Weather in Valletta in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Valletta and ranks 110th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Malta it is 3rd of 4 (Malta in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Valletta is 3.9°C warmer by day and 8.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Valletta peaks at 20.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 22.9°C or more. Roughly 1 in 71 days top 25°C. Nights average 17.1°C; one night in ten drops to 14.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 28.9°C (2020-05-14) and the coldest night 12.1°C (1992-05-02).

Rain in May

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 1 days with 1 mm or more, 6 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1992 with 34 mm, the driest 1994 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 18.6°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.9°C to 19.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 10.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:56 and sets about 20:00 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 28%.

Is May a good time to visit Valletta?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Valletta on our scoring are July, June, August; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm enough for light clothes, rarely hot

Valletta is noticeably warmer than London in May, with average daytime highs of 20.5°C compared with 16.6°C. That is useful warmth for being outdoors without planning the whole day around avoiding heat. Days reaching 25°C account for just 1%, so do not book expecting consistently hot afternoons. Light clothes are a sensible starting point, with a jumper or jacket for evenings. The colder nights can fall to 14.9°C or below, making that extra layer more than an afterthought. Humidity averages 78%, so the air may feel less crisp than the temperature suggests, but the modest daytime highs remain the key guide to packing.

Plenty of sunshine, but a cool sea

Rain is unlikely to be the main compromise: May has about 1 rainy day, leaving little reason to organise the trip around wet-weather plans. That is not a guarantee of completely dry weather, so check the forecast before packing. Around 10 hours of sunshine within 13.9 hours of daylight gives you plenty of scope to spend time outside and take a break from direct sun at midday. Pack sun protection even though the air is not especially hot. Swimming needs a different expectation. The sea averages 18.6°C, with a year-to-year range of 18°C to 19°C. A brief dip may suit travellers comfortable with cool water; long, leisurely swims are less likely to appeal.