Malta in December
The Guide for Visiting Malta in December
In December, everything is covered with greenery in Malta, hibiscus, daisies and heather are blooming. At the same time, tangerines ripen and fruits appear on prickly pear cacti.
There is typical autumn weather here, it is worth dressing warmer. The lack of opportunities to swim and sunbathe does not mean that the island should be removed from the list of countries where you can have a good holiday.
At this time, it's good to walk around countless museums and cathedrals, or learn English at local inexpensive schools. In December, there are many people in Malta who want to be treated in wellness, massage and spa centers. In the numerous bars you can not only taste the wonderful local wine, but also listen to jazz.
In December, the season continues for divers, who are attracted here by the diversity of marine flora and fauna, as well as the unusual bottom relief. Diving schools are open for beginners.
This month, almost any accommodation ‒ from a hotel room to a luxury villa — you can rent at a significant discount — up to a third of the cost. Car and bicycle rental prices, the cost of dinner at a restaurant and even air tickets are also reduced.
Quick Overview
Weather |
December in Malta is one of the windiest and rainiest months of the year. But clear sunny days also fall out in December, and then walking is an incredible pleasure. |
Beach |
December is not very suitable for a beach holiday, but you can walk along the sandy beach, enjoy the sea wind and crystal clear water. Despite all this, there will be some brave souls who decided to swim in the Mediterranean waters. |
Sea |
Sea water is cold — up to +18.6°C. At the beginning of the month, the water temperature does not exceed +20.3 ° C, and at the end +16.8 ° C |
Fruits |
Prickly pear, grape, black mulberry, fig, lemon, pear, plum, pomegranate, watermelon, orange, peach, apple, melon. |
Water sports |
Swimming is dangerous, so everything is closed. |
Festivals |
Despite the decline in the tourist flow, many events are held in winter. Republic Day is celebrated on December 13, and Christmas celebrations begin on the 24th. |
Weather in December
The December weather in Malta is more suitable for early autumn. Sunny days are sometimes replaced by cloudy weather with rains and winds, and then a warm windproof jacket will be more suitable clothing.
Average temperature during the day: +17 °C, at night: +11 °C. The water temperature will please divers and walruses more: +16 °C. Precipitation: 90 mm.
Climate in Malta | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Average high, °C | 16 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 23 |
Average low, °C | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 15,6 |
Average precipitation mm | 100 | 60 | 45 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 15 | 60 | 85 | 90 | 110 | 600 |
Area |
Air temperature |
Water temperature |
Valetta |
+15.8°C |
+18.6°C |
Slima |
+15.6°C |
+18.6°C |
Gozo |
+16.8°C |
+18.6°C |
Bugibba and Aura |
+16,0°C |
+18.6°C |
St. Julian's |
+16,0°C |
+18.6°C |
This temperature, as well as rain and wind, do not contribute to bathing. The beach season has been closed for a long time. You should go to the coast only if you want to breathe the sea air. It should be done in clear sunny weather.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Malta in December
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Mild and warm winter – The southernmost point of Europe, mild climate all year round. |
No water sports – The beach season is over, water parks are closed, beach water attractions do not work, boat trips are suspended until April. |
Visiting museums – December is perfect for exploring the cultural layer of the island. |
Cafes are closed – Most of the beach cafes are closed, only year-round cafes and restaurants are open. |
Low prices – In December, the lowest car rental prices in Europe are at least twice cheaper! What is especially important, cash is accepted for payment, there is no need to have a credit card. |
Some hotels are closed – Some hotels, restaurants, clubs are closed until the new season. |
Month of Silence – December is a month of silence, deserted beaches, a minimum of tourists and fuss. There are almost no foreign tourists and very few locals. |
Some museums are closed – Many museums are closing. Check the opening hours of the attractions that you would like to visit.. |
Lots of greenery – Greenery and cleanliness — this is what Malta looks like in December. |
Cool weather – Evenings and nights are cold. Take warm clothes and umbrellas with you. Do not forget to check before your trip whether the hotel has an indoor heated pool and a central heating system.. |
Fish Market in Malta
The fish market in Malta is located in the village of Marsaxlokk. This fish market every Sunday demonstrates the riches of the sea near Malta. There are not only fish, but also clothes, household appliances, toys, souvenirs, shoes, CDs, fruits and vegetables, as well as many other little things!
If you want to go shopping here, we recommend doing it early in the morning, because most stores can be closed at 12 o'clock. Around this time, the best products and all fresh fish are sold.Other items can be purchased in the afternoon.
