Malta in Autumn: A Guide to the Best Things to Do and See
Last Updated: Jan 04, 2024
Reading Time: 13 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a sunny and charming destination that offers plenty of attractions and activities for travellers. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste in this island nation.
Autumn might not be the season many visitors associate Malta with, but there are many reasons why visiting Malta in the autumn is a smart choice. In this guide, we will cover some of the benefits of travelling to Malta during this season and some tips and tricks to make sure you know what to expect.
Why Visit Malta in Autumn?
Sunset over Golden Bay | Image by Robert Pittman on Flickr
There are many reasons why visiting Malta in the autumn is a smart choice. Here are some of the benefits of travelling to Malta during this season:
Enjoy the second spring of Malta
Autumn is when Malta’s countryside comes to life after the hot summer months. You can admire the colourful scenery and breathe in the fresh air as you hike, bike, or picnic on the islands.
Swim in the warm sea and relax on the less-crowded beaches
Malta has some of the best beaches in Europe, with clear blue water and golden sand. In autumn, the sea is still warm enough for swimming, snorkelling, or diving, but without the crowds and noise of the summer. You can enjoy more space and privacy on the beaches and bays and soak up the sun without getting too hot.
Explore the historic and cultural sites of Malta without the heat and queues.
Malta has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. You can visit some UNESCO World Heritage sites, like some of the oldest temples in the world (Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra), or marvel at the mediaeval fortifications and baroque churches of Valletta and Mdina.
One can learn more about the culture and traditions of Malta at the museums, galleries, and theatres. In autumn, you can explore these sites without sweating or waiting in long lines and enjoy a more pleasant and comfortable experience.
Save money on accommodation, flights, and car rentals.
Autumn is not considered a high season in Malta, which means that you can find lower prices on travel essentials. You can save money on hotels, apartments, or any other accommodations, and it’s common to find offers and discounts for autumn travellers.
You can also find cheaper flights and car rentals that fit your budget and schedule. By travelling to Malta in the autumn and not during the peak of the tourist season, you can enjoy more value for your money and spend less on your trip.
What to Do in Malta in Autumn
Luzzu at Marsaxlokk | Image by Alehandra13 from Pixabay
Malta has plenty of things to do and see in the autumn, and here are just some of the activities we suggest you consider if you are planning to visit the Maltese islands in the autumn.
Take a walk on the wild side
Autumn, like spring, is the perfect time to appreciate nature in Malta, and the best way to do that is by taking a ramble along one of the many walking trails available across the island. You can admire the countryside that blooms with different species of flowers and plants and spot some of the endemic birds and animals that live in Malta.
Indulge in the views of the coast and discover some of the hidden gems and historical sites along the way. Some of the walking trails that you can try are Dingli Cliffs, Fawwara Trail, Bahrija Loop, or Marfa Ridge.
Visit the Blue Grotto and Comino
Malta has some of the most stunning natural wonders in the Mediterranean, such as the Blue Grotto and the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino. The Blue Grotto is a series of caves and arches that reflect the blue and green hues of the water and create a magical effect. You can take a boat ride from Wied iz-Żurrieq and enter the grotto to see this phenomenon for yourself.
Comino is a small island between Malta and Gozo which is most famous for its Blue Lagoon beach. You can take a ferry from Marfa, on the northern tip of Malta, and spend a day swimming, snorkelling, or sunbathing at the Blue Lagoon or other bays.
In autumn, these locations attract only a fraction of the people they do during the summer months, so autumn is one of the best times to visit these amazing locations.
Explore Mdina and Rabat
Mdina Blue Door | Image by Arne Dahl on Flickr
Mdina and Rabat are two of the oldest and most charming cities in Malta, with rich histories and cultures. Mdina is the former capital city of Malta, and it is known as the Silent City because of its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. You can walk along the narrow streets and alleys that are surrounded by mediaeval walls and buildings. You can also visit some of the attractions in Mdina, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Palazzo Falson, or Mdina Dungeons.
Rabat is the neighbouring town of Mdina, and it is where St. Paul lived after his shipwreck in Malta. You can visit some of the attractions of Rabat, such as St. Paul’s Church and Grotto, St. Agatha’s Catacombs, or Domus Romana (a Roman house dating back to the 1st century AD).
