Europe

Malta in February

Malta Carnival often falls in February, with floats and costumes in Valletta and a wilder version in Nadur on Gozo.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 61F (16C), windy

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

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Malta. Malta Carnival often falls in February, with floats and costumes in Valletta and a wilder version in Nadur on Gozo.

Weather: Mild, highs near 61F (16C), windy
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Malta

February is mild and windy, with highs near 61F (16C) and some rain. Crowds are small and prices are at their lowest. The big event is Malta Carnival, which often falls in February, with floats and costumed dancers in Valletta and Floriana, and a wilder, unofficial version in Nadur on Gozo. The date follows Lent, so it moves each year.

It suits budget travelers, culture lovers and families who want to see Carnival. The sea is too cold for most swimmers and boat trips are weather-dependent. If you want warm, calm days, March and April bring spring early.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Malta this month.

Malta Carnival

Floats and costumed dancers fill Valletta and Floriana in the days before Lent. Kids love the colors and music.

Nadur's wild carnival

On Gozo, Nadur runs its own anarchic, unofficial version with strange masks and costumes.

Low prices

Hotels in Valletta and Sliema are at their cheapest, so a harbor view is affordable.

What to pack for February

A windproof jacket
A warm sweater
Comfortable shoes
A costume or mask if you want to join Carnival

Our timing tip

Check the Carnival dates for your year before booking, since they follow Lent and can land in early March.

Book Malta for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Malta
Opens a hotel search for Malta in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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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.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Malta
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Malta for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Malta Carnival

The days before Lent, February or early March depending on the year

Floats and costumed dancers in Valletta and Floriana. Nadur on Gozo runs an unofficial, more anarchic version.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Malta?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Malta. Malta Carnival often falls in February, with floats and costumes in Valletta and a wilder version in Nadur on Gozo.

What is the weather like in Malta in February?

Mild, highs near 61F (16C), windy.

Is Malta crowded in February?

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

What is happening in Malta in February?

Malta Carnival (the days before lent, february or early march depending on the year).