Malta in December is mild, quiet and festive. Expect daytime highs around 17 degrees C, some rain and wind, no crowds at the big sites, and a long list of free Christmas events, with Valletta lit up from late November. It is not a beach month, but it is a very good month for sightseeing, food and atmosphere.
Malta weather in December
Long-term averages for Luqa (the airport weather station) put the December average high at about 17 degrees C and the average low at about 12 degrees C. December is one of the wetter months, with roughly 94 mm of rain over about 10 rainy days, and around 160 hours of sunshine for the whole month, or about 5 hours a day.
The sea is about 17 to 19 degrees C depending on the source, so it is cold. A few hardy locals still swim, but most visitors will stay on the shore. If you want a swim, October is far better: see our guide to swimming in Malta in October.
The numbers look gentle, but humidity is high and the wind can make evenings feel colder than the thermometer says. Rain often comes in short, heavy bursts, followed by bright spells. Check the Malta This Week page for the current weather, wind and sea conditions before you plan a coastal walk or a boat trip, because rough seas can also affect ferries.
What to pack
- A warm jumper and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Layers work best.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip. Valletta’s stone streets and steps get slippery when wet.
- A small umbrella, although wind often beats it.
- A scarf or light hat for evenings by the sea.
Our Malta in November guide has a longer packing list that works just as well for December.
Christmas in Valletta
The biggest December draw is Christmas in the Capital. The Valletta Cultural Agency lists it from Wednesday 25 November to Thursday 31 December 2026, with street decorations, a nativity crib, the Christmas tree, live performances, street animation and family activities. The listed hours are 8am to midnight, but that is the overall window rather than a timetable for each activity, and the detailed programme is still to be announced.
Wandering around is free. Republic Street and Merchants Street are the classic routes, and the squares are where the music and displays tend to gather. Weekends get busy, so a weekday evening is calmer. Buses reach the Valletta terminus from most of the island, which is easier than looking for parking.
For the wider picture of Maltese cribs, Midnight Mass and festive customs, read our full guide to Christmas in Malta.
Other December events to put in your diary
Natalis Notabilis, Rabat
Rabat’s Christmas market is listed for Friday 4 to Sunday 13 December 2026 in the historic centre, beside the walls of Mdina. Opening times have not been announced yet, so see the event page for updates. It pairs nicely with a daytime visit to Mdina and Rabat.
Ħal Kirkop, European Christmas Village 2026
Ħal Kirkop, a small village in the south close to the airport, has been named a European Christmas Village for 2026. Exact dates were not announced at the time of writing, so follow our Kirkop Christmas Village page and the local council’s official channels.
Other Christmas events
Listings for 2026 also show a Christmas choir festival in Valletta’s churches (4 to 6 December) and a free Woodland Christmas Market at Ta’ Qali National Park (4 to 13 December). These come from a third-party events calendar, so confirm them with the organisers. Live nativity shows and illuminated gardens in Gozo and at Buskett usually run in December, but their 2026 dates had not been confirmed when I checked.
New Year’s Eve in Valletta
The national celebration is listed for Thursday 31 December 2026 at St George’s Square, Valletta, from 10pm to 2am, with live music and DJ sets and free entry. Details are on our New Year’s Eve in Valletta page. Expect crowds, and plan how you will get home, as buses and taxis are busy after midnight.
For anything that is happening right now, the Malta events calendar is updated regularly.
Public holidays in December 2026
Three dates matter. Tuesday 8 December is Immaculate Conception, so many people take Monday off for a four-day break. Republic Day on 13 December falls on a Sunday this year. Friday 25 December is Christmas Day, which makes a three-day weekend. Opening hours change around these dates, with some shops, restaurants and sites closing or shortening their day, so check before you travel. See our Malta public holidays guide for the full list.
What to do in Malta in December
Visit the heritage sites
Cool, quiet weather is the best time to explore Malta’s temples and fortifications, which are mostly outdoors and can be hot and crowded in summer. Good choices include Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum in Valletta and the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an indoor option for a wet day, but visitor numbers there are limited, so book ahead where you can. If you plan several visits, the Heritage Malta Multisite Pass guide explains how the pass works. Opening hours can differ over the festive period, so check with Heritage Malta first.
Eat the season
Two traditional treats are worth looking for. Imbuljuta tal-qastan is a hot chestnut and cocoa drink flavoured with cloves, cinnamon, chocolate and citrus rind, traditionally served after Midnight Mass and on New Year’s Eve. Qagħaq tal-għasel are sweet pastry rings filled with a treacle mixture. Despite the name, the traditional recipe has no honey. For everyday dishes to pair with them, see our Maltese food guide.
Walk on a dry day
When the sun is out, coastal and countryside walks are pleasant in December without the summer heat. Choose a day with light wind, stay back from cliff edges and wear shoes with grip. Check Malta This Week first.
Plan for rain
Keep a few indoor options ready: museums, churches, cribs, cafes and the Christmas displays themselves. Valletta works well in light rain because the main streets are short walks between indoor stops.
Is December a good month to visit Malta?
Yes, if you want sightseeing, festive atmosphere and lower crowds rather than beach time. You will trade guaranteed sunshine for choice and calm. If your priority is swimming, come in late spring or early autumn instead.
FAQ
Can you swim in Malta in December?
The sea is about 17 to 19 degrees C, which is cold. Some locals swim all year, but most visitors will not enjoy it. Bring a towel only if you are used to cold water.
Is Malta busy at Christmas?
The main attractions are quieter than in summer, but Valletta’s lights and the New Year’s Eve party draw large crowds, especially at weekends and after dark. Book accommodation early for Christmas week and New Year.
Is Malta open on Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is a public holiday, so many shops and sites close or open for shorter hours. Some restaurants and hotels stay open, but confirm and book ahead.
How many days do you need in Malta in December?
Four or five days covers Valletta, Mdina and Rabat, the temples and a Christmas market without rushing. Our complete Malta travel guide for first-time visitors can help you shape the trip.
In short
December in Malta is mild, damp and atmospheric. Pack layers, check the forecast daily, and plan around the three public holidays and the Valletta lights. Prices, dates and opening times change, so check the official site of each event or attraction before you go.
Planning further ahead? See our Christmas in Malta guide and our things to do in Malta this weekend page.