Visit Gozo on a quad bike and discover its rugged beauty and hidden gems
Gozo is the second-largest island in Malta, and it is known for its tranquilly and serenity. You can visit Gozo on a quad bike and explore its rugged beauty and hidden gems.
One can ride along the coast and admire the views of the sea and the cliffs. You can also visit some of the attractions of Gozo, such as the Ġgantija Temples, the Citadel, the area around Dwejra, or the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary. You can find many organised quad bike tours that include the ferry from Malta and lunch.
Discover Valletta and admire its architecture and museums.
Valletta from the sea | Image by Bengt Nyman on Wikimedia Commons
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled to the brim with amazing architecture and museums. You can walk along the streets and squares and see some of the landmarks of Valletta, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo, or Upper Barrakka Gardens.
You can also visit some of the museums, like the National Museum of Archaeology or the War Museum. From Valletta, it is very easy to catch a ferry across the Grand Harbour to explore the area of the Three Cities.
Enjoy some wine tasting and local cuisine
Malta has a long tradition of winemaking and gastronomy, and autumn is a great time to taste some of the local produce and cuisine. You can visit some of the wineries and vineyards that offer wine tasting tours and learn about the history and process of winemaking in Malta.
Get to sample some of the local dishes and specialties that are made with popular local ingredients, such as rabbit stew, lampuki pie, ftira, or imqaret. Explore the many restaurants and cafes that serve authentic Maltese food and drinks, or you can join a cooking class and learn how to make your own.
Celebrate Halloween
Malta has, over the past few years, also caught up with many other countries to celebrate Halloween with many events and festivals. You can celebrate Halloween in Malta with some spooky fun and entertainment.
To get into the spirit, why not visit some truly scary places in Malta, such as the Mdina Dungeons? You can also join some of the Halloween parties and events or catch the latest horror movies at one of the local cinemas, which show the latest flicks in their original language.
Events in Malta and Gozo in Autumn
Autumn is not only a season for nature and culture but also for events and festivals. You can find many events in Malta and Gozo in the autumn that will entertain and enrich your trip. Here are some of the events that you can attend in Malta and Gozo in the autumn:
Notte Bianca in Valletta
View of Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens at Night | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr
If you want to experience Valletta at night, make sure not to miss Notte Bianca. This event is held on the first Saturday of October, and it transforms Valletta into a city of lights and arts. You can visit some of the museums, galleries, churches, and palaces that open their doors for free until late at night.
You can also enjoy music performances, exhibitions, installations, or projections that take place in the streets and squares while tasting some of the local food and drinks at the markets or cafes.
Birgufest
If you want to travel back in time, you should attend the Birgufest event. This event is held every year in October, and it celebrates the history and heritage of Birgu, one of the oldest cities in Malta.
During Birgufest, you get to walk along the narrow streets and alleys that are lit by candles and lanterns. You also get a chance to visit some of the historic sites, such as Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, or the Maritime Museum, or just enjoy the activities that are organised, such as re-enactments, concerts, and exhibitions.
Attend the Three Palaces Festival
St. John's Co-Cathedral | Image by Herbert Frank on Flickr
If you are a lover of classical music and opera, you should not miss one of the main cultural events during the autumn, which is the Three Palaces Festival.
The Three Palaces Festival includes performances that are set in historically important and magnificent buildings, such as the Grandmaster’s Palace, Verdala Palace, San Anton Palace, or Palazzo Parisio, among many others. The programme for 2024 has yet to be announced, but the festival will be held between October 30 and November 3, 2024.
The Three Palaces Festival offers a diverse and rich programme that features early opera, chamber music, orchestral music, sacred music, jazz, and contemporary music. You can listen to some of the masterpieces of composers such as Handel, Mozart, Vivaldi, or Debussy, as well as some of the works of Maltese composers such as Joseph Vella or Alex Vella Gregory.
