Europe
Malta in October
Still beach weather in the first half, with calmer crowds. Birgufest lights the old streets of Birgu with candles.
The straight answer
October is one of the best months of the year to visit Malta. Still beach weather in the first half, with calmer crowds. Birgufest lights the old streets of Birgu with candles.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 77F (25C), first rains
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in Malta
October is still beach weather in the first half, with highs near 77F (25C) and the first rains arriving. Crowds calm down and prices ease. Birgufest lights the old streets of Birgu with candles for a few evenings. The sea stays warm enough for swimming.
It suits couples, swimmers and families who can travel outside school holidays. Some beach kiosks and seasonal restaurants begin to close late in the month, especially on Gozo and Comino. For the best mix of warm sea and calm, aim for early October. It is one of the best months of the year.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Malta this month.
Birgufest
Birgu switches off its streetlights and fills the old town with candles for a few evenings.
Warm sea, fewer people
The water is still warm and the Blue Lagoon is calmer than in summer.
Three Cities by water taxi
Cross Grand Harbour on a dghajsa and walk the Birgu waterfront in soft light.
What to pack for October
- Swimwear
- A light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
Our timing tip
Plan beach days for the first half of October, before the rains and seasonal closures set in.
Book Malta for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MaltaOpens a hotel search for Malta in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MaltaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MaltaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Malta for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Birgufest
October
Birgu switches off its streetlights and fills the old town with candles for a few evenings.
Things to do in Malta
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.
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.
Mdina
The walled former capital on a hilltop, silent at night and busiest mid-morning. Pair it with neighboring Rabat's catacombs.
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.
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.
The Three Cities
Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua across Grand Harbour from Valletta. Take the traditional dghajsa water taxi and walk the waterfront.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Malta?
October is one of the best months of the year to visit Malta. Still beach weather in the first half, with calmer crowds. Birgufest lights the old streets of Birgu with candles.
What is the weather like in Malta in October?
Warm, highs near 77F (25C), first rains.
Is Malta crowded in October?
Crowds in Malta are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Malta in October?
Birgufest (october).
Keep planning Malta.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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