Weather in Malta in December

December climate overview

Daytime highs across Malta in December run from 15.9°C (Mellieha) to 16.5°C (Qawra). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Malta in December. Nights average 13.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Mellieha fall to 10°C or below.

Rainfall in December

Expect around 10 rainy days (1 mm or more) in December, with Sliema the driest (10 days) and Qawra the wettest (10 days). The wettest December at Qawra between 1991 and 2020 was 1991 with 160 mm; the driest was 2018 with 16 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 18.1°C around Malta in December - warmest at Qawra (18.1°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 9.6 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

December against the rest of the year in Malta

December is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in Malta. It is 3.4°C cooler than November and 1.6°C cooler in January. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest February (14°C).

Which part of Malta in December?

• Most sunshine: Qawra, 5.0 h a day.
• Driest: Sliema, about 10 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Qawra, 18°C.
• Hottest: Qawra, 17°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Mellieha, 16°C.

What to pack for Malta in December

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 16°C; a light jumper for evenings (14°C at night); a rain jacket - roughly 10 wet days; swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 18°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in December

Within 1.5°C of Malta's December daytime average: Sousse (18°C, sea 18°C), Ayia Napa (17°C, sea 19°C), Limassol (17°C, sea 20°C), Paphos (17°C, sea 19°C), Costa de la Luz (17°C, sea 17°C). See the full ranking for December.

What to expect from December weather

Expect mild afternoons rather than heat, with average sunshine of 5.0 hours giving you some scope for time outside. The catch is rain: keep outdoor plans flexible rather than relying on clear weather throughout your stay. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, with clothing you can adjust when the sun comes out. Average nights of 14°C call for an extra layer if you plan to sit outside in the evening. Midday is a sensible time to aim for outdoor breaks, but this is not a month to plan around hot afternoons. Qawra has no days above 25°C in the figures, so choose December for avoiding heat, not for finding it.

Which part of Malta should you choose?

There is no meaningful daytime temperature advantage among Qawra, Sliema, Valletta and Mellieha: all average 16°C. They also share 10 rainy days and sea temperatures of 18°C, so moving between them will not solve the main December compromises. The small distinction comes after dark. Mellieha averages 13°C at night, while Qawra, Sliema and Valletta average 14°C. If evening comfort matters most, those warmer-night options have a slight edge, though you should still pack a layer for any of them. Otherwise, choose your base around the kind of stay you prefer rather than expecting a different climate. None offers a clear weather advantage for a beach-focused holiday.