Grumpy Camel

A SLOW TRAVEL BLOG

Visiting Malta in December (A Complete Guide)

You might be thinking of spending Christmas in Malta, or just want to get away from the cold for a few days.

Well, not many people visit Malta in December. In fact, peak season on the island runs from June to August. But there are still a lot of fun things to do in Malta in winter – and the weather is still quite warm at this time of year!

In this guide, I share my tips and advice for visiting Malta in December. I also recommend some of the best winter activities and Christmas events on the island.

So, let’s dive right in!


Malta weather in December

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, Malta is a great winter destination.

The average Malta temperature in December is around 15 – 17 degrees. At night, the temperature hovers above 10 degrees.

Malta gets a lot of sun in December, though rain is not uncommon at this time of year.

Malta in December, Ghajn Tuffieha
Malta in winter. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

You might experience a thunderstorm when visiting Malta in December. But typically, bad weather doesn’t last longer than 3 days.

Also, expect some windy and cloudy days. However, you’ll likely get nice weather throughout your trip.


Where to stay in Malta in December

If you’re visiting Malta in winter, I recommend staying in a traditional town rather than a seaside resort.

There’s not much going on in places like Bugibba at this time of year. There’s no nightlife, some restaurants are shut, and areas like the square and promenade are deserted in the evening (which is great for the locals, but perhaps not for tourists).

If you don’t mind the peace and quiet, you could stay at Gillieru Harbour Hotel in Bugibba, which is right by the sea.

Gillieru Hotel
Gillieru Hotel. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Meanwhile, towns like Mosta and Rabat may feel a little livelier in December. The streets are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, and you may even find small Christmas markets and events.

However, my top recommendation for where to stay in Malta is Birgu. This old harbour city is a joy to explore, especially in winter.

My husband and I did a little winter staycation in Birgu, and it was amazing. We stayed at Palazzo Bettina, which is a boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century palace.

The hotel has a lovely rooftop area, with a hot jacuzzi and a swimming pool. You’ll get some stunning views over the harbour from here!

Alternatively, you could stay in Valletta, which hosts several Christmas activities throughout the month.

There are several boutique hotels in Valletta, and some of them may have great deals in December.


Best things to do in Malta in December

Visiting Malta in December means you can enjoy the island’s main attractions without the crowds. For example, Mdina and the Megalithic Temples aren’t so busy at this time of year.

However, there are other things to do in Malta in December if you want to get off the beaten path and get a taste of local culture. Here are some of them.

Go hiking

December is the best time to go hiking in Malta. The weather is mild – sunny but not too hot, fresh but not too cold.

If you prefer walking on flat and smooth ground, you can go to Dingli Cliffs. This is the highest point of Malta, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Dingli Cliffs
Dingli Cliffs. Photo by Daniela Frendo

There’s a pavement that runs along the cliffs, so you can just follow the road.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, head to Bingemma and hike along the Victoria Lines. These 19th-century fortifications run for 12 kilometres along the width of Malta.

Victoria Lines in Bingemma
Victoria Lines in Bingemma. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

The route takes you through rural Malta, with views of green hills and fields, and the occasional chapel.

Have a beach picnic

There are many beautiful beaches in Malta, the most popular being Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay. These are packed in the summer months, but in December they’re mostly empty.

On a nice day, you could have a picnic on the beach. If you’re brave, you might even go for a swim!

Mellieha Bay in December
Mellieha Bay in December. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

December in Malta is ideal for soaking up the sun – you won’t have to worry about getting sunburnt.

Spend an evening in Valletta

Valletta is magical at night, especially in December when the streets are lit up with colourful Christmas lights.

There are many cosy bars in Valletta where you can enjoy a nice drink. If it’s not too cold, you can sit outside and absorb the ambiance of the capital.

If you enjoy theatre, you may want to see if there’s anything on at Teatru Manoel. Built in 1731, this is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe, hosting plays and musical events.

Explore the coffee scene

While December in Malta is generally sunny, we do get some bad weather. However, you can take this as an opportunity to explore the local coffee scene.

Traditional towns like Mosta and Naxxar have a lot of indie coffee shops. For example, Java on the Naxxar parish square is a lovely little place and serves a variety of hot drinks.

Valletta is home to several coffee shops as well. Lot Sixty One makes amazing cappuccinos!

Walk around the Three Cities

Situated on the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities are rich in history and culture. They comprise of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Isla (Senglea), and Bormla (Cospicua).

IMG 20240120 100244 edited
The Three Cities. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Birgu played a key role during the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights of Malta managed to fight off an Ottoman invasion. This fortified city is home to several historical buildings, including Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace.

IMG 9587 1 jpg
Fort St. Angelo. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

Birgu is a bit of maze, but it’s a joy to explore. Its windings alleys are lined with traditional Maltese houses and potted plants.

Birgu alley
Birgu. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

From Birgu, you can walk along the waterfront to Bormla, then make your way to neighbouring Isla by crossing over the bridge.

