A Guide to Summer in Malta for 2025
If you're planning a study abroad trip and want to soak up some culture along the way, museums are...
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Summer in Malta is when the island truly comes alive. The sunlight casts a golden glow over everything, from the limestone buildings to the sparkling sea and beautiful beaches. It’s a season that brings out the best of the island, where long days blend into vibrant nights and the energy is unmistakably Maltese.
But it’s not just about the sunshine; summer on the Maltese archipelago is more of a feeling.
It’s the scent of sea salt and the sound of your friends’ laughter drifting on the Mediterranean breeze. It’s the sunrise painting the sky as you head home from a night of dancing under the stars. It’s tasting something deliciously refreshing, and instantly knowing it’ll be a memory tied to this place forever.
Eyeing those plane tickets to Malta? This is your all-encompassing guide to having a Maltese summer, with some tips and insight from a local. Let’s take a look at some the island’s most popular attractions and a range of activities you can enjoy on this beautiful island!
How to spend Summer in Malta 2025
Before we jump in, let’s talk about the weather and the local Mediterranean climate. Some people say that Malta’s summer lasts from May to October, but let’s focus on the big 4 months.
From June to September, you can count on long days with barely a cloud in sight. You can start swimming by June, and July is the driest month. Daily temperatures hover between 28°C and 35°C (that’s 82°F to 95°F for the non-metric readers), remaining in the 20s until November.
Tip: The warm Mediterranean breeze helps you get through it, but sun protection is everything. Sun hats, sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray, reusable water bottle—make room for all of it and you will be well prepared for all your outdoor activities!
In this post, we’ll dive into some uniquely Maltese summer experiences and show you how to make the most of the archipelago’s one-of-a-kind island atmosphere. Find out where to go, what to do, and when to do it!
What the Maltese summer lacks in green, it makes up for in blue. If you love being in, near, or by the water in any way, you’ll love Malta.
With over 30 stunning beaches across the archipelago, Malta is synonymous with swimming in the minds of many. Rocky beaches, sandy beaches, natural beaches or man-made ones—the island has it all. We recommend Għajn Tuffieħa in Mġarr, Għar Lapsi in Siġġiewi, St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala, St. Peter’s Pool in Marsaxlokk, Ramla Bay in Xagħra, Gozo, Golden Bay in Mellieħa, and of course Blue Lagoon in Comino and the Blue Grotto with it’s turquoise waters.
There are so many places to swim that you can even beach hop—most of the time, all you have to do is walk to get there! You can even join a boat tour with swim stops for a truly serene and relaxing experience on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches.
But going for a dip is obvious enough, here are some other things you can do to make the most of Malta’s accessible blue waters.
Malta is a dream come true for enjoyers of history and stunning architecture, and anyone who can appreciate the charm of a colourful coastal town or picturesque fishing village.
Wandering through Malta’s old, fortified cities feels like stepping onto a real-life movie set, and that’s because it literally is! The famous HBO series Game of Thrones filmed in Mdina (you might know it as King’s Landing). More recently, Ridley Scott used Fort Ricasoli and the Grand Harbour in Valletta (Malta’s capital city) to bring history to life in Napoleon.
Did you know Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage sites? So, for those who want a closer look into Malta’s story, its many heritage sites bring centuries of history to life. Malta is home to several historic sites like Ħaġar Qim in Qrendi and Għar Dalam in Birżebbuġa. The old cities are where you’ll find grand forts and museums tucked into baroque buildings. Described as a giant museum, the walled city of Valletta is a goldmine for these; check out Fort St. Elmo and St. John’s Co-Cathedral two of the city’s best historical sites. While in Valletta be sure to stop by Upper Barrakka Gardens for incredible panoramic views.
Each corner is a photo waiting to happen, from the traditional wooden balconies to sweeping views over harbours and countryside. There’s a timeless charm that stretches from Mellieħa in the North through the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina to the southern tip of the island. You can feel it as you wander the narrow streets of Birgu or watch the fishing boats bob in Marsaxlokk.
