Weather in Malta in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Malta in March run from 15.1°C (Mellieha) to 15.8°C (Qawra). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Malta in March. Nights average 12.5°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Mellieha fall to 10°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Qawra the driest (6 days) and Mellieha the wettest (6 days). The wettest March at Qawra between 1991 and 2020 was 2007 with 110 mm; the driest was 2000 with 6 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 15.2°C around Malta in March - warmest at Qawra (15.2°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.2 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.7 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Malta

March is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Malta. It is 1.1°C warmer than February and 1.8°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (28°C) and the coolest February (14°C).

Which part of Malta in March?

• Most sunshine: Qawra, 7.2 h a day.
• Driest: Qawra, about 6 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Qawra, 15°C.
• Hottest: Qawra, 16°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Mellieha, 15°C.

What to pack for Malta in March

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 16°C; a light jumper for evenings (13°C at night); a light waterproof for the odd shower.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Malta's March daytime average: Salou (17°C, sea 13°C), Fethiye (17°C, sea 17°C), Marbella (17°C, sea 15°C), Sicily (17°C, sea 15°C), Paphos (17°C, sea 17°C). See the full ranking for March.

What to expect from the weather

With 7.2 hours of sunshine on average and 6 rainy days, March offers scope for outdoor plans, but not a promise of uninterrupted dry weather. Keep a waterproof jacket handy and use brighter spells for longer walks or sitting outside. Layers are more useful than packing only for warmth: a mild afternoon can still give way to a cool evening. Midday is a sensible time for your more leisurely outdoor stops, rather than something to avoid because of heat. This month suits travellers happy to adjust their plans; it is a weaker choice if warm evenings and dependable beach weather are essential.

Which part of Malta should you choose?

There is little reason to choose your base on temperature alone. Qawra, Sliema and Valletta all average 16°C by day, while Mellieha is slightly cooler at 15°C. Qawra and Sliema have the mildest nights at 13°C, compared with 12°C in Valletta and Mellieha, though you will still want an evening layer wherever you stay. Every destination has 6 rainy days and a sea temperature of 15°C, so changing base does not improve those averages. If warmth is your priority, lean towards Qawra or Sliema, but do not expect a noticeably different season from the rest of Malta. Mellieha's small temperature difference need not decide your trip.