IMG 20240119 124131 jpg
Isla. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

I recommend sticking to the waterfront, where you can see local fishermen at work, and regatta racers tending to their boats or training for the big race.

When you get to the end of the walkway, you can walk up the hill into Isla. Your first stop should be the Gardjola Gardens. Here, you’ll get panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Valletta.

Then, you can slowly make your way into the town centre. Make sure to check out the Isla basilica – it’s quite impressive!

Isla parish church
The Isla parish church. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

December is the ideal month to explore the Three Cities, especially on a nice day. It’s not too hot to walk around, and you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and clear views of the harbour.


Christmas events in Malta

Malta is not a popular Christmas destination. Unlike countries like Germany and Austria, the island does not host huge Christmas markets and events.

However, Malta is still worth visiting in December, especially if you prefer a quieter and crowd-free Christmas.

Here are some not-to-miss Christmas events in Malta.

Fairyland in Valletta

During the festive season, the streets of Valletta are beautifully decorated with colorful lights.

The capital city also hosts Fairyland. Pjazza Tritoni and its surroundings are turned into a Christmas wonderland, with a Ferris wheel, artisan market, ice-skating rink, and other attractions.

You can visit Fairyland for free. But of course, you’ll need to get tickets for the rides.

Natalis Notabilis in Rabat

Every December, Rabat hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Malta. The quaint streets of this village are lined with stalls selling local foods and gifts.

You’ll also want to visit the crib exhibition at Ta’ Giezu Church. Most of these cribs are a work of art, featuring streams with actual running water, animated windmills and figurines, and other intricate details.

This event runs for a few days in December (typically a week or so) and tends to be very busy. You may need to get a taxi as finding a parking space might be a challenge!

The Magical Illuminated Trail in Buskett

The Magical Illuminated Trail is a treat for the entire family.

It’s held in the Verdala Palace grounds, where you can follow a path lined with colorful lantern structures of animals and mythical creatures.

The Illuminated Trail in Malta
The Magical Illuminated Trail. Photo by Daniela Frendo.

There’s also a small market and some food stalls. It’s a ticketed event, and you may need to purchase them in advance.


What to pack for Malta in December

December in Malta isn’t too cold. However, you’ll still need some warm and waterproof clothes.

Here are some things you’ll want to pack for Malta in December.

Walking boots

mountain warehouse boots

If you’re planning to go hiking in Malta, you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. It’s also a good idea to wear study footwear when exploring places like Valletta and Birgu, as the ground can be a bit uneven.

Recommendation: I love these boots from Mountain Warehouse. They’re comfy, waterpoof, and can be worn with casual outfits, too.

Light rain jacket

lightweight coat

Rain isn’t uncommon in Malta during the month of December. You might even experience a thunderstorm. So, you’ll also want to pack a rain jacket.

Recommendation: This lightweight rain coat is waterproof and breathable, and comes in a selection of beautiful colors.

Warm scarf with secret pocket

warm infinity scarf jpg

A light yet warm scarf can be very handy, especially on windy days – which are fairly common in Malta. You might even get a scarf with a pocket for your personal belongings.

Recommendation: This infinity scarf is warm and cosy, and comes with a pocket where you can store your phone, money, and other valuables.

Waterproof day bag

anti theft travel bag jpg

If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, you’ll need a good day bag. Since you’re visiting Malta in December, a spacious yet compact bag is ideal for carrying items like scarves and rain jackets.

Recommendation: This waterproof leather bag will do the trick. It also has a zipper pocket on the back where you can safely store your valuables.


Frequently asked questions

Still not sure whether to visit Malta in December? Let’s answer some questions you may have!

Is December a good time to visit Malta?

Yes! It’s low season in Malta, so places like Valletta and Sliema are less crowded.

While Christmas events are a bit low-key (don’t expert large Christmas markets), there are still plenty of things to do in Malta in December.

You could go hiking, enjoy a picnic on the beach, and just explore the main attractions without getting drenched in sweat.

Is Malta warm in December?

Malta is generally warm in December, with an average temperate of 15 degrees.

The island gets a mix of sunshine and rain in December, but sunny days are more common.

Is Malta worth visiting in winter?

If you’re looking for a quiet destination, then yes – Malta is worth visiting in winter.

Of course, you might not be able to enjoy the beaches. But there are fewer crowds at popular attractions, and the weather isn’t too hot.

Is it possible to swim in Malta in December?

Yes – if you’re brave enough!

Locals don’t generally swim in December, but it’s not uncommon to see tourists braving the waters on a nice warm day.

Need travel insurance?

SafetyWing provides global travel medical insurance that covers people from all over the world. You can purchase the insurance even if you’re already abroad!

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You can manage your trips on the free app. You’ll also get live journey updates!

This post might contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission on any purchases made through the links in the post, at no extra cost to you.

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