January is Malta’s quietest month, and for the right traveller that is exactly the point. Expect cool, changeable weather, short bursts of rain, uncrowded sights and a good classical music festival in Valletta. Do not expect beach weather. If you want walking, history, food and space to breathe, January works very well.
Weather in Malta in January
According to the UK Met Office climate figures for Malta, January has an average daytime high of about 15.7°C and an average night-time low of about 9.2°C. Average rainfall is around 89 mm, and you can expect roughly five hours of sunshine a day on average. Those are long-term averages, so any single week can be warmer, colder or wetter.
The sea is cold, usually around 16 to 17°C. That is fine for a quick brave dip but not for a normal swim, and not a month for boat-based swimming trips. Wind matters more than the thermometer: a north-westerly can make a 15°C day feel much colder along the coast.
Check the live conditions on our Malta this week page before you plan outdoor days, because forecasts for wind and rain can change quickly.
What to Pack for January
- Layers: a T-shirt, a jumper and a windproof jacket cover most days.
- A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella: rain tends to be short but can be heavy.
- Shoes with grip: Valletta’s steep streets and Malta’s limestone get slippery when wet.
- A warm scarf for evenings: nights are cool and many older buildings are not well heated.
It is also worth asking your accommodation whether it has proper heating, since some holiday flats rely on small portable heaters. For the months either side, see our guides to Malta in December and Malta in November.
Events in Malta in January 2027
New Year’s Day
Friday 1 January 2027 is a public holiday and falls on a Friday, so it makes a long weekend. Expect many shops and some restaurants to be closed or on reduced hours. Our Malta public holidays guide has the full list of dates.
Valletta Baroque Festival
The Valletta Baroque Festival is the main cultural event of the month. Festivals Malta lists the 2027 festival as running from 7 to 24 January. Concerts take place in settings such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, Verdala Palace, Palazzo Parisio and Teatru Manoel. Ticket prices and the full programme were still to be confirmed when we checked, so look at the official festival page at festivals.mt/vbf before you book flights around a particular concert.
Even if you do not attend a concert, January is a good time to see Valletta without summer crowds. Our events page is updated as new dates are announced.
What about Carnival?
Carnival comes in February, not January, so a January trip is not the time for the big parades. If Carnival is the goal, plan for the following month and read our guide to visiting Malta in winter.
Best Things to Do in Malta in January
Walk the green island
Visit Malta describes the islands as green and lush from mid-November to about mid-May, with wild flowers appearing after the first rain. That makes January a pleasant time for walking, with cooler air than summer and fewer people on the paths. Visit Malta lists marked walks such as the Dingli – Fawwara – Wied iz-Zurrieq walk, the Mdina walk, the Watch Towers walk near Mellieha and the Windmills walk. Choose a dry, calm day and wear proper walking shoes.
For an easy first outing, go to Dingli Cliffs, the island’s highest point, and walk along the cliff edge. Keep well back from the edge in wind.
Visit the temples and museums
January is a comfortable month for indoor and half-indoor sightseeing. Malta’s prehistoric temples are among the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, and cooler weather suits the exposed sites. Start with our overview of Malta’s ancient temples, then look at the Hypogeum and Ggantija Temples in Gozo. If you plan to visit several Heritage Malta sites, check whether the Multisite Pass saves you money. Opening hours can change in winter, so confirm them on the Heritage Malta website.
Explore old towns without the crowds
The narrow streets of Mdina are at their most atmospheric when they are quiet, and the same is true of the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. Both are easy to cover on foot in half a day, and cafes make good rain shelters.
Eat the comfort food
Cool weather suits the island’s hearty dishes, from soups and stews to baked pasta and pastizzi from a local bakery. Our Maltese food guide explains what to order.
Take a quiet day trip
If the forecast is calm, a day on Comino is a very different experience from summer, with no crowds. Check that ferries are running first, as winter timetables and sea conditions can change plans. Boat services are weather dependent.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Malta?
It depends on what you want. January is a good fit if you like walking, history, concerts and low prices, or if you are escaping a colder climate and just want mild air and some light. It is a poor fit if your main goal is swimming, sunbathing or boat trips. Pack for a mix of sun, wind and rain, keep your plans flexible, and have a few indoor ideas ready for wet days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Malta in January?
Only briefly. The sea is usually around 16 to 17°C, which is cold for most people. A few locals do swim all year, but most visitors will find it too cold.
Is it sunny in Malta in January?
It can be. Average sunshine is about five hours a day, but cloudy and rainy spells are common. Check the forecast each morning.
Are things open in January?
Most museums, shops and restaurants stay open, but some seasonal businesses, boat operators and beach cafes close or cut their hours. Check opening times before you travel, especially around New Year’s Day.
Is January busy or expensive?
It is one of the quietest times of year for visitors, so flights and accommodation are often cheaper than in summer. Prices vary, so compare before booking.
Prices, dates and timetables change. Check the official site before you go.
Summary
Malta in January is cool, green, quiet and good value, with a strong classical music programme and plenty to see indoors and out. Go for culture, walking and food, not the beach, and you will have a good trip.
Planning further ahead? Read our guide to visiting Malta in winter and our complete Malta guide for first-time visitors.