The fish market in Malta is a place where you can get to know the real atmosphere of this island.
The most interesting thing in December
In December, Malta is covered with lush green vegetation, vegetables ripen in the fields, clover, fennel, wild iris and myrtle bloom along the roads. Thousands of different plants bloom in the fields and meadows.
The magnificent natural landscapes and of the Maldives are among the most spectacular in the Mediterranean. It all depends on what you want to see — majestic cliffs drowning in the depths of the waves, steep shores, dry shrubby thickets of garriga or hidden valleys with lush vegetation. During the walk you will see mysterious prehistoric structures, chapels hidden in caves, secluded knight palaces.
In Malta, the most notable places for walking are Mellieha, Dingli, Ar Lapsi, Fawara, Wardija, the northern part and numerous bays, as well as the southern coast with its fishing villages and Delimara Point.
The whole island of Gozo is a great place for hiking. The most popular routes are Ta' Dbiegi near San Laurenz, and the Jordan Lighthouse near Asri, and Hondoq ir-Rummien near Ala, and the San Blas Valley near Nadur. A network of roads and paths covers the entire island, and the possibilities for a variety of routes are unlimited. It is also worth visiting the tiny Comino, an ideal place for hiking in the enjoyment of peace and magnificent scenery.
Outdoor enthusiasts can put on hiking boots, rent a mountain bike and go from the village squares into the distance along narrow paths. The timeless surrounding landscapes remain deserted even in high season. During the walk, you can see old country houses, small chapels by the roads, and admire breathtaking seascapes. It's worth seeing.
Holidays in December
December in Malta is one of the richest months for holidays.
Malta has a large calendar of events, one holiday is replaced by another. In December, the island celebrates the Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, Republic Day, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year.
December 8th
The Maltese celebrate the church holiday — the Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary — on December 8. This year, the national holiday falls on Saturday.
The city of Cospicua — courageous, invincible, which the Maltese call Bormla for old times' sake, celebrates the titular festa on December 8.
Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary — the attraction of Cospicua, it is located on the street facing the embankment. The church was built at the end of the XVI century. It is a miracle that the church escaped damage during the German bombing during the Second World War.
Under the temple from the side of the bay you can see the war memorial: a fairly large angel carries a crown and a cross — symbols of Britain and Malta.
In honor of the festa of the Virgin, the city is decorated with flags and garlands.
Several churches and chapels around the island and in neighboring Gozo celebrate this day with prayers and mini-processions around the village streets.
13th December
December 13, Malta celebrates Republic Day. On this day in 1974, the British monarchy was abolished on the island, the first Constitution of the country was adopted, and Malta became a Republic within the British Commonwealth. Despite this, the English Queen was considered the head of state for the next five years, until the last base of the British Navy was liquidated in Malta in 1979.
Horse races are held at the hippodrome located in this city in honor of the holiday. Republic Day is an official holiday in Malta, on this day all state institutions are closed.
25-26th December
Since the beginning of December, a premonition hovering of a Christmas miracle has been in the air.
Houses, streets and shops are decorated with colorful garlands, Christmas tree toys, gold and silver tinsel, Santa figures. An indescribable atmosphere reigns here, there are many attractions, costume performances are organized on the streets of Malta.
There is a pleasant bustle in the shops: residents buy gifts for relatives and friends. Maltese people prepare for Christmas thoroughly and think in advance what they will give to each other.
The day after Christmas, every year on December 26, Boxing Day is celebrated — it is a day off, and one of the good Catholic Christmas traditions.
Christmas in Malta smoothly turns into a celebration of the New Year.
December, 31st
December 31 is New Year's Eve. New Year is celebrated on the island on a slightly smaller scale than Christmas.
Maltese do not consider the New Year a family holiday and meet, as a rule, in restaurants, cafes or in the capital, strolling along the decorated streets, catching the aromas of mulled wine. The most popular festivities take place in Valletta, on St. George's Square, where a festive concert with live music and fireworks is traditionally held on New Year's Eve.
Hotels in December
For the first two weeks of December, hotel prices are lower than usual, but with the approach of the Christmas holidays, their cost increases. There is no heating in Malta, so when choosing a hotel, check the availability of a heater. With early booking of tours, there is more choice of places to stay at a better price.
Rent a villa in Malta
If you decide to rent a villa in Malta, then you have chosen the ideal option for a comfortable stay. No hotel room will give you that comfort and privacy as a separate, albeit temporary, dwelling.
At this time of the year, it is quite possible to find a villa with air conditioning, hot water and an equipped kitchen at quite an adequate price.
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