Thinking about Christmas in Sliema? The weather here feels pretty mild and comfortable, especially when you compare it to most of Europe. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 16–18°C (60–65°F), while evenings get cooler but rarely dip below 14°C (57°F). It’s not exactly beach weather, but you can still enjoy walking the seafront, hanging out at outdoor cafés, and soaking up the festive vibe.
Rain falls more often in December than in summer, but showers tend to be short, and clear skies often follow. You’ll have several hours of daylight for sightseeing, and the sea breeze keeps the air fresh. If you pack a light jacket and an umbrella, you’ll be set for sunny strolls or the occasional wet day.
This combo of mild temperatures, occasional rain, and breezy evenings gives Christmas in Sliema its own unique feel. You avoid harsh winters, but the cozy holiday atmosphere sticks around.
Overview of Sliema’s December Climate
In December, Sliema gets mild winter weather with cool evenings, frequent rain, and steady breezes. You’ll notice moderate humidity, shorter days, and a mix of clouds and sun that shapes the mood.
Typical Temperature Range
During December, Sliema’s daytime temperatures usually stay between 16°C and 18°C. Nights cool down, often landing around 11°C to 15°C. The air feels crisp, but it rarely gets uncomfortably cold.
You won’t see freezing weather, and snow just isn’t a thing in Malta. The climate stays mild and maritime. A light jacket works for most outdoor activities, though you might want an extra layer later in the day.
The sea temperature averages about 17°C, which feels chilly for most people. Some locals still take quick dips, but visitors usually find the water too cold for swimming. If you like walking the promenade, the cool air actually feels pretty refreshing compared to summer’s heat.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in December averages around 75–80%, making the air feel damp, especially after rain. This level of moisture is typical for coastal towns like Sliema and leads to plenty of cloud cover.
Rainfall is moderate, with about 12–15 rainy days during the month. Showers don’t last long, but they can be heavy, so carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket makes sense.
Winds pick up in December, averaging about 5 m/s. That’s enough to sway small trees and create noticeable breezes along the coast. Some days, gusts get stronger, especially on the open seafront. The wind keeps the air fresh, but it can make things feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
December brings shorter days to Malta, Sliema included. You get about 9 to 10 hours of daylight, and the sun sets early in the evening.
On average, December brings around 160 hours of sunshine, which works out to about 5 hours per day. You’ll often see a mix of bright spells and cloudy skies.
Clouds cover the sky on roughly a third of December’s days. Still, when the sun comes out, it’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor cafés or seaside walks. Sunglasses come in handy, even in winter, since the Mediterranean light can be surprisingly strong when the sky clears.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Sliema sees its wettest weather during the Christmas season, with December taking the prize for the most rain. Higher precipitation totals and more frequent rainy days set it apart from Malta’s dry summers.
Average Rainfall Amounts
December usually brings the most rainfall of the year to Sliema. On average, expect about 100–110 mm of rain during the month. That’s a lot more than summer, when totals often don’t even hit 5 mm.
Rain tends to fall in short bursts, not drawn-out storms. Showers might be heavy, but they pass quickly, leaving behind clear skies. This is pretty typical for Malta’s coastal towns.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| July | ~0.5 mm |
| October | ~90 mm |
| December | ~100–110 mm |
Since most rain falls in winter, you’ll want to plan for wetter conditions if you visit at Christmas. Streets can get slick, and outdoor dining or long walks might get interrupted by showers.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain doesn’t fall every day in December, but wet days do add up. You’ll probably see 10–13 days with measurable rain during the month. That’s about a third of December, making it the year’s most unsettled stretch.
Rainy days usually alternate with clear or partly cloudy ones. So you’ll likely get both sunshine and showers in the same week.
Unlike northern Europe, Sliema rarely gets days of constant rain. Showers are scattered, and sunny breaks are common in between. That means you can still enjoy outdoor activities, as long as you bring an umbrella or light rain jacket.
Sea and Water Temperatures
Around Christmas, the sea in Sliema stays relatively mild for Europe, but it’s definitely cooler than in summer. The water isn’t at its warmest, but it still shapes the local climate and visitor experience.
Average Sea Temperature
In December, the sea near Sliema usually sits between 17°C and 19°C (63°F–66°F). These numbers come from long-term averages across Malta’s coast.
The Mediterranean cools gradually in late autumn, so by Christmas, the water feels noticeably cooler than in October or November. Still, it rarely drops below 17°C, which is warmer than many northern European seas at this time of year.
The sea feels brisk if you’re used to summer swimming. The difference between the air temperature (usually 14–18°C) and the sea isn’t huge, so the water feels cooler but not painfully cold.
Suitability for Swimming
Swimming in Sliema around Christmas? It really depends on how you handle cooler water. At 17–19°C, most people find the sea too cold for a long swim unless they wear a wetsuit. Some locals and experienced swimmers still take quick dips.
If you’re used to colder seas, you might find it manageable. For most visitors, though, the water’s better for a brief swim than a long splash.
Some beach facilities stay open, but the lively summer swimming scene just isn’t there. Instead, winter brings a calmer vibe, making the coastline perfect for walks, sea views, and hanging out by the water.
