Malta in January: what it’s like and is it worth visiting?
Looking for blue skies without the searing heat and historic streets to explore without hordes of sunhats, burnt shoulders and shopping bags trailing back to cruise ships? Visiting Malta in January might be right up your street!
It’s not the same trip as a summer holiday in Malta would be but if you go with that expectation, it makes all the difference.
During our January trip, I was heading into my third trimester of pregnancy so we treated it like a city break and it worked perfectly. Walkable scenic towns full of incredible history and great food, without being too intense for my aching body.
Whether you’re a couple looking to escape Northern Europe’s chill or a budget conscious traveller avoiding the peak season, here’s what you can expect from visiting Malta in January.
Table of Contents
If you’re reading this while planning a winter trip to Malta, check out my four day Malta itinerary for a full guide!
What’s the weather like in Malta in January?
Malta in January is mild, with daytime highs of around 15-16°C that drop cooler at night. While it’s not sunbathing weather, it’s very pleasant to walk around and we even enjoyed evening drinks outside on a couple of days – albeit wrapped up in our coats under outdoor heaters.
During our trip, we’d luckily just missed a storm but experienced a real mix of weather: a couple of gloriously sunny days where we gallivanted around the Three Cities in t shirts and others where we had to shelter from intermittent bursts of rain.
If you’re visiting in one of the wetter months like we did, check out the forecast and hit up your indoor attractions when the rain is due to arrive!
What to pack
Layers, layers, layers! A waterproof jacket and jumpers for the evening are essential, but jeans and a t-shirt or shirt generally make a great base. I’d also choose comfy trainers – you can hammer the steps and some of the cobbled streets get quite slippery when it rains.
What are the best things to do in Malta in January?
Honestly, the coast aside, virtually all Malta’s sightseeing attractions remain open all year round.
For example, the Grandmaster’s Palace, Upper Barrakka Garden’s and incredible St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, the ferry to the Three Cities or Sliema (including their own historic sights), the prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra and more.
Many Maltese churches are closed on Sundays as services take priority. We were caught out when visiting Mdina, only to find the cathedral closed! This isn’t a seasonal thing, but one to be aware of.
I won’t go into too much detail here about everything we got up to. Instead, check out my four day Malta itinerary for the complete itinerary!
Visiting Malta in January impacted us in two ways: Blue Grotto boat trips don’t tend to run in winter and a storm days before we arrived had knocked out the high-speed ferry from Valletta to Gozo. Neither was a trip-ruiner, but both are worth factoring in before you go. If we went back with more time, visiting Gozo is an essential I wouldn’t want to miss again!
Restaurants and cafes are also open as usual, with only some beach clubs that may close seasonally. We ate well on the trip without ever struggling – another benefit of staying in Valletta when visiting Malta in winter!
Where to stay in Malta in January
From my experience, Valletta is the ideal base for visiting Malta in January. It’s far more picturesque, has plenty going on in the evenings and the old town atmosphere is special in the darker evenings.
A lot of people suggest basing yourself in Sliema or St Julian’s, still a solid option if you want a classic holiday feel but still be near the ferry to Valletta. However, it’s noticeably more built-up and less characterful than the capital. St Julian’s reportedly comes alive in summer so it might be less of a vibe in winter!
We stayed at 136 Old Bakery, a stylish apartment in the heart of Valletta complete with a spacious living and dining area, well-equipped kitchen, modern bathroom and double bedroom. It’s perfect for two travelling together!
For more places to rest your head, I’ve written a whole post on where to stay in Malta with full details for different budgets. You can also check out my top picks on this handy map below!
How busy is Malta in January?
Noticeably quieter than peak season, but not a ghost town. Valletta still had a lovely buzz to it – restaurants were busy most evenings and major attractions felt lively without being overwhelmingly crowded. Heading to Malta off-season is particularly beneficial for exploring the tiny streets of Mdina, where the ‘Silent City’ atmosphere could easily be ruined by tour groups!
You’ll also find it easy to hop on public transport and park (outside Valletta!) if you hire a car.
If you’re someone who prefers to explore without fighting through crowds, visiting Malta in winter is a great shout.
So – is Malta really worth visiting in January?
Absolutely, with the right expectations.
If you’re after a beach holiday with guaranteed sunshine, other destinations globally or in Southern Europe are a better bet – although you might get some warm days. By April’s shoulder season, it’ll be gloriously warm so choose then instead.
However, if you’re after a winter city break with pleasant weather, incredible history and gorgeous views, Malta in January delivers. It’s particularly a good choice if you prefer quieter streets, travelling on a budget or want something a little different from your classic island holiday.
For us, it was the perfect combination of simple and fun: a short flight and airport transfer, walkable base away from the British winter and an itinerary that felt full but not hectic.
Now, I’d like to go back and experience all it has to offer in summer!
Laura x
