Last updated: January 18, 2025
Saint John, Malta, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate (Koppen-Geiger classification: Csa), defined by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The temperature exhibits a distinct seasonal variation, with February experiencing a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and the annual average hovering around 20°C (68°F). Peak summer months see maximum temperatures soaring to 31°C (88°F) in August, creating a vibrant yet comfortable environment for both residents and visitors alike. This climate not only supports a rich biodiversity but also enhances the overall appeal of Saint John as a sought-after destination throughout the year.
The temperature patterns in Saint John, Malta, showcase a marked seasonal variation typical of a Mediterranean climate. Winter months like January and February experience mild conditions, with minimum temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and averaging 14°C (58°F), gradually warming into early spring. As spring unfolds, temperatures begin to rise, reaching a maximum of 20°C (69°F) in March and further increasing in April and May, where averages climb to 19°C (66°F) and peak at 23°C (74°F), respectively. The summer months of June through August bring warmth, with July and August showcasing maximum temperatures soaring to 31°C (88°F). As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to moderate, with September and October offering pleasant conditions before transitioning back to cooler winter temperatures in November and December. This progression highlights the appealing climate of Saint John, favorable for outdoor activities year-round.
San Gwann experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) in February to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in August. This variation makes it an appealing destination for those who enjoy mild winters and warm summers. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in San Gwann here.
Precipitation in Saint John, Malta, displays a seasonal distribution that aligns closely with the Mediterranean climate's characteristics. The wet season predominantly occurs from October to February, with January and February receiving approximately 41 mm (1.6 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in) of rainfall, respectively. As spring approaches, precipitation sharply decreases, reaching its lowest levels in late spring and summer, with June and July seeing minimal rainfall and often no recorded precipitation. This pattern results in dry and sunny conditions, conducive for outdoor activities and tourism.
The return of rainfall in September brings about 25 mm (1.0 in), often heralding the end of the dry season as the island transitions into the autumn months. October and November experience notable increases in rainfall, with October receiving a substantial 111 mm (4.4 in) and November closely following with 109 mm (4.3 in). These months are characterized by the highest number of rainy days, illustrating a shift to wetter weather as the region moves back into winter. Overall, Saint John experiences a pronounced dry period during the summer months, balanced by a more pronounced wet season in autumn and early winter.
In Saint John, Malta, the duration of sunshine experiences a notable seasonal variation that brightens the landscape throughout the year. Beginning with January, the island enjoys approximately 223 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases as spring approaches. February and March witness rising hours, with March totaling 339 hours, signaling the onset of brighter days. By April, with 353 hours, and May, peaking at 394 hours, the region bathes in abundant sunlight, setting the stage for the summer months when sunshine reaches its zenith.
The true highlight of the year occurs in July, when residents bask in a remarkable 413 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month. Despite a drop in hours during August to 392, the summer still retains a bountiful amount of sunlight that encourages outdoor activities and tourism. As autumn arrives, sunshine hours gradually decline, with September offering 340 hours, followed by a further reduction in October and November, where hours fall to 318 and 273 respectively. By the time December arrives, sunlight totals 274 hours, gently closing the year and reminding us of the cyclical nature of seasonal changes in Saint John's climate.
The UV Index in Saint John, Malta, exhibits substantial fluctuation throughout the year, directly linked to seasonal changes in solar radiation. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, at 3 and 5, respectively, categorized as moderate with a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV Index escalates sharply; by March, it reaches 7—indicating high exposure—and further intensifies in April and May, peaking at 9 in both months, classified as very high, which necessitates shorter burn times of 15 minutes to prevent skin damage.
The summer months in Saint John reflect the highest UV exposure, culminating in July with an extreme UV Index of 11, signaling a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure before risking burns. This trend persists into August with a UV Index of 10 and gradually declines in September (UV Index 8) and October (UV Index 7), mirroring a transition into milder weather. The UV Index then falls again in November and December, returning to moderate levels (4 and 3, respectively), with longer burn times reinstated, thus corroborating the importance of UV protection measures, particularly during the peak summer season.
UV Risk Categories
In Saint John, Malta, the daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal progression that enhances the region's appeal throughout the year. Both January and February begin with a consistent 10 hours of daylight, setting a stable foundation for the winter months. As spring approaches in March, daylight increases to 11 hours, further brightening the atmosphere and paving the way for longer days ahead. April marks a significant leap to 13 hours, and by May, the daylight extends to 14 hours, establishing a trend that continues into the summer months.
From June to August, Saint John enjoys a sustained 14 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and tourism. However, as autumn sets in, the duration of daylight begins to decline gradually, with September witnessing 12 hours, followed by a reduction to 11 hours in October. As the year wraps up, November sees daylight dropping back to 10 hours, culminating in December, with only 9 hours of daylight. This seasonal ebb and flow of daylight not only influences the local lifestyle but also plays a crucial role in the area’s climatic ambiance throughout the year.
San Gwann, Malta experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot summers. January to March features average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 15°C (58°F), with precipitation peaking in January at 41 mm. By summer, particularly in July and August, temperatures soar to averages of 26°C and 27°C (78°F), with almost no rainfall in July. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with July boasting the highest at 413 hours, contributing to its dry, warm climate. For more details, visit San Gwann climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Saint John, Malta, presents a captivating blend of temperature variations, precipitation patterns, sunshine intensity, UV exposure, and daylight duration that together create a unique environment throughout the year. The Mediterranean climate ensures hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, supported by consistent patterns of sunshine that allow for rich outdoor experiences. While high UV indices during the summer months highlight the need for sun protection, the gradual transition from shorter winter days to long, sun-drenched summer afternoons enhances the allure of this picturesque location. Understanding these climatic features not only enriches our appreciation of Saint John's natural beauty but also provides essential insights for residents and visitors to enjoy their time in this vibrant Mediterranean locale safely and fully.