If you’re planning a trip to Sliema, you probably want to know what weather to expect before you get there. This coastal town basks in Mediterranean sunshine for most of the year, but the vibe definitely shifts with each season.
You’ll usually find the best weather in Sliema during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures stay comfortable and skies are mostly clear.
During these months, you can stroll the waterfront promenade, enjoy outdoor cafés, and hit up the beaches without sweating through the summer heat or dodging winter rains. The air feels pleasantly warm, and the sea is great for swimming or hopping on a boat.
Crowds thin out compared to July and August, so you get more space to explore.
If you look at Sliema’s climate month by month, you’ll get a better sense of how to plan your activities. Maybe you want sunny days for swimming, or you’d rather have mild afternoons for sightseeing.
Knowing the seasonal patterns helps you make the most of your time along Malta’s northern coast.
Understanding the Climate in Sliema
Sliema sits right on Malta’s northeastern shore, so the sea really shapes the weather. Expect warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, with sunshine almost all year.
Temperature, rainfall, and sea conditions all come together to influence when you’ll find the most comfortable weather.
Overview of the Mediterranean Climate
Sliema falls into the Mediterranean climate zone, which means hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters are the norm. That’s pretty standard for southern European coasts.
You’ll notice the city gets loads of sunshine, especially in summer when clear skies seem endless. In July, for example, Sliema averages over 12 hours of sunshine every day—that’s a lot of daylight.
Humidity stays moderate to high year-round, ranging from about 69% in July to nearly 80% in January. The air may feel warmer in summer, but sea breezes usually help.
Winters are cooler, but still mild compared to northern Europe. You can visit Sliema any time, honestly.
Year-Round Weather Patterns
Weather in Sliema definitely changes with the seasons, but you won’t find many extremes. Summers roll in hot and dry, with average highs around 28°C in August.
Winters last a bit longer but are still mild, with highs near 16°C in February.
Most of the rain falls in the cooler months. December usually brings the most, averaging 79 mm of rain spread across about 13 days.
July barely gets any rain, sometimes less than 1 mm.
Wind matters too. Stronger breezes pick up in winter and spring, but summer tends to be calmer. That makes late spring and early autumn especially nice for walking the promenade or swimming in the rocky coves.
Temperature and Rainfall Trends
Temperatures in Sliema follow a pretty clear seasonal cycle. Daytime highs go from 16°C in February to 28°C in August.
Nights are cooler in winter, around 13°C, and pretty warm in summer, up to 26°C.
Sliema gets about 436 mm of rain a year, most of it between October and March. Summers are almost bone-dry.
This difference helps you pick the best travel times. You can plan around wetter winter days or go for those sunny, dry summer weeks.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 16 | 13 | 60–70 |
| July | 30 | 24 | <1 |
| August | 28 | 26 | 3–5 |
| December | 17 | 14 | 79 |
You can see why late spring and early autumn often feel just right for a visit.
Monthly Weather Guide for Sliema
Sliema’s climate means warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. You’ll get long sunny days in the middle of the year, while cooler months bring more rain and wind.
Seasonal changes don’t just affect temperature—they also change humidity, rainfall, and sea conditions.
Spring Weather: March to May
Spring in Sliema means things start warming up and days get longer. March feels mild, with highs around 17°C to 19°C and chilly nights near 12°C.
Rain still shows up but not as much as in winter, averaging about 30–40 mm a month.
In April, temperatures climb into the low 20s, and May often hits 23°C to 25°C. Outdoor activities get a lot more comfortable.
Rain nearly disappears, and you’ll see 8–10 hours of sunshine most days.
Humidity drops, so the air feels fresher. The sea stays cool in March and April, around 15–17°C, but by May it warms up to about 19°C—good enough for early swimmers.
If you like fewer tourists and mild weather, spring is a great time to visit.
Summer Weather: June to August
Summer in Sliema? It’s hot, dry, and super sunny. Highs often reach 28°C to 32°C, especially in July and August.
Nights don’t cool off much, usually 22–24°C, so you can leave the jacket at home.
Rain almost disappears. July usually gets 0 mm, and June and August might see just 1–4 mm.
Clear skies rule, with 11–12 hours of sunshine daily.
