Europe

Malta in March

Spring arrives early here. Green countryside, clear walking weather, and low prices. Carnival can fall in early March in some years.

GoodPleasant, highs near 64F (18C), wildflowers

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

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Malta. Spring arrives early here. Green countryside, clear walking weather, and low prices. Carnival can fall in early March in some years.

Weather: Pleasant, highs near 64F (18C), wildflowers
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What March is like in Malta

March brings spring early to Malta. Highs reach near 64F (18C), wildflowers cover the countryside and the island turns green. It is clear walking weather, prices are low and crowds are light. Carnival can fall in early March in some years, and Holy Week processions start if Easter is early.

It suits hikers, history lovers and families who want comfortable sightseeing. The sea is still chilly and boat trips may not run in rough weather. If you want swimming, wait until late May or June, when the water finally warms up.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Malta this month.

Wildflower walks

The countryside on Malta and Gozo is green and full of flowers, perfect for coastal walks.

Holy Week processions

If Easter falls early, village streets fill with solemn Good Friday processions and joyful Easter Sunday ones.

Mdina in spring

The walled hilltop city is quiet and golden in the spring light.

What to pack for March

Light layers for mild days
A light rain jacket
Good walking shoes for trails
Sunglasses and sunscreen

Our timing tip

Visit Mdina late in the afternoon, when day-trippers leave and the streets go quiet.

Book Malta for March.

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

What's on in March

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.

Holy Week and Good Friday processions

March or April, following the Catholic Easter date

Solemn statue processions through village streets on Good Friday, then joyful Risen Christ processions on Easter Sunday.

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.

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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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Malta?

March is a good month to visit Malta. Spring arrives early here. Green countryside, clear walking weather, and low prices. Carnival can fall in early March in some years.

What is the weather like in Malta in March?

Pleasant, highs near 64F (18C), wildflowers.

Is Malta crowded in March?

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

What is happening in Malta in March?

Malta Carnival (the days before lent, february or early march depending on the year); Holy Week and Good Friday processions (march or april, following the catholic easter date).