Marie-Astrid Bridelance
Thinking of visiting Malta during the shoulder season?
Malta in March offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it a perfect time to enjoy its historical sites and beautiful scenery.
While March weather has nothing to do with the scorching heat visitors can experience in summer, it is becoming warmer and really feels like spring. There are plenty of things to do on the Maltese islands in March, even if it is still a little cold for water activities.
Let’s dive in and discover the best tours and things to do, along with some tips for when you visit Malta in March.
The ultimate pass combining Hop-On Hop-Off Buses, access to heritage sites and a harbour cruise!
€80
Culture & History Lovers, Couples, & Families
6 days from activation
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus stops can be found all over the island
This pass combines what you need to explore Malta’s rich culture and history. Unlimited use of Hop-On Hop-Off bus routes (North and South – island of Malta only), access to 20+ heritage sites in Malta and a free harbour cruise with live commentary are included. The pass is valid for a period of 6 days from its activation.
Join this morning’s guided walking tour of Valletta’s highlights.
€52
Culture & History Lovers, Couples, Families, & Small Groups
4h 45 mins
Valletta City Gate
Discover Valletta’s rich history and heritage with a knowledgeable guide. This guided tour on foot will take you to the highlights of the capital city: the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Co-Cathedral and its Caravaggio paintings, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the multimedia show ‘Malta Experience’. This tour is the best way to learn about Valletta and includes entrance tickets to the ‘Malta Experience’ and the Co-Cathedral.
Chauffeured tour of Gozo, led by a multilingual Gozo expert chauffeur, on a fun and comfortable Tuk-Tuk.
€85
Couples, Families with Kids, & Small Groups
7 hours (excluding transport)
Marfa, Malta
Explore Gozo on board a fun Tuk-Tuk that can carry a maximum of 6 passengers. This all-inclusive tour is one of the best you can take to discover Malta’s sister island. The prices include a transfer from/to your hotel, the crossing to Gozo, a Tuk Tuk tour led by a multilingual driver and guide, a light traditional Gozitan lunch and a boat trip to Comino.
Embark on an adventure through rugged valleys and backroads on a powerful Quad Bike, following a lead driver.
€115 (driver) / €195 (driver+passenger)
Couples, Small Groups, & Solo Travellers
7 hours (excluding transport)
Marfa, Malta
Drive in convoy behind a skilled tour leader through Gozo’s sleepy villages, wild countryside and epic coast. Quad Bikes give you privileged access to secret places like Xewkija, Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs and Xwejni salt pans. Just like the Tuk Tuk tour, this is an all-inclusive tour with transport from/to your hotel, a boat trip to Comino, its Blue Lagoon and sea caverns, an experienced quad leader, picnic, fuel and equipment.
Fantastic half-day guided tour to the Three Cities, including a harbour cruise on a traditional boat.
€39
Culture & History Lovers, Couples, Families & Small Groups
4 hours
Cospicua
Discover the historic walled cities forming the Three Cities or Cottonera: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. An expert guide will take you for a short drive around Cospicua before strolling the streets of Vittoriosa, the former headquarters of the Knights of St. John. You’ll then embark on a traditional ‘fregatina’ for a boat trip in the Grand Harbour, and finish your morning at the Senglea watchtower.
An extended Sunday morning tour to the stunning Blue Grotto and the popular Marsaxlokk market.
€32
Couples, Families, Small Groups & Foodies
5 hours
Blue Grotto (Transfer from and to your accommodation included)
Taking place every Sunday, this guided tour takes you to two iconic places located in the south of Malta. You’ll discover Blue Grotto, a group of stunning, naturally shaped rock formations bathed in translucent blue waters. Although recommended, the Blue Grotto boat trips are not included in the tour price and are subject to the weather conditions. Your guide will then take you to the Sunday market held in the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, perfect for trying local food and buying souvenirs.
Malta might be small, but there is more than enough to fill a one-week holiday on the Maltese archipelago in March! You could even stay two weeks without running out of things to do! Here are the best activities and places to add to your Malta itinerary in March.
One of my favourite activities in March in Malta is undoubtedly hiking. I love going outdoors and exploring the scenic trails and green countryside brimming with pretty wildflowers on a sunny and warm day, and I’m sure you’ll too!
Some of my favourite places to hike include the coastline trail between Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala, the Xemxija Heritage Trail, Victoria Lines, Dingli and Fawwara.
You can also make the most of the good weather by spending some time on beaches like Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and Mellieħa Bay, three sandy beaches located north of Malta. It is too early in the year to find the beaches filled with sun worshippers, and the water is considered too cold for most visitors, but you could definitely sit on the shore on warm days and even take a dip if you’re used to swimming in cold water.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is a must-see all year round. This historic city, built by the Knights of St. John, is an open-air museum and a haven for culture and history lovers. Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral and its stunning Baroque interiors, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offering breathtaking views over the Grand Harbour, the stately Grandmaster’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo and much more, learning about Malta’s history at every turn.
