Weather in Malta in January

January climate overview

Daytime highs across Malta in January run from 14.2°C (Mellieha) to 14.9°C (Qawra). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Malta in January. Nights average 12.0°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Mellieha fall to 9°C or below.

Rainfall in January

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in January, with Sliema the driest (9 days) and Qawra the wettest (9 days). The wettest January at Qawra between 1991 and 2020 was 2006 with 187 mm; the driest was 2007 with 4 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 16.0°C around Malta in January - warmest at Mellieha (16.1°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 9.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

January against the rest of the year in Malta

January is the 11th warmest month of the twelve in Malta. It is 1.6°C cooler than December and 0.2°C cooler in February. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest February (14°C).

Which part of Malta in January?

• Most sunshine: Qawra, 5.2 h a day.
• Driest: Sliema, about 9 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Mellieha, 16°C.
• Hottest: Qawra, 15°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Mellieha, 14°C.

What to pack for Malta in January

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 15°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 12°C; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in January

Within 1.5°C of Malta's January daytime average: Albufeira (16°C, sea 16°C), Costa de la Luz (16°C, sea 16°C), Seville (15°C), Ayia Napa (15°C, sea 17°C), Algarve (15°C, sea 16°C). See the full ranking for January.

Which part of Malta is warmest in January?

Qawra is listed as the warmest destination at 15°C by day, but Sliema and Valletta share that average, so it offers no clear temperature advantage over them. Mellieha is slightly cooler at 14°C, a small difference rather than a reason to rule it out. All these destinations average 12°C at night, with the same rainy-day figure and sea temperature. If warmth is your priority, Qawra, Sliema or Valletta are reasonable choices, but none turns January into a hot-weather holiday. Choose your base around how you want to spend your time rather than expecting a noticeably warmer or drier corner of the country.

What to pack and how to plan your days

Pack layers, a jacket and a waterproof outer layer rather than relying on summer clothes. Daytime conditions suit walking, but an average of 15°C does not suggest strong midday heat, and evenings at 12°C call for something warmer. With 5.2 hours of sunshine on average, there is scope for outdoor plans, though sunshine should not be treated as a promise for any particular day. Keep outdoor time flexible and leave room to change plans when rain arrives. January suits travellers who are comfortable dressing for cool weather and taking sunny spells as they come; it is less suitable if reliable warmth is the main purpose of the trip.