You've probably seen the photos of Malta in August. It’s all scorched limestone, sweat-soaked tourists, and a sun that feels like it’s personally trying to pick a fight with your skin. But then there’s November.
November is the month that confuses people. They look at the map, see it’s south of Sicily, and assume they’ll be sunbathing on a lilo with a spritz in hand. Or they see it’s "autumn" and pack a heavy parka. Honestly, both are kind of wrong.
The temp in Malta in November is a moody, beautiful thing that requires a bit of tactical planning. It’s the transitional period where the island stops being a giant outdoor sauna and starts breathing again.
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The Raw Data: What the Thermometer Actually Says
If you look at the official stats from the Malta Meteorological Office, the numbers look great on paper. You’re looking at an average high of 21°C (70°F) and lows that hover around 14°C (57°F).
But averages are liars.
Early November can still feel like a late summer fever dream. I’ve seen locals still jumping off the rocks in Sliema during the first week of the month because the sea is holding onto all that heat from July. The water stays around 21°C to 22°C, which is actually warmer than the Atlantic ever gets in the UK during summer.
By the end of the month, things shift. The wind picks up. The "Grigal" (the northeast wind) can make a 19°C day feel like a 12°C day if you’re standing on the Valletta bastions.
The real kicker is the humidity. Malta is an island—shocking, I know—and that 75% humidity means the cold doesn't just sit on you; it gets into your bones. It’s a "wet" cold that makes you reach for a hoodie the second the sun ducks behind a cloud.
Sunshine vs. The Sky Falling
Malta gets about 300 days of sun a year, but November is the month where the sky finally decides to do some work. It’s technically the wettest month of the year.
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Usually, this doesn't mean a gray, drizzly week in London. It means a massive, cinematic thunderstorm that dumps three inches of rain in two hours, turns the streets of Birkirkara into rivers, and then vanishes to reveal a bright blue sky.
You’ll get about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine a day. That’s plenty of time to explore the Silent City of Mdina or hike the Dingli Cliffs without the heatstroke risk of August. Just don't be surprised if the local news shows people kayaking down a street one afternoon.
What to Pack (The "Onion" Strategy)
Packing for the temp in Malta in November is all about layers. Think like an onion.
- The Base: T-shirts or light long-sleeved tops. During the day, when the sun is out, you will be in a t-shirt.
- The Mid: A decent hoodie or a light wool sweater. The moment you step into the shade of a narrow Valletta alley, the temperature drops five degrees.
- The Shell: A windbreaker or a light waterproof jacket. This isn't just for rain; it's for the wind. The wind in Malta is a permanent resident.
- The Feet: Leave the flip-flops for the hotel room. The limestone pavements in Malta are polished smooth by millions of feet over centuries. When they get wet, they are basically ice rinks. Wear shoes with grip.
Is it Still Swimming Weather?
This is the big question. Short answer: for Northern Europeans, yes. For Maltese people, absolutely not.
Most locals pack away their swimwear on September 15th like it's a religious law. But the sea temperature in November is often warmer than the air temperature. If you head to Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay on a calm day, the water is crisp and clear.
The downside? The red flags. November brings swells. You might find a beach that looks inviting, but the undercurrents can be nasty. If the flags are up, stay out. Stick to the sheltered rocky inlets in Sliema or St. Julian's if you really need that salt-water fix.
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Why the Temperature Makes Sightseeing Better
The best part about the temp in Malta in November isn't the beach—it's the fact that you can actually walk.
Try walking the length of the Victoria Lines in August and you’ll end up as a pile of salt. In November, the island turns green. After the first rains, the parched brown landscape explodes into life. Wild thyme, fennel, and clover start taking over the hillsides.
You can visit the Megalithic temples like Ħaġar Qim without feeling like you're being slow-cooked. There are no crowds. You can stand in the middle of a 5,000-year-old temple and hear nothing but the wind and the distant sound of a goat. It’s vastly superior to the summer experience.
The Evening Reality Check
Once 5:00 PM hits, the game changes. The sun sets early, and because Maltese houses are built to stay cool in the summer (thick stone walls, no insulation), they are freezing in the winter.
If you are staying in an Airbnb or a traditional farmhouse in Gozo, check if they have heating or an AC unit that does "heat mode." You will need it. There is nothing quite as cold as a Maltese bedroom in late November.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Check the wind, not just the temp: Use an app like Windfinder. If the wind is coming from the North, head to the South of the island for your walks.
- Book the Hypogeum now: Even in the "off-season," this underground burial site sells out months in advance. The temperature inside is a constant, cool dampness, so it's a great escape if it's a particularly windy day.
- Museum Sundays: If you get a washout rain day, Malta has some of the best small museums in Europe. The Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta are underground and bone-dry.
- Eat seasonal: November is when the "Lampuki" (Mahi-mahi) season is in full swing. Find a restaurant in Marsaxlokk and get it fried or in a pie.
The temp in Malta in November offers a version of the island that most tourists never see. It’s quiet, green, and a little bit wild. Just bring a jacket for the ferry ride to Gozo, and you’ll be fine.
The smart move is to plan outdoor activities for the 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM window and keep your evening plans flexible. Most restaurants will have outdoor heaters, but honestly, finding a cozy wine bar in a cellar in Valletta is the better play when the November breeze starts to bite.