You can also enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants at the famous Valletta Waterfront.
TIP: Take this half-day guided tour to learn more about Valletta’s captivating history while exploring its highlights.
The Three Cities are another reason to visit Malta. Located opposite Valletta across the Grand Harbour, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Isla (Senglea), and Bormla (Cospicua) also brim with history. Birgu is the first one you should visit, with its Fort St. Angelo, the Collachio Area (the former headquarters of the Knights of Malta), the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Malta at War Museum and the Malta Maritime Museum. Don’t rush and wander the narrow streets at your own pace, and you will surely spot many interesting details.
Mdina is another fascinating place to add to your Malta itinerary. Known as the Silent City, Mdina is a walled city with a rich history. Pass the Mdina Gate and wander in the winding streets where time seems to stand still, the tranquillity of this centuries-old place disturbed only by a few visitors. Don’t miss the richly adorned St. Paul’s Cathedral and the panoramic view from the bastion walls.
Less urbanised, the south of Malta also has plenty to offer. One of the most popular attractions there is the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, known for its fleet of colourful luzzijiet, the traditional Maltese fishing boats, filling the harbour and its local market held every Sunday (and on other days to a lesser extent).
St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming pool located a 30-minute walk away from Marsaxlokk, is another popular attraction.
The third place of interest is Blue Grotto, spectacular rock formations rising from mesmerising blue waters. Boat tours depart from Wied Iż-Żurrieq and take you to the caves.
The south of Malta is dotted with lesser-known – and yet picturesque – villages and countryside trails.
No visit to Malta would be complete without a day trip to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. In March, the island offers stunning scenery, with its lush countryside, sleepy villages, secret coves and historical sites surrounded by an amazing sea. Don’t miss Victoria, the Citadel, Ramla Beach, Dwejra Bay and more!
March has some celebrations that can enhance your Malta trip.
The Feast of St. Joseph (19th of March) is an official public holiday in Malta. It is celebrated with a procession, a marching band, colourful fireworks and traditional sweets stalls. Don’t miss the celebrations in Rabat to experience an authentic Maltese festa!
Partygoers will eagerly flock to Spinola Bay in St. Julian’s for St. Patrick’s Day, enjoying beer, live music and more.
If Easter falls in March, you’ll have the chance to witness Holy Week and Easter Sunday celebrations, including the seven visits on Maundy Thursday and procession during which the statue of the Risen Christ is carried in the streets.
There’s a wide choice of accommodation on the Maltese islands, from luxury hotels to more affordable hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and apartment rentals.
March is the end of the low season, so you might still be able to get some discounted prices on hotels.
Valletta is the perfect place to explore Malta, especially if you’re into culture and sightseeing. You’ll be a short walk away from many museums, historical sites, bars, and restaurants.
These two lively cities are a popular choice among tourists. They are central, well-served by public transport and offer all the amenities visitors could expect: restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shops… Paceville, in St. Julian’s, is the nightlife hub of Malta.
Located north of Malta Island, Mellieħa is a village surrounded by countryside, nature, and beaches. This is a good place to stay for nature lovers, but quite remote for those planning to do sightseeing.
Three seaside resorts on the northern coast, St. Paul’s Bay, Buġibb, and Qawra, are ideal for a family holiday, with a wide range of accommodations, including affordable hotels, and all amenities nearby.
Rabat offers a more tranquil, rural setting, while Mdina promises a luxurious, timeless stay. However, the range of accommodation is much more limited than in the above-mentioned destinations.
Gozo is often overlooked as a place to stay, and I think that’s a shame. Greener than the main island, Gozo seduces with its rural setting.
| Average Temperature | 14°C (57°F) |
| High Temperature | 17°C (62°F) |
| Low Temperature | 10°C (51°F) |
| Day Temperature | 14°C (57°F) |
| Night Temperature | 13°C (56°F) |
| Sea Temperature | 16°C (61°F) |
| Precipitation | 41 mm (1.61″) |
| Hours of Daylight per Day | 12 hours |
In March, Malta offers good weather compared to some other European countries, and it seems like the winter season is already behind. It won’t be scorching hot either, as we need to wait for the summer months for this type of weather. With an average high temperature of 17°C (62°F) and some sunny days, the conditions are quite pleasant when visiting the tiny country of Malta. It also offers excellent conditions for spending time outdoors (more than the scorching summer sun, in my opinion!).
However, do expect some rain showers and winds, and don’t forget that the humidity can make you feel cold easily.
Get a FREE personalized trip plan for Malta from our expert local guides.