We didn’t plan in advance to visit Malta in May. We pulled the destination from a bucket list box and happened to have a free week then. But not only did we not regret it — we’d actually recommend to anyone that if you can, don’t visit during peak season. Go to Malta in May instead!
So let’s take a look at why this month is ideal for a Maltese vacation.
Even the Bus Gets Pricier in June
I know this won’t be your main reason for going, but let me start here anyway, because I think it says a lot.
In Malta, “summer” officially runs from June through October. That basically means peak season. And they take it so seriously from a tourism perspective that even public transport gets more expensive during that period. So while in May we paid €2 for a bus ticket, that same ticket jumps to €2.50 starting in June.
Just to add — since we’re already talking about transit — the weekly bus pass (which we highly recommend) doesn’t change price in high season. So don’t plan your trip around saving that 50 cents. But still, it’s telling that they have different summer and winter pricing. And like most tourist destinations, other prices can creep up too during the busiest times.
Is May Considered Winter in Malta?
Not exactly, but kind of.
There’s nothing wintry about Malta in May when it comes to weather. But it’s still funny to see the ferries running on a winter schedule while you’re soaking up 77°F (25°C) sunshine.
So, yes — Malta in May is clearly more affordable and less crowded than during the summer months, and yet the weather is still absolutely lovely.
Malta Weather in May
Of course, there can be differences between early and late May, and one year might bring better weather than another. But here’s a quick summary of Malta weather in May — and you can click the link for the current forecast.
Malta in May already feels like summer, but without the intense heat. Daytime highs usually fall between 75–81°F (24–27°C), and evenings are comfortably mild at 63–68°F (17–20°C). Rain is rare this time of year, and the sun shines 9–10 hours a day. The sea temperature is refreshingly cool — around 66–68°F (19–20°C) — but still swimmable.
And while this is just a general overview, I can say from experience: this is exactly the weather that greeted us on the island.
Every single day, we had bright, sunny skies — never too hot, never uncomfortable. The 77–82°F (25-28°C) range was perfect for sightseeing in shorts and a T-shirt, whether we were exploring Valletta’s charming streets or venturing out to Comino. Not once did we feel the need to wipe sweat from our brows or stop and catch our breath from the heat.
Of course, not everyone experiences temperature the same way, and we all have different comfort zones. On one of the nicest May days, while we were walking downhill from the Citadel in Gozo, we saw two Asian women heading uphill toward us, dramatically fanning themselves like they were on the verge of collapse.
“It’s soo hooooot,” one of them gasped as she passed us — like she was being dragged into the desert.
So yeah… if you’re like that, maybe you should visit the South Pole in May instead?
Jokes aside — no, Malta is not hot in May. It’s just… nice. In every way.
You Can Totally Swim in the Sea
Malta is a seaside country. Actually, it’s a small island right in the heart of the Mediterranean, surrounded by nothing but coastline. So anyone coming to Malta probably wants to at least dip their toes in the water.
I don’t know the exact temperature of the sea when we were there — we didn’t check. But it was definitely around 68°F. Maybe not the kind of water you float in for hours, but we jumped in and swam — and I can tell you, if it had been only 66°F, there’s no way I’d have gone in past my ankles. So if swimming is on your list, May still counts as a great time to visit Malta.
No Crowds
For me, one of the biggest questions about any trip is: how crowded is it going to be? It’s not that I don’t like people — I just prefer a healthy amount of them around.
Healthy amounts. And sadly, that’s getting harder to find at many of the world’s most popular destinations. When tourists are bumping into each other on the sidewalk, when you can’t get into a museum unless you booked days in advance, or when you miss the bus or ferry because it’s full — all of that starts to eat away at the kind of experience we dream of when we plan a “relaxing vacation.” What’s the point of visiting a new country or city if all you can really see is a crowd of tourists?
But not in Malta in May. Of course, it’s not empty — don’t get me wrong. But the streets are comfortably walkable, you don’t have to wait in line for museums, and you’ll have no problem getting on buses or ferries.
Shoulder Season = Ideal Travel
Malta in May is what you’d call the shoulder season.
It’s no longer winter: there’s no rain, the sun is out, the sea is swimmable, the temperature is pleasant, and the cafés, restaurants, and attractions are open and lively. But it’s not yet high summer: it’s not boiling hot, you’re not getting elbowed by crowds, and you’re not waiting in line forever to see anything.
I know — everyone has different tastes. Some people might even prefer a rainier, quieter Malta, while others are fine with the crowds and heat if it means swimming in 81°F water. But for us, Malta in May was perfect. And whether it was pure luck or not, we probably picked one of the best months to visit this beautiful and exciting island.
So if you’re wondering when to travel to Malta, here’s my answer: May is a fantastic time — no doubt about it!
