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Marie-Astrid Bridelance
Travellers visiting Malta in December can experience a wonderful festive season, away from the gloomy and cold weather that has settled in most of Europe.
Beach season might be over, but there are still many things to do in December in Malta. With its year-round sunny climate, Malta is the perfect destination for a holiday, even during the winter months. You’ll have a wonderful time exploring Malta’s historic sites and cities with fewer tourists, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, enjoying the great outdoors on a sunny day, and, of course, browsing the Christmas markets while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Malta in winter is not white, but green and enjoys mild weather, great for spending the day exploring the island. Additionally, the Maltese Islands are worth visiting in December because they come alive with many Christmas-related events and celebrations.
I’ve crafted this guide so you can prepare to visit Malta in December and enjoy a festive getaway in the heart of the Mediterranean. I’ll cover the top tours, things to do, travel tips, places to stay, December weather, and more ideas for activities in Malta.
Join this one-of-a-kind afternoon tour exploring Gozo’s Christmas attractions.
€79
Couples, Families with Kids, & Small Groups
6 hours (excluding transport)
Marfa, Malta
This unique all-inclusive tour takes you around Gozo to experience the island’s authentic customs and religious traditions. A knowledgeable chauffeur will take you around Gozo on a colourful Tuk Tuk. The tour starts at 4 pm and, as the day fades, you’ll see Gozo’s magical illuminations, the Cittadella in all its night-time glory and much more. Pick up and return, ferry tickets, a local traditional dinner and even a Christmas gift are included.
Embark on an adventure through rugged valleys & backroads on a powerful Quad Bike.
€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 gives 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 Island, its Blue Lagoon and sea caverns, an experienced quad leader, picnic, fuel and equipment.
This tour combines culture and street food through the beautiful streets of Valletta.
€50
Culture Lovers, Foodies, Couples, & Small Groups
3 hours
In front of the New Parliament Building
Calling all foodies! Embark on a culinary trip in the capital city with a passionate guide who will tell you about Valletta’s history and culture while taking you to a few places to try traditional Maltese street food, sweets and drinks. Great to go beyond the regular guided tour, as you’ll learn about (and taste!) Maltese cuisine and traditional dishes.
Walking guided tour combining Mdina & Rabat with its Catacombs.
€22
Culture & History Lovers, Couples, Families, & Small Groups
2.5 hours
Outside the Mdina Gate
Get ready to go back in time with a passionate guide who will take you through the narrow streets of Mdina and tell you about fascinating stories and historical details. You will walk past notable sites like Vilhena Palace, St. Agatha’s Chapel, the Mdina Cathedral and more. Your guide will then take you to the neighbouring town of Rabat and its catacombs (entrance ticket included).
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: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea (collectively known as Cottonera). 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 Senglea’s watchtower.
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.
In December, Malta shines bright with colourful decorations and Fairyland, Valletta’s winter wonderland, is a must if you visit Malta during the festive season. Join the festive fun with an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market selling unique gifts and more.
Visit popular festive attractions like the Natalis Notabilis (Rabat) and the Magical Illuminated Trail. Witness a live crib, watch a pantomime, or simply stroll around and admire the Christmas trees and nativity scenes set up by towns and locals.
Taste a comforting widow soup, a rabbit stew or some iconic pastizzi and sip an Imbuljuta Tal-Qastan. Spend time at the Christmas markets indulging in traditional sweets like honey rings (qagħaq tal-għasel), pudina tal-Milied (Christmas pudding), and mince pies.
Join the New Year’s Eve celebrations in St. George’s Square, Valletta, enjoying live music and fireworks at midnight, or party in St. Julian’s.
Visit Valletta and its numerous attractions like Republic Street, the Grandmaster’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site illuminated is a sight to behold! Don’t miss Birgu, a fortified city that is part of the Three Cities and home to Fort St. Angelo. Wander the narrow streets of Mdina, a historic jewel enclosed within city walls. Megalithic Temples await history buffs and archaeology lovers.
In December, the mild climate in Malta invites you to some outdoor adventures with the Mediterranean Sea as a background. Hit scenic hiking trails like Victoria Lines, the trail departing from the famous Blue Grotto and leading to Fawwara and Dingli Cliffs, or the Xemxija Heritage Trail.
In Malta, there are different types of accommodation to cater to every visitor’s needs. Boutique hotels are the perfect setting for an authentic stay, while luxury hotels and resorts are a great way to treat yourself and sometimes offer festive packages. Self-catering apartments are ideal for families and those seeking autonomy, while farmhouses in Gozo offer a cosy countryside retreat.
December is off-season, but prices increase during the Christmas holidays, so I advise you to book your Malta trip in advance. You might find some great deals at the beginning of the month.
The capital city is one of the best places to stay in Malta, with historic sites, museums, restaurants, and some of the most important Christmas events.
Forget the winter gloom and enjoy a lively atmosphere with plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
Rabat is home to one of the main Christmas markets, set in a historic town with cosy boutique hotels. The neighbouring ancient city of Mdina offers an equally magical atmosphere.
Gozo Island is perfect for a peaceful retreat with quaint villages and green countryside, while being home to some awaited Christmas events too.
| Average Temperature | 14°C (57°F) |
| High Temperature | 18°C (64°F |
| Low Temperature | 11°C (52°F) |
| Day Temperature | 15°C (59°F) |
| Night Temperature | 13°C (56°F) |
| Sea Temperature | 19°C (66°F) |
| Precipitation | 96.2 mm (3.79″) |
| Hours of Daylight per Day | 9 hours 47 mins |
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate, meaning it won’t be freezing or gloomy during your trip. The December weather in Malta is mild and has its share of sunny days. With daytime temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F), it’s not exactly cold. It definitely won’t be a white Christmas, as snow is unheard of in Malta. However, expect some rainy days and even hail. When it rains, it usually doesn’t drizzle all day but pours for a while before stopping.
With highs of 18°C (64°F), you might think it’s really warm and that you won’t need a coat, but heads up; you WILL need a coat when visiting Malta during this time of year, especially when out and about enjoying the Christmas festivities at night. The temperature tends to feel lower than it is because of the high humidity levels and the wind.
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