Europe

Malta in May

Excellent for everything except the coldest-blooded swimmers. The sea becomes comfortable toward the end of the month.

BestWarm and sunny, highs near 75F (24C)

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

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Malta. Excellent for everything except the coldest-blooded swimmers. The sea becomes comfortable toward the end of the month.

Weather: Warm and sunny, highs near 75F (24C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What May is like in Malta

May is warm and sunny, with highs near 75F (24C) and very little rain. It is excellent for sightseeing, walking and boat trips. The sea starts to feel comfortable toward the end of the month. Crowds and prices are moderate, well below the summer peak.

It suits nearly everyone, including families, couples and homeschoolers who can travel during the school year. It is one of the best months for the Blue Lagoon on Comino before summer crowds. If you want warmer water for long swims, come in June or September.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Malta this month.

Blue Lagoon before the crowds

Comino's turquoise water is at its best in May, with fewer boats than summer.

Blue Grotto boat trips

Calm seas and morning light make the sea caves at Wied iz-Zurrieq glow.

Gozo overnight

Stay a night on Gozo to enjoy the Citadella in Victoria and Ramla Bay in peace.

What to pack for May

Swimwear and a light cover-up
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water shoes for rocky beaches
A light layer for breezy evenings

Our timing tip

Take the first boat to Comino's Blue Lagoon to enjoy the water before the day crowd arrives.

Book Malta for May.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Malta
Opens a hotel search for Malta in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
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 May. 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.

Tickets and tours →

The Three Cities

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

Tickets and tours →

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 May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Malta?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Malta. Excellent for everything except the coldest-blooded swimmers. The sea becomes comfortable toward the end of the month.

What is the weather like in Malta in May?

Warm and sunny, highs near 75F (24C).

Is Malta crowded in May?

Crowds in Malta are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.