Europe

Malta in December

Quiet and cheap, with Christmas cribs (presepji) and lights in Valletta. The holiday week sees a small bump.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 64F (18C), windy and damp

Valletta, Malta — MaltaPhoto: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Malta. Quiet and cheap, with Christmas cribs (presepji) and lights in Valletta. The holiday week sees a small bump.

Weather: Mild, highs near 64F (18C), windy and damp
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Malta

December is quiet and cheap, with highs near 64F (18C), windy and damp days. Valletta glows with Christmas lights, and churches and homes display Christmas cribs, called presepji. The holiday week brings a small bump in visitors. Heritage sites close on December 24, 25 and 31.

It suits couples and families who want a mild, festive city break. It is not a beach month, and boat trips often stop when the wind picks up. Plan around the museums, Mdina and a day on Gozo. For sun and swimming, come back between late May and October.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Malta this month.

Christmas cribs

Presepji, the traditional nativity scenes, appear in churches and homes across the islands.

Valletta lights

The capital's streets are decorated and cheerful in the evenings.

Quiet heritage sites

Outside the holiday closures, the temples and museums are calm and easy to visit.

What to pack for December

A windproof jacket
Warm layers
Comfortable walking shoes
A small umbrella

Our timing tip

Check Heritage Malta hours around Christmas and New Year, since sites close on December 24, 25 and 31.

Book Malta for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Malta
Opens a hotel search for Malta in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Malta
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Malta
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Malta for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Malta

Full guide

Valletta and St John's Co-Cathedral

The cathedral's gilded interior and Caravaggio's Beheading of Saint John are the high point. Go at opening; cruise groups arrive mid-morning.

Tickets and tours →

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

A 5,000-year-old underground burial complex limited to small groups per hour. Tickets sell out weeks ahead; book as soon as your dates are set.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mdina

The walled former capital on a hilltop, silent at night and busiest mid-morning. Pair it with neighboring Rabat's catacombs.

Tickets and tours →

Gozo

Ggantija Temples, the Citadella in Victoria, and the cliffs around Dwejra. A 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa makes it an easy day or a better overnight.

Tickets and tours →

Comino's Blue Lagoon

Clear turquoise water and a serious crowd problem in summer, now with visitor controls. Go on the first boat or in May, June, or October.

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The Three Cities

Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua across Grand Harbour from Valletta. Take the traditional dghajsa water taxi and walk the waterfront.

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Beat the crowds

Check the Valletta cruise terminal schedule. On big-ship days, do St John's Co-Cathedral at opening and leave the city center to the groups from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Take the first boat to Comino or go after 4pm. Midday in July and August is the Blue Lagoon at its most crowded.
Base yourself on Gozo for part of the trip. It is slower, greener, and noticeably quieter than the main island even in summer.
Book the Hypogeum as soon as your dates are firm; it is the one sight in Malta you cannot improvise.

Know before you go

Malta does not shut down in winter. Valletta, Mdina, museums, temples, and restaurants operate year-round, and heritage sites keep regular hours with only a few public holiday closures.
Boat trips to Comino, the Blue Grotto, and around the coast are weather-dependent and run on reduced schedules from about November through March.
Heritage Malta sites close on a handful of public holidays, including Good Friday, December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1. Check hours before building a day around them.
Some beach kiosks, lidos, and seasonal restaurants close from late October to spring, particularly on Gozo and Comino.

Malta in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Malta?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Malta. Quiet and cheap, with Christmas cribs (presepji) and lights in Valletta. The holiday week sees a small bump.

What is the weather like in Malta in December?

Mild, highs near 64F (18C), windy and damp.

Is Malta crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Malta; most sights can be done without long waits.