Visiting Mdina around Christmas lets you enjoy a mild Mediterranean winter in a city full of history.
Average daytime temperatures reach about 17°C (63°F), while nights usually stay near 12–16°C (54–60°F). December is one of the wetter months, so you’ll likely get light rain showers, but they don’t usually last all day.
You’ll notice a mix of cool breezes, partly cloudy skies, and about six hours of sunshine on average.
The weather stays comfortable for walking through Mdina’s narrow streets, exploring its architecture, and joining in on seasonal events without the harsh cold you’d find in most of Europe.
December brings the highest rainfall of the year, so it’s smart to plan for both dry and wet conditions.
This mix of mild temperatures and occasional showers really shapes the Christmas experience in Malta’s old capital.
Overview of Mdina’s Climate
Mdina sits in central Malta, about 138 meters above sea level. The city gets a warm Mediterranean climate.
You’ll get hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, with plenty of sunshine for most of the year.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Mdina’s weather follows the typical Mediterranean pattern.
Summers drag on—hot, dry, and bright—while winters are shorter, cooler, and wetter.
Most of the rain falls between late autumn and early spring, with December often being the wettest.
Humidity stays moderate because the sea surrounds the island.
Winds from the Mediterranean help keep temperatures steady, so you won’t usually get extreme heat or cold.
Unlike inland European cities, harsh cold spells just don’t happen here.
This balance of warmth, sun, and seasonal rain means you can get outside most of the year.
You can plan visits feeling pretty confident the weather won’t throw you any wild surprises.
Annual Temperature Patterns
Mdina’s average yearly temperature is about 20°C (68°F).
August is the hottest month, with daytime highs around 28°C (82°F).
January brings the coldest weather, with averages near 12°C (54°F).
Nighttime lows rarely fall below 10°C, even in the middle of winter.
That mild profile makes Mdina more comfortable year-round than a lot of other European spots.
Rainfall is generally modest, but December often gets the highest totals—sometimes over 100 mm.
Even in winter, sunshine hours hold steady, so you’ll get brighter days than most places up north.
Seasonal Weather Variations
Spring (March–May): Temperatures climb from 15°C to 22°C. Rain eases off, and days get sunnier.
Summer (June–August): Expect long stretches without rain. Highs average 27–28°C. Sea breezes cut the heat.
Autumn (September–November): Temperatures drop to 18–24°C. Rain increases, especially by November, but you’ll still see plenty of sun.
Winter (December–February): Daytime highs are 15–17°C, and nights hover around 11–13°C. Rain picks up, especially in December, but snow just doesn’t happen.
This rhythm means you get mild winters and warm summers, without big weather swings.
Typical Weather in Mdina Around Christmas
In late December, Mdina brings mild winter conditions.
Temperatures stay comfortable compared to northern Europe, and rainfall happens more often than in summer.
Humidity can feel high, but you’ll still get sunshine breaking through on many days.
Average Temperatures in December
Daytime temperatures in December usually reach about 16–18°C (61–64°F).
Nights are cooler, dropping to around 11–13°C (52–55°F).
This makes Mdina one of the mildest winter spots in southern Europe.
You won’t see freezing conditions, and snow just doesn’t happen in Malta.
Cooler evenings might mean you’ll