Last updated: January 18, 2025
Valletta, Malta experiences a Mediterranean climate classified as Csa under the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, the city's temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. The minimum temperature dips to a cool 8°C (46°F) in February, while the average annual temperature hovers around a comfortable 20°C (68°F). The peak of summer sees temperatures soaring to a scorching 31°C (88°F) in August, highlighting the seasonal contrasts that define Valletta’s atmospheric appeal.
Valletta, Malta exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. In winter months, January and February see minimum temperatures around 8°C (46°F) to 8°C (47°F) and average highs reaching 21°C (71°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with averages climbing from 15°C (58°F) to 16°C (61°F), heralding warmer months. By May, the transition to summer becomes evident, with temperatures averaging 19°C (66°F) and maximums hitting 23°C (74°F). The summer months of June through August experience peak heat, with averages soaring to 27°C (81°F) and highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F) in August. As fall sets in, temperatures begin to cool, with averages decreasing to 22°C (72°F) in October and continuing to drop through November and December, where they settle at 16°C (61°F), reflecting the city's moderate Mediterranean climate throughout the year.
Valletta experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with February seeing a minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F) and August reaching a maximum of 31°C (88°F). For more detailed information on these monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Valletta.
Precipitation in Valletta, Malta displays a clear seasonal pattern, with the bulk of rainfall concentrated in the cooler months. January and February are among the wettest months, receiving 41 mm (1.6 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in), respectively, often contributing to over 10 rainy days each month. As spring unfolds, March experiences a decrease in rainfall to 36 mm (1.4 in), while April and May see a significant drop to just 9 mm (0.4 in) and 6 mm (0.2 in), indicating the onset of drier conditions as summer approaches.
The summer months of June and July are notably arid, with July seeing no recorded rainfall, and only a mere 3 mm (0.1 in) in June. Following this dry spell, light precipitation returns in August with 4 mm (0.1 in), before a more substantial increase in rainfall in September (25 mm or 1.0 in). The fall months of October and November witness the highest precipitation of the year, with 111 mm (4.4 in) and 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain falling, often accompanied by 9 to 13 rainy days, marking the transition back to wetter conditions as winter approaches.
In Valletta, Malta, sunshine duration exhibits a marked trend from the shorter days of winter towards the abundant sunshine of summer. Beginning the year with 223 hours of sunshine in January, the hours steadily increase, reaching 279 hours in February and 339 hours in March. This upward trajectory continues into spring, culminating in 394 hours during the month of May, setting the stage for the sun-drenched summer months. As June arrives, the city basks in 397 hours of sunlight, with July emerging as the peak month, delivering an impressive 413 hours under the sun.
As summer transitions to fall, sunshine hours start to taper off yet remain generous. August maintains a robust 392 hours, but by September, the total decreases to 340 hours. The gradual decline continues through October (318 hours) and November (273 hours), before leveling off in December with 274 hours. This clear progression underscores Valletta's reputation as a sun-soaked destination, with ample sunshine throughout the year but particularly pronounced during the summer months, making it an appealing location for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The UV Index in Valletta, Malta, reflects significant seasonal variations, with levels peaking during the sun-drenched summer months. In January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low at 3 and 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of about 30 minutes for individuals with fair skin. However, as spring approaches, the impact of solar radiation begins to increase markedly, with March experiencing a rise to 7—indicating a high exposure risk—and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. By April and May, the UV Index escalates to 9, classified as very high, necessitating caution due to a burn time of just 15 minutes.
The summer months bring the highest UV Index readings, with June soaring to 10 and July peaking at an extreme level of 11, resulting in dangerously short burn times of just 10 minutes. August sees a slight decrease to 10, while September remains very high at 8. As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, the UV Index declines to 7 in October and drops further to 4 in November, before returning to 3 in December—a reminder that protective measures against UV exposure are essential year-round, particularly during the summer months when the risk is most pronounced.
UV Risk Categories
In Valletta, Malta, daylight duration showcases a distinct seasonal rhythm, marked by longer days during the summer months and shorter periods of light in winter. The year begins with consistent daylight hours of 10 hours in both January and February, providing a modest but steady amount of light. As spring unfolds, daylight hours gradually increase, reaching 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April, before escalating to 14 hours in May. This transition signals the onset of summer, where daylight remains abundant through June, July, and August, consistently offering 14 hours of sunlight, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.
As summer gives way to fall, daylight begins to wane, with August dropping to 13 hours and September to 12 hours. The trend continues into October and November, where daylight decreases to 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively. By December, Valletta experiences the shortest daylight hours of the year at just 9 hours, highlighting the natural ebb and flow of light throughout the seasons. This cycling of daylight not only shapes the daily rhythms of life in Valletta but also underscores the enchanting beauty of the Maltese landscape across varying times of the year.
Valletta, Malta, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from 8°C to 21°C, while in July, they soar to between 21°C and 29°C. Annual precipitation is low, with the driest months being July and June, and the wettest in October and November. Sunshine is abundant, with July receiving the most at 413 hours. For more detailed information, visit Valletta climate.
In conclusion, Valletta, Malta, offers a captivating blend of climate characteristics, marked by its Mediterranean influences, seasonal temperature variations, and noticeable patterns of precipitation, sunshine, UV exposure, and daylight duration. With warm, sun-soaked summers boasting extended daylight and high UV indices, the city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts during this vibrant period. Conversely, the milder winters present moderate temperatures and reduced daylight, making it an appealing destination year-round. Understanding these climatic nuances not only enhances the experience for visitors but also underscores the significance of adapting to the local environment, ensuring that both residents and travelers can fully appreciate the rich allure of this historic Mediterranean city.