Perfect weather for walking in Malta
Like all outdoor sports, walking or hiking is dependent on weather conditions. Malta is blessed with a pleasant Mediterranean climate promising mild winters and warm summers.
Walking in Malta: an enjoyable climate
The weather in Malta is typically stable with winds that are frequent and cooling – such as the northwesterly wind known as the ‘majjistral’.
In spring and autumn most walking activity can be conducted in a t-shirt or base-layer and an additional layer for comfort if you’re walking at night. In the warmer Summer months an evening stroll beside the sea is bliss yet afternoon walking is also possible with protective sun-screen. It’s advisable to drink water before, during and after your walk as this will keep you well hydrated. Walkers tend to slow down their pace in August to reduce the intensity when temperatures are high.
In winter, walking is easy and enjoyable. The temperature rarely drops to lower than nine degrees Celsius so a well layered set of clothes will get you through easily. You might want to carry along a sturdy outer shell layer with a windbreaker made of water-repellant material.
Hiking in Malta: all year round comfort
From March through till December, Malta typically offers pleasantly warm days. Save for the peak Summer months (July and August) this means warm (but not too warm) weather with fair cloud cover. In this same period it’s normal to experience a mild breeze which can keep you cool but which does not impede walking with a heavy backpack or pitching a tent.
The peak Summer months tend to get warmer (with a daily average of 30 degrees Celsius) and sunnier so it’s advisable to hike in cool areas and to use a fair amount of sunscreen. Hiking gear should be breathable and you should carry a sufficient amount of water. Most hikers tend to opt for leisurely hiking locations beside the sea during July and August. You can combine this with frequent water sport activity.
Although January and February tend to be cooler months (lows of 9 degrees and highs of around fifteen) with some rainfall, there’s no reason why you can’t hike as long as you prepare yourself and your gear for rainier weather. In these months, it’s useful to plan your route better in advance ensuring you determine areas of shelter and pack some proper waterproof gear.
Click here to view more info on the climate in Malta
