Weather in Valletta in December

How December compares

December is the 9th warmest month of the year in Valletta and ranks 67th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Malta it is 3rd of 4 (Malta in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Valletta is 8.5°C warmer by day and 10.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Valletta peaks at 16.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.5°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 13.6°C; one night in ten drops to 10.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 22.5°C (2010-12-01) and the coldest night 5.5°C (2014-12-31).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 10 days with 1 mm or more, 70 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1991 with 160 mm, the driest 2018 with 14 mm. Humidity averages 70%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 18.1°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.6°C to 18.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:05 and sets about 16:49 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 48%.

Is December a good time to visit Valletta?

December is not the strongest month here: mild days and frequent rain. The best months for Valletta on our scoring are July, June, August; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug, Sep.

Mild enough for exploring, but pack for evenings

Valletta feels noticeably milder than London in December, with average daytime highs 8.5°C higher. That makes it a reasonable choice if you prefer walking around without intense midday heat. It is still jacket weather rather than dependable T-shirt weather: take light layers you can adjust, plus something warmer for sitting outside or heading out after dark. The colder nights fall to around 11°C or below, so the average does not tell the whole story. If warmth is the main reason for your trip, December is a compromise. It suits travellers happy with mild afternoons and cooler evenings, rather than anyone hoping for summer conditions.

Leave room for rain, and treat the sea as optional

Rain is a real consideration, so avoid making every day depend on dry weather. A waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet streets are sensible choices, with indoor time kept flexible rather than tied to a rigid schedule. There are about 5.0 hours of sunshine within 9.6 hours of daylight, so plan your outdoor time during the day rather than leaving it until late afternoon. The sea averages 18.1°C, which is bracing rather than comfortably warm. Swimming may appeal if you already enjoy cooler water, but it should not be the basis of the holiday. December works better as a city break with possible swims than as a swimming holiday with some exploring.