Follow the Middle Sea Race
Start of Middle Sea Race from Upper Barrakka Gardens
If you love sailing and adventure, then make sure you check out the Rolex Middle Sea Race, a 606-nautical-mile long race that starts and finishes in Malta. This race is one of offshore yacht racing’s top three events, alongside the Rolex Fastnet and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart races. The 2024 race will be the 45th edition of this epic race, and it is scheduled to be held between October 23 and 25.
The race starts from Grand Harbour in Valletta, and the race start is an amazing sight as you experience all the boats leaving this spectacular harbour. The fleet then sails past various landmarks along the coast of Sicily, such as Capo Passero, Messina Strait, Stromboli, Favignana, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa.
How is the weather in Malta in October, November and December?
October is the start of the rainy season in Malta, but it is still relatively warm and sunny. The average temperature is around 22°C, with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. The sea temperature is also pleasant hovering at 23°C, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
November is a bit cooler and generally wetter than October, with an average temperature of 18°C, highs of 21 °C, and lows of 15°C. The sea temperature drops to 21°C, which may be too cold for some people.
December is the coldest and one of the wettest month in Malta, with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 17°C. The sea temperature falls to 18°C, which is only suitable for the brave.
In recent years, the months of October, November, and December have also been the months in which Malta gets most of its rainfall. Storms with gale-force winds lasting multiple days have become the norm, so make sure you have the right clothing and have a backup plan for what to do on these days.
Is Malta a good destination for an autumn holiday?
Malta is considered a year-round destination, and autumn is the ideal season to explore the cultural and historical attractions of Malta or enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or golfing when the weather is more appealing. However, if you primarily want to enjoy the sun and the sea, you may be better off visiting Malta in the spring or summer months, when the weather is warmer and drier.
What to Pack for Malta in Autumn?
Here are some tips on what to pack for Malta in autumn, which you should adjust considering the weather forcast and the activities you will pursue.
- Light clothing for the day and warmer layers for the evening. You can wear light clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, or dresses during the day. However, you should also bring some warmer layers, such as sweaters, jackets, or scarves, for the evening, as the temperatures can drop significantly in the evening or on windy days.
- Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for the beach. If you plan to take a swim or just relax on the beach make sure you pack, apart from your swimwear, a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can still be rather hot.
- Comfortable shoes, a backpack, a water bottle, and snacks for hiking. If you intend to hike in the countryside and admire the natural beauty of Malta in autumn, you should pack comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on different terrains, such as sneakers or hiking boots. Even if the temperatures are milder than in the summer, you still need to make sure you are prepared to carry plenty of water with you.
- Rain jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes for rainy days. As we explained above, it’s very common to get a few stormy days during the autumn, so make sure to be prepared with a rain jacket, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes to keep yourself dry and comfortable. You should also avoid wearing cotton or denim clothes that can get wet and heavy if they get wet.
Finally, it goes without saying: make sure you pack your camera for some amazing Instagram-worthy shots, as many locations would not be that crowded and the weather is still awesome.
Conclusion
Malta is a wonderful destination that has something for everyone. You can enjoy the sun, the sea, the history, the culture, and the fun of this island nation. Autumn is the best time to visit Malta, as you can experience its beauty and diversity without the crowds and heat of the summer. You can also save money and have more flexibility in your travel arrangements.
In this guide, we have given you some tips on why to visit Malta in autumn, what to do and see and what to pack. We hope that you have found this guide helpful and informative. Now it’s time to book your trip and discover the best of Malta in autumn!
What are you waiting for? Start planning your Malta adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Malta in the autumn?
The best time to visit Malta in autumn depends on your preferences and activities. Generally, September and October are warmer and sunnier, while November and December are cooler and rainier. However, the weather can vary from year to year, so it is advisable to check the forecast before you go.
How is the weather in Malta in autumn?
The weather in Malta in autumn is mild and sunny, with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) and an average rainfall of 90 mm (3.5 inches) per month. However, the weather can also be windy and stormy at times, especially in November and December. The sea temperature is around 23°C (73°F) in September and drops to 18°C (64°F) in December.
What are some of the festivals and events in Malta in the autumn?
Some of the festivals and events happening in autumn in Malta are Notte Bianca, Birgufest, The Rolex Middle Sea Race, and The Three Palaces Festival.
