Predominantly warm and sunny, the Maltese Islands experience short mild winters and long summers. Rainfall is generally confined to the months between October and March. The total rainfall for the year averages around 500 millimeters. A long spring from March to May, and Autumn from September to beginning of December are particularly pleasant seasons with temperatures around the 70øF (24 to 28øC) for much of the time. It is common to experience a warm sunny November, known locally as Saint Martin's summer.


The winter months, December to March, are cool with the average temperature in the mid to high 50øF (12 to 16øC)... not too severe and indeed a centrally heated house in Malta would be something of an extravagance. It rains a fair bit during this `winter' period but a completely wet day is a rarity. Usually the rain falls heavily for an hour or so... then the sun reappears to dry up all again.


The hottest time of the year is between mid-July and mid-September, when temperatures can get as high as the mid-90øF (34 to 36øC)for a few days. High summer is obviously the time to spend in or near the sea... and in Malta, that is never far away. The sea temperature in summer gets up around the 80øF (27 to 30øC)and it is quite possible to swim in the sea all the year round. We always think that the nice thing about the Maltese climate is that if you plan a picnic or a round of golf or any outdoor activity, you can be pretty sure that it will take place as scheduled.


There is something very reassuring about waking up in the morning and seeing the sun shining. It imparts a sense of well being and makes you feel good. It must have some beneficial effect as the Maltese enjoy an exceptionally high standard of health. Indeed there is no doubt, all things considered, Malta's climate is one of its biggest assets.