Sliema weather by month

When to go to Sliema

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: July, August, September. December is the wettest month (70 mm, about 10 rainy days) and July the driest (0 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 26.7°C and coolest in February at 15.2°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Malta International Airport (MLA, 7 km from Sliema) takes roughly 3 h 18 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Malta.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Sliema between 1991 and 2020 reached 35.8°C on 9 July 2019; the coldest fell to 3.1°C on 23 February 2019. In August one day in ten tops 30.0°C and about 10% of days pass 30°C; in February one night in ten drops to 9.1°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was January 2006 with 187 mm, against a January average of 54 mm.

Winter: mild days, cool seas and flexible plans

December, January and February suit travellers happy to put swimming aside and plan around showers. December has 10 rain days on average, so a waterproof jacket is more useful than relying on an umbrella alone. January brings daytime averages of 15°C, comfortable enough for walking with layers but not dependable warmth for sitting outside. February is the coolest month, and its 15°C sea will feel cold to most casual swimmers. Pack long trousers, closed shoes and something warmer for evenings. There is still sunshine between wetter spells, but keep outdoor plans flexible rather than expecting reliably dry days.

Spring: improving weather, with the sea slow to warm

March starts the shift towards easier outdoor weather, though its 16°C daytime average still calls for a light jacket. April is a useful compromise if walking matters more than swimming: rain falls on an average of 3 days, but the sea remains cool at 16°C. May is the clearer choice for warmth without the height of summer, with days averaging 21°C and very little rain. Its 19°C sea may still feel brisk, especially if you like a leisurely swim. Bring layers throughout spring, then make room for lighter daytime clothes and sun protection as May approaches.

Summer and autumn: choose dry days or warmer water

June offers a balance of warmth and dry weather, with a 22°C sea that is more inviting than spring. July is the driest month and has 14 hours of sunshine daily, so plan shade breaks around midday. August is hottest, with nights averaging 25°C; light clothing and a comfortable sleeping environment matter. September retains much of summer's warmth, including a 26°C sea, but showers become more likely. October favours travellers who value warm water over reliably dry skies: the sea averages 24°C, with 6 rain days. November still reaches 20°C by day, though wetter weather makes swimming plans less dependable. Across autumn, pack a light waterproof alongside clothes for warm spells, rather than treating it as an extension of dry summer.