The sea gets toasty, peaking at 24–26°C—perfect for swimming or water sports.
Humidity drops compared to winter, hovering around 69–72%, which makes the heat more bearable.
Winds calm down in summer, so it feels peaceful. This is the busiest season, though—beaches and hotels fill up fast.
Autumn Weather: September to November
Autumn starts off warm and cools as winter approaches. September feels like summer’s encore, with highs around 28°C and sea temps near 25°C.
October brings milder days, highs of 24–26°C, and cooler nights. Rain picks up, averaging 50–70 mm over several days.
Sunshine hours shorten but you still get 7–9 hours most days.
By November, daytime temps drop to 20–22°C and nights sink closer to 15°C.
Rain becomes more frequent, sometimes reaching 75 mm for the month.
Humidity rises, and winds get a bit stronger. Even so, autumn still offers good weather for sightseeing, outdoor meals, and the occasional beach day.
Winter Weather: December to February
Winter in Sliema stays mild compared to most of Europe. Daytime highs average 15–17°C, and nights dip to 10–12°C. You won’t see frost or snow, but rain is definitely more common.
December is the wettest, with about 70–80 mm across 12–14 days.
January and February are damp, but a bit drier. Sunshine drops to 5–6 hours a day, the lowest of the year.
Humidity peaks at 78–79%. Winds pick up, averaging 4–5 m/s, which can make it feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Sea temperatures hit their lowest, around 14–15°C, so swimming isn’t really on the menu. On the plus side, the town is quieter, prices are lower, and everything feels more relaxed.
Best Time to Visit Sliema for Ideal Weather
Sliema’s Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. You’ll find the most comfortable conditions during the warmer months, when temperatures stay steady, skies are clear, and rain is rare.
That’s when outdoor activities and seaside relaxation are at their best.
Peak Weather Months
Late spring through early autumn usually brings the best weather in Sliema. May, June, September, and October really stand out.
Daytime highs typically land between 22°C and 28°C (72°F–82°F). These months feel warm but not sweltering, and you won’t have to deal with midsummer extremes.
July and August get the hottest, often hitting 30°C (86°F) or even higher. Beach lovers flock here then, but sightseeing or long walks can feel tough.
If you like it milder, stick to late spring or early autumn.
Winter, from December to February, brings highs of 15°C to 17°C (59°F–63°F). It’s still mild compared to northern Europe, but cooler air and more rain make it less tempting for swimming or sunbathing.
Sunshine and Sea Temperatures
Sliema really shines from May to September, with 9–11 hours of daylight most days. That’s plenty of time for almost anything outdoors.
The sea gets warmest in August, reaching around 26°C (79°F)—so swimming is at its best. From June through October, water temps usually stay above 22°C (72°F), which feels great for snorkeling or water sports.
Spring brings cooler water, around 17°C–20°C (63°F–68°F), so swimming is refreshing—maybe a little too much for some. By late autumn, sea temps drop again, but October can still be nice for a dip.
Rainfall and Humidity Considerations
From June through August, Sliema barely gets any rain—totals often stay under 5 mm a month. That makes summer the safest bet for dry, sunny days.
Rain picks up from November to March, averaging 60–100 mm each month, sometimes with storms or overcast skies. Humidity rises too, so the cooler months can feel damp even if it’s not that cold.
Spring and early autumn hit a sweet spot, with moderate rainfall between 30–50 mm. You get a better shot at dry, sunny days without the midsummer heat.
Tourist Seasons and Crowd Levels
Sliema’s tourist numbers rise and fall with the seasons. Warm, dry months pull in the biggest crowds, while cooler, wetter months mean quieter streets.
High and Low Tourist Seasons
The busiest time in Sliema runs from June through August. Hot, dry weather and school holidays bring crowds, so beaches, promenades, and restaurants buzz with energy.
Hotel prices go up, and nightlife gets lively. If you want a busy, social scene, this is the time.
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are shoulder seasons. You still get warm temperatures, usually between 20°C and 28°C, but fewer people.
That makes it easier to find a room and enjoy attractions without waiting in line.
The quietest stretch is November to March. Highs drop to 15–17°C, and rain is more common.
