Malta Weather in December 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 8 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Malta settles into mild-winter rhythm: daytime highs of 17.1C (63F), overnight lows around 13.6C (56F), rainfall moderating to 37mm across 7.6 wet days, and sunshine at its annual low of 8.2 hours per day. Sea temperatures cool to 17-18C by month-end, effectively closing the swimming season for anyone without a wetsuit, and shorter days mean sunset arrives by 4:55pm during the darkest week around the winter solstice.
On the ground, December belongs to presepju, the elaborate Christmas cribs displayed in churches, private homes, and village squares across the islands with mechanical figures, real running water, and hand-painted plaster figurines. The Ghajnsielem live nativity on Gozo transforms an entire village into a life-sized Bethlehem re-enactment across two weekends, and Christmas midnight mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta requires arrival by 10pm to secure floor space. New Year's Eve fireworks over Grand Harbour rank with any European coastal city.
The ten-year record shows December warming slowly with reduced rainfall variability, though occasional intense Gregale storms still produce brief but severe flooding events. The 2026 Copernicus outlook favours near-normal temperatures with slightly below-average precipitation, meaning Christmas and New Year's Eve conditions have decent odds of staying dry, though at least one storm day mid-month remains historically probable across the Central Mediterranean.
For 2026 travelers, December offers mild-winter escape with cultural depth beyond mere weather refuge. Presepju viewing routes fill Christmas week with dedicated tours, restaurant reservations for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve sell out by October, and hotel pricing spikes sharply for the week between December 27 and January 2. Book accommodation with reliable heating since stone interiors run cold in December 2026.
Malta operates on village festas: every parish erupts one summer weekend with band clubs, petards, and rival pyrotechnic teams competing. Ftira sandwich at Nenu the Artisan Baker in Valletta beats any tourist restaurant. The Three Cities across the harbor from Valletta are what Valletta was before cruise ships; take the dghajsa water taxi from Customs House for two euros. Gozo runs on its own slower clock, and Sundays mean rabbit stew.
What to pack for Valletta in December
December packing prioritises warmth for cold stone interiors more than outdoor cold. Pack:
- A weatherproof jacket that handles Gregale wind gusts on the seafront
- Mid-weight jumpers and long-sleeved thermals for cold riad and church interiors
- Waterproof walking shoes with genuine grip on wet limestone stairs
- A warm scarf for midnight mass and outdoor New Year's Eve fireworks
- Something smart-casual for Christmas Eve dinner reservations at hotel restaurants
What to pack for Valletta in December
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Where to stay in Valletta
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Delayed flight to Valletta?
Flights to Valletta in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Presepju Christmas crib viewing routes across village churches, Ghajnsielem live nativity on Gozo across two December weekends, midnight mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, New Year's Eve fireworks over Grand Harbour, Manoel Theatre winter opera season.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Valletta. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Valletta
While December has its own character in Valletta, the data-backed best months to visit Valletta are April, May, June, September. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for VallettaOther places with a similar climate right now
Valletta in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit Valletta in December?
Should I visit Valletta in December?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In December, Valletta averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 14°C (56°F), with 37mm of rainfall across roughly 8 rainy days. Late April warms sea to 19C just as Mnajdra temple aligns with equinox sunrise and carob trees flower across Dingli Cliffs before summer crowds land.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in Valletta during December?
What temperatures should I expect in Valletta during December?
The average high temperature in Valletta during December is 17°C (63°F), with an average low of 14°C (56°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January storms hit Gozo hard with 100kmh gusts closing the Cirkewwa ferry; Comino is unreachable but Mdina at dusk is empty and cinematic.
Q03Is December a rainy month in Valletta?
Is December a rainy month in Valletta?
Valletta averages approximately 8 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 37mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for Valletta in December?
How should I dress for Valletta in December?
For Valletta in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A reef shoes pair: the limestone entry points at Wied il-Ghasri and most rocky bays will shred bare feet.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for Valletta?
Is December a busy travel month for Valletta?
Tourist crowds in Valletta during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Malta operates on village festas: every parish erupts one summer weekend with band clubs, petards, and rival pyrotechnic teams competing. Ftira sandwich at Nenu the Artisan Baker in Valletta beats any tourist restaurant. The Three Cities across the harbor from Valletta are what Valletta was before cruise ships; take the dghajsa water taxi from Customs House for two euros. Gozo runs on its own slower clock, and Sundays mean rabbit stew.