Malta in January: Weather, Things to Do & Nightlife

Updated: November 2026

Malta in January is the island at its quietest. It is the coolest month of the year, with daytime highs of around 15 °C, green countryside and room to yourself in Valletta and Mdina. The party season is months away, so this is a trip for walking, culture and food, with a few indoor nights in Paceville.

• Weather
• Things to do
• Nightlife
• Public holidays
• Tips
• FAQs

Weather in Malta in January

January is the coolest month in Malta’s official averages, with an average high of 15.2 °C and an average low of 9.2 °C. Rain falls on about 14 days and adds up to 89 mm, usually in spells with clear, bright days in between.

Official averages from the Malta Meteorological Office, worked out from 30 years of records (1961–1990). They are a guide to what the month is usually like, not a forecast for this year.

Bring a warm layer for the evenings, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for wet pavements. Sunglasses still earn their place on the clear days.

Things to do in Malta in January

• Do the cultural Malta properly. Temples, museums and churches are easier to enjoy in low season. The culture and history guide helps you choose.
• Walk the coast and the countryside. Winter rain turns the island green, and the temperatures are right for long walks. See outdoor activities in Malta.
• Take Valletta slowly. The Valletta Baroque Festival is usually held in January, and the capital’s cafés and museums fill a rainy day. Our Valletta guide has the essentials.
• Cross to Gozo. The ferry runs all year. The Gozo guide covers a day trip.

Nightlife and parties in January

January is the quietest month of the party year. The open-air venues and beach clubs are closed, New Year’s Eve is over, and no 2027 dates have been announced yet. What there is happens indoors, in and around Paceville, in St Julian’s.

If nightlife is the reason for your trip, January is not your month: the summer programme usually takes shape from May. If you are here anyway, look at bars and pubs by area and check the calendar close to your dates.

No 2027 party date has been announced yet. Clubs usually confirm their calendars between winter and spring, and every date is added to the Malta events calendar as soon as it is announced.

Public holidays in January

January has one public holiday, New Year’s Day. In 2027 it falls on a Friday, which makes a long weekend.

Malta has 14 public holidays a year. See the full list in our guide to the public holidays of 2027. The 2028 weekdays are calculated from the calendar; the Government publishes the official list each year.

Tips for a trip in January

• Base yourself centrally. Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta keep their restaurants and bars open through the winter. See where to stay in Malta.
• Check heating when you book. Maltese buildings are designed for summer, so ask whether your room has heating.
• Plan by the forecast, not by the day of the week. Save the indoor visits for the wet days and move the coast walks to the clear ones.

Comparing months? See the whole year in our guide to the best time to visit Malta, or go back a month with Malta in December.

Malta in January: FAQ

How warm is Malta in January?

Cool by Maltese standards and mild by northern European ones: an average high of 15.2 °C and an average low of 9.2 °C. It is the coolest month of the year.

Can you swim in Malta in January?

It is not swimming season. The sea is cool, the beach clubs are closed and rain falls on about 14 days of the month.

Are the clubs open in Malta in January?

Only the indoor ones, and no 2027 dates have been announced yet. Sky Club, in Paceville, is an indoor club, and Gianpula Village keeps its main room open all year. Check the events calendar before you travel.

Is January a good time to visit Malta?

Yes for culture, walking and a calm island in low season. No for beach days or a party trip: for those, the season usually runs from May to October, with its peak in July and August.