Tourist numbers fall, and outdoor activities slow down. Prices drop, but some beach activities and seasonal events take a break.
| Season | Weather (°C) | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June–August | 28–32 | High | Hot, busy, peak prices |
| April–May, Sep–Oct | 20–28 | Moderate | Pleasant, fewer crowds |
| Nov–March | 15–17 | Low | Cooler, wetter, quieter |
Impact of Weather on Visitor Numbers
Weather in Sliema directly affects how many people show up. Hot, dry summers drive beach tourism, so July and August get packed.
Clear skies and long days encourage outdoor dining, swimming, and boat trips, which explains the seasonal boom.
Spring and autumn attract travelers who prefer comfort over heat. Walkers, sightseers, and those exploring Valletta or cultural sites tend to come then.
Winter brings cooler temps and more rain, so outdoor activity slows down. The town stays open, but fewer tourists come for the beach.
This means quieter streets and lower prices for anyone who doesn’t mind skipping a swim.
Travel Tips Based on Seasonal Weather
Sliema’s climate shifts between mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. To get the most out of your trip, pack for the season and plan activities that match the weather.
Packing Recommendations
In winter (December–February), daytime temperatures usually sit around 15–17°C. Nights feel cooler, dropping to 10–13°C. You’ll want to bring a light waterproof jacket, closed shoes, and a warm sweater for those chilly evenings. Rain shows up more often in winter, so don’t forget that extra layer.
Spring (March–May) brings warmer weather, with temperatures climbing to 18–23°C. I’d recommend packing layers, a light scarf, and comfortable walking shoes—you’ll probably do a lot of exploring. A compact umbrella sometimes comes in handy for those quick, unexpected showers.
Summer (June–August) gets hot and dry, with highs pushing 28–32°C. You’ll need light cotton clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for shade. Don’t skip the swimwear—the beaches are hard to resist. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated; trust me, you’ll need it.
In autumn (September–November), expect temperatures between 20–27°C. Some days still feel warm, so pack breathable clothes. Evenings cool off, so toss in a light jacket just in case.
| Season | Avg. Temp (°C) | Essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 10–17 | Jacket, sweater, umbrella |
| Spring | 18–23 | Layers, walking shoes |
| Summer | 28–32 | Light clothes, sunscreen |
| Autumn | 20–27 | Breathable clothes, light jacket |
Outdoor Activities by Season
Winter brings cooler weather, making long walks along Sliema’s promenade pretty enjoyable. You can easily take day trips to Valletta too. If rain interrupts your plans, museums and cafés offer a cozy backup.
Spring feels mild and pleasant—just right for harbor cruises or exploring nearby beaches before the crowds show up. Hiking along the coast is also a great idea this time of year.
Summer is all about the sea. You can swim, snorkel, or hop on a boat to the islands nearby. Since afternoons get really hot, it’s better to plan outdoor activities in the morning or late evening.
Autumn stays warm enough for swimming through October. The weather’s perfect for outdoor dining, shopping along Tower Road, or just taking relaxed walks without sweating through your shirt.
Summary: Choosing the Best Time to Visit Sliema
You can enjoy Sliema, Malta at all sorts of times, though honestly, spring and autumn usually offer the best conditions. From April to June and September to October, temperatures hover between 20°C and 28°C. Crowds thin out compared to the chaotic midsummer rush.
If you’re after warm seas and buzzing beaches, July and August deliver the hottest days, often hitting 30°C. Locals and tourists pack the area then, so you’ll probably notice higher prices and busy promenades.
Prefer things a bit quieter and cooler? November to March might suit you better. Highs sit around 15°C to 17°C, and you’ll see more rain. This time feels right if you’re more into exploring cultural sites than swimming.
Here’s a quick guide to help you figure it out:
| Season | Avg. High Temp | Rainfall | Travel Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | 20–25°C | Low to moderate | Pleasant weather, fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | 28–30°C | Very low | Hot, busy beaches |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | 22–28°C | Increasing | Warm, balanced atmosphere |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 15–17°C | Higher | Quiet, cooler, cultural focus |
What you want from your trip really shapes the best time to visit. Whether you’re after sunbathing, wandering around, or just a peaceful getaway, Sliema’s got something in every season. I’d say late spring and early autumn hit that sweet spot—comfortable, lively, but not overwhelming.