.4 in), reinforcing the pattern. Throughout the summer, there are few rainy days, with July and August recording no precipitation at all, while January and February mark the highest frequency of rainy days, averaging 9 and 6 days respectively.
Il-Mellieħa, Malta, showcases a clear seasonal trend in sunshine duration, with dramatic increases as the year progresses. Beginning in the winter, January experiences only 223 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 279 hours in February and further accelerates with the arrival of spring. By March, the sunshine duration hits 339 hours, and April sees an increase to 353 hours. This upward trajectory culminates in late spring and early summer, where May reaches 394 hours and June slightly surpasses it at 397 hours.
The peak sunshine month occurs in July, with 413 hours, yet the pattern does not sharply decline; August follows closely with 392 hours before a gradual decrease into early autumn. September sees 340 hours, while October and November experience fewer sunshine hours, with 318 and 273 hours, respectively. Despite the drop in sunlight during the latter part of the year, overall, the trend highlights the region's Mediterranean climate, characterized by abundant sunshine, especially during the summer months, making Il-Mellieħa an appealing destination for beach enthusiasts and sun-seekers.
Il-Mellieħa, Malta, experiences notable fluctuations in the UV Index throughout the year, reflecting the region's diverse climatic conditions. During the winter months, figures are relatively low, with January and December both registering a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating a burn time of 30 minutes. February sees a slight increase to a UV Index of 5, maintaining the moderate exposure category. As spring unfolds, the UV Index escalates significantly; March reaches 7 (high exposure) and April climbs to 9, marking the onset of very high levels of UV radiation, which necessitates shorter burn times of 15 minutes for adequate skin protection.
The peak UV Index period occurs in the summer months, particularly in July, which records an extreme UV Index of 11, yielding a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure before risking sunburn. August and September follow closely with very high UV Index values of 10 and 8, respectively. As autumn approaches, the UV Index diminishes, with October returning to 7 and November dropping to 4. This seasonal cycle highlights the importance of taking precautions during the summer and early autumn, ensuring adequate sun protection to mitigate the health risks associated with high UV levels in Il-Mellieħa.
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In Il-Mellieħa, Malta, daylight duration follows a predictable seasonal pattern, with the hours of sunlight varying significantly throughout the year. During the winter months, daylight is shorter, with January and February averaging 10 hours each day. As spring arrives, daylight begins to increase, reaching 11 hours in March and expanding to 13 hours by April. The progression into late spring sees May maintaining 14 hours of daylight, a trend that continues into June when the days are at their longest.
As summer peaks, daylight remains at 14 hours in both June and July, before slightly tapering off to 13 hours in August. The shift towards autumn brings a gradual decrease, with daylight hours falling to 12 hours in September and further to 11 hours in October. November sees daylight decline again to 10 hours, before the year concludes in December with only 9 hours of sunlight. This seasonal rhythm not only influences local activities and tourism but also highlights the importance of adapting to varying light conditions across the year in Il-Mellieħa.
Mellieha, Malta, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 7°C (46°F) in February to a high of 31°C (87°F) in August, with precipitation significantly lower during the summer months, especially in July with no recorded rainfall. The area experiences the most sunshine from June to July, boasting over 400 hours of sun, while the winter months, particularly January and February, receive more rainfall between 40-41 mm. For a detailed overview of the climate throughout the year, visit Mellieha climate.
In summary, Il-Mellieħa, Malta, presents a diverse climatic profile marked by distinct temperature patterns, precipitation variations, sunshine duration, UV Index fluctuations, and daylight changes throughout the year. From hot, sun-drenched summers with peak UV levels and extended daylight hours to mild winters characterized by cooler temperatures and fewer sunny days, the region offers a complex interplay of seasonal characteristics that shape its environment and influence lifestyle. Understanding these climatic dynamics is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as they provide valuable insights into optimizing outdoor activities, managing sun exposure, and appreciating the rich Mediterranean ecosystem that thrives in this picturesque setting.