February in Malta is cool, a little wet and very quiet, but it is also one of the most colourful months of the year thanks to Carnival and the first big feast of the calendar. If you do not need a beach holiday, it can be a cheap and relaxed time to visit. This guide covers the weather you can expect, the events worth planning around in 2027, and what to do when the sky turns grey.
Quick answer: is February a good time to visit Malta?
Yes, if you want sightseeing, history, food and a festival atmosphere rather than swimming. Days are mild, crowds are small and prices are usually lower than in summer. The trade-offs are cold sea water, regular rain and wind that can cancel boat trips. If that sounds fine, February works well. For a wider view of the cold season, read our guide on whether Malta is worth visiting in winter.
Weather in Malta in February
Exact numbers differ a little between sources, so treat these as a rough picture. Long-term averages put daytime highs at about 15 to 16°C and night-time lows at about 9 to 10°C. Sea temperature is around 15 to 17°C, which is the coldest water of the year. Rainfall is typically somewhere between 60 and 90 mm over the month, and sunshine averages roughly 5 to 6 hours a day.
Averages hide the real story, which is wind. A north-westerly can make a 15°C day feel much colder on the coast, and some February days are bright and calm while others bring heavy showers. Always look at the Malta this week page for the latest weather, wind and sea conditions before you plan a boat trip, a cliff walk or a ferry crossing.
What to pack
- Layers: a t-shirt, a jumper and a windproof or waterproof jacket.
- Comfortable shoes with grip. Valletta’s steep streets and old stone steps get slippery when wet.
- A small umbrella or a hood that stays on in wind.
- Long trousers for the evening, because stone buildings stay cold inside.
- Swimwear only if you are brave. A few locals do swim, but most visitors will not want to.
Malta Carnival 2027
Carnival is the biggest reason to come in February. Current announcements point to Friday 5 to Tuesday 9 February 2027, with the main parades in Valletta and Floriana and a famously wild, spontaneous street carnival in Nadur on Gozo. Dates and the programme can be updated, so check the official Carnival Malta and Visit Malta announcements before you book.
Valletta’s parades are colourful and family friendly, with floats, bands, costumed dance groups and lots of children in fancy dress. Watching the street parades is free. Nadur is darker, later and more adult, so it suits a different crowd. We explain the history, the traditional sweets and the best viewing spots in our full Malta Carnival guide.
Practical tips: book accommodation early if you want to be in or near Valletta, arrive well before the parade starts, dress warmly and use public transport because parking is difficult on parade days.
The Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck on 10 February
On 10 February Malta celebrates the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck, which marks the story of the apostle Paul being shipwrecked on the island. It is a public holiday and the first festa of the Maltese feast calendar. The main celebrations are in Valletta around St Paul’s Street, with a procession, marching bands, decorated balconies and fireworks over the Grand Harbour in the evening.
In 2027 the day falls on a Wednesday, right after Carnival ends. Because it is a public holiday, some shops, offices and sites may close or have shorter hours, so check before you go. Our Malta public holidays guide lists the dates for the year.
Best things to do in Malta in February
Wander Valletta without the crowds
Valletta is at its best in the cooler months. You can walk the grid of streets, visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, look over the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and stop for coffee when a shower comes. Start with our Valletta guide.
Explore Mdina and the Three Cities
The old walled city of Mdina is quiet and atmospheric on a grey day, and it is easy to combine with nearby Rabat. Across the harbour, Birgu and the other historic towns are good for slow wandering and museum stops. See our guides to Mdina and the Three Cities.
Visit the ancient temples and museums
Rainy days are ideal for Malta’s prehistoric and historic sites, some of the oldest in the world. Heritage Malta runs many of them, and opening hours and ticket rules can change, so check the official website first. Popular places like the Hypogeum have limited visitor numbers, so plan ahead. If you plan to see several sites, look at the Heritage Malta multisite pass.
Walk the cliffs on a clear day
Winter light is excellent for photos, and the countryside is greener than in summer. Dingli Cliffs are a great choice on a calm, dry day. Stay well back from edges in strong wind, and be careful because paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.
Take a day trip to Gozo
Gozo is calm and green in winter, and Victoria, the Citadel and the temples are all comfortable to visit in cool weather. The ferry can be affected by rough seas, so check conditions first. Our Gozo guide has ideas for the day.
Eat your way through the cold
February is a good month for warm, filling Maltese food. Think pastizzi, hearty soups, slow-cooked dishes and rabbit stew in a village restaurant. If you are not sure what to order, our Maltese food guide is a good place to start. Carnival season is also when you will see traditional sweets like prinjolata.
What is closed or limited in February?
Many beach clubs and some seasonal boat operators run reduced schedules or close in winter, and sea trips can be cancelled at short notice because of weather. Cafes, restaurants and city attractions stay open, but it is smart to check opening times for smaller places, especially on 10 February. Prices and times change, so check the official website before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Malta in February?
The sea is about 15 to 17°C, which is very cold for most visitors. A short dip is possible for hardy swimmers on a calm, sunny day, but most people will prefer to stay dry. Avoid the sea entirely in rough weather.
Is it warm enough for sightseeing?
Yes. Highs of around 15 to 16°C are comfortable for walking if you wear layers. Wind and rain can make it feel colder, so bring a jacket.
When is Carnival in Malta in 2027?
Current announcements point to 5 to 9 February 2027. Dates can be adjusted, so check the official Carnival Malta and Visit Malta pages before you book.
Is February cheaper than summer?
Generally, yes. Hotels and flights are often cheaper outside the summer season, though Carnival weekend can be busy in Valletta. Book early if your dates match the parades.
Our verdict
February in Malta is not for sunbathing, but it is excellent for culture, food and a local festival atmosphere without summer crowds. Pack layers, keep a rainy-day plan and choose your dates around Carnival and the 10 February feast if you want the most colour.
Planning further ahead?
Looking at other months? Read our guide to Malta in January or browse upcoming events in Malta.