Malta’s history and geography is reflected in its traditional cuisine. There are influences from all sides of the Mediterranean, especially from Sicilian and North African. Many dishes are made with fresh, locally grown ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, onions, capers, olives, ġbejniet (goat cheese), beans, and more.
For a true Maltese cultural experience, there’s nothing quite like coming up from the sea and eating a ftira (Maltese bread) sandwich on the shore—especially if it’s homemade! Wash it down with Kinnie, a bitter soft drink produced only in Malta, or perhaps a refreshing Ċisk beer. Top that off with some bigilla (bean dip) with galletti (crackers), then a granita (slushie) from the ice cream truck.
Maltese street food is comforting and convenient for when you’re on the go, especially pastizzi (savoury flaky pastry stuffed with ricotta, peas or chicken) and imqaret (a date-filled pastry). You’ll find most traditional street food at snack bars or convenience stores, though imqaret is a bit harder to track down fresh.
If you like fresh seafood, many of Malta’s coastal towns double as fishing villages, from the South all the way up to Gozo. Marsaxlokk stands tall among them, characterised by its colourful fishing boats (luzzu) and vibrant Sunday monti (street market). Its well-lit streets are lined with al fresco seafood restaurants, as well as stalls selling anything from fresh fish to trinkets—including fresh imqaret!
Rabbit stew is considered Malta’s national dish though we appreciate it’s not for everyone!
Malta’s warm dry summer evenings allow for plenty of outdoor activities and all-day events, some lasting late into the night. Whatever cultural events you’re into: music, food, wine, or just a great atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s get into it…
Summer in Malta isn’t just about sun and sea; it’s also the island’s peak season for open-air festivals and annual events. From elegant community events in Valletta to high-energy concerts under the stars at Ta’ Qali Park, the Maltese summer festival season draws thousands of visitors from around the world.
No matter what you’re into, here are some of the top festival highlights to check out:
Every person who comes to Malta deserves to be warned: those aren’t gunshots you’re hearing; those are daytime fireworks—a clear sign that the summer has truly started.
Village feasts, or festi, are extravagant street parties held annually in most localities across Malta and Gozo. They start in May and pick up steam in June, with one if not more of these traditional festivals being held every weekend until the end of September.
With a few exceptions, most village feasts are organised on specific yet unfixed dates in summer. For example, in the town of Saint Julian’s, the festa is on the last Sunday of August. Malta is full of charming villages where life is lived at a slower pace, but that all changes when it’s festa! So, if you are into the cultural scene, here’s what you need to know:
Fair warning: Between brass bands, parades, orchestras, fireworks, and the encouragement of beer, it can be a very loud event, though the busiest times are often the best!
Festivals and village feasts aren’t the only summer-exclusive events on the island. Some great entertainment areas in Malta are only open, or else most enjoyable, in summer. Don’t miss these popular destinations and activities.
Boat Parties – Enjoy an open bar and the open sea. Dance and cruise around Comino Island with music, cocktails, and swims on a lively boat ride.
Trying to choose between an English course abroad and a summer trip? Who says you can’t have both? Malta is a great option if you want to improve your English skills while enjoying a relaxing sunny vacation.
Let’s look at a few reasons why you should learn English in Malta.
The English language learning sector is prominent on the island; there are many highly accredited schools in Malta. In fact, EC English Language Centres started out in Malta before expanding to 6 more countries!
And of course, you get to enjoy everything else Malta has to offer after class on a range of social events. EC Malta also has a wide range of accommodation (at a range of budgets) for international students but be sure to book early if you are planning to visit Malta.
A course in Malta is truly a language vacation.
The best thing about living on an island is that everything is within reach! You can do all of these in a week and even a few in a day trip, all while learning English.
That’s enough reading about Malta, it’s time to visit Malta! The island has direct flights to many European cities (often on money-saving budget airlines) so you have no excuse not to travel! Join us for an exciting experience this summer!
We look forward to welcoming you to Malta’s rocky shores!
Find out more about learning English in Malta!
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