How the Weather Feels: Comfort and Practical Tips
Sliema’s weather at Christmas brings mild days but often feels chillier than the numbers suggest. Wind, humidity, and indoor comfort all matter, so what you wear and pack can really change your experience.
Impact of Humidity on Perceived Temperature
Daytime highs usually reach 15–18°C (59–64°F), with nights dropping closer to 10–12°C (50–54°F). On paper, that sounds mild compared to northern Europe. But humidity often ranges between 60% and 90%, making the air feel damp and colder than you’d expect.
Buildings in Malta, including Sliema, usually aren’t insulated or centrally heated. Thick stone walls soak up moisture, so even indoors can feel chilly when it’s damp outside.
Strong coastal winds make things feel even colder, especially along the Sliema promenade. A breezy evening walk by the sea can chill you more than you might think. It’s easy to underestimate just how penetrating the damp chill gets.
So, don’t just check the forecast. Think about how humidity and wind will affect your comfort.
Clothing and Packing Recommendations
You won’t need a heavy winter coat, but bring layers so you can adjust as the weather changes. Try this combo:
- Light sweaters or long sleeves for daytime.
- A medium jacket or windproof coat for evenings and windy spells.
- Scarves and hoodies for extra warmth when humidity makes things feel colder.
Footwear matters too. Since rain is common in December, water-resistant shoes or boots will keep your feet dry. An umbrella or rain jacket with a hood is smart to have.
Indoors, you might still feel cold because of the damp. Bring warm socks and loungewear to stay comfortable at your accommodation, especially if heating is limited.
Comparing Sliema’s Christmas Weather to Other Destinations
At Christmas, Sliema stands out for its mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and a mix of sun and clouds. It’s different from colder northern Europe and even varies a bit from other parts of Malta.
Contrast With Northern Europe
If you stack Sliema up against northern Europe in December, the differences jump out. Sliema’s daytime highs average 15–18°C (59–64°F), and nights only get a bit cooler. Rain happens, but it’s usually moderate, with about 13 wet days a month.
Meanwhile, northern Europe often has daytime temperatures near or below freezing. Cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen see highs between 0–6°C (32–43°F). Snow and icy roads are common, which can make outdoor plans tricky.
Sunlight is another big difference. Sliema gets about 160 hours of sunshine in December, while northern capitals often see less than 50–60 hours. So, outdoor walks, seaside strolls, and café visits just feel easier and more inviting in Malta.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Location | Avg High (°C) | Rain/Snow Days | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliema | 15–18 | ~13 (rain) | ~160 |
| Berlin | 3–5 | ~15 (snow/rain) | ~45 |
| Copenhagen | 2–4 | ~16 (snow/rain) | ~40 |
Regional Weather Differences in Malta
Weather shifts a bit across Malta, even though the island is small. In Sliema, you’ll often notice stronger coastal winds, averaging 5 m/s, which can make evenings feel chillier.
Inland towns like Mdina or Rabat get slightly warmer days because they’re sheltered from sea breezes. But they cool off faster at night, so evenings can feel colder than on the coast.
Rainfall stays pretty consistent across the island, but Sliema’s coastal location means showers sometimes hit harder. Rural areas dry out quicker after rain, so countryside walks can be less muddy than in town.
Planning to swim? The sea temperature in December is about 17°C. That’s chilly, but still warmer than northern European waters. Sliema’s coastal resorts give you easy sea access, while inland villages focus more on culture and history during winter.
What to Expect During Christmas in Sliema
Christmas in Sliema brings mild but sometimes damp weather. Days feel comfortable for walking and sightseeing, but evenings get cooler. Rain showers happen regularly, so you’ll want to plan for both sunshine and wet spells.
Outdoor Activities and Festive Events
Daytime temperatures in December usually fall between 15°C and 18°C (59–65°F). That’s pleasant enough for exploring the seafront promenade, shopping along Tower Road, or taking short ferry rides to Valletta. Cooler evenings are better for indoor dining or checking out Christmas markets.
Holiday decorations light up the town, and you’ll find festive stalls selling sweets, mulled wine, and local crafts. In Valletta, bigger events like concerts and nativity scenes are just a short bus or ferry ride away.
If you like walking, you can comfortably explore coastal paths—just remember to bring a light jacket and waterproof shoes. Rain falls on about 12–14 days in December, so outdoor plans might get interrupted. Still, you’ll enjoy about 5 hours of sunshine per day, which helps balance out the wetter spells.
Travel Considerations
Flights and hotels in Malta get pretty busy during the holiday season, so it’s smart to book early. Sliema has a bunch of mid-range hotels and apartments, and you’ll find its central location handy for day trips.
Public transport switches to a holiday schedule. Buses link Sliema with Valletta, Mdina, and other towns.
Ferries run too, but sometimes the wind messes with their schedule.
Pack layers—daytime feels mild, but evenings can drop down to 11–13°C (52–55°F).
A small umbrella or rain jacket makes sense, since December brings more rain.
If you’re thinking about swimming, keep in mind the sea temperature averages 17°C, which honestly feels too chilly for most people unless you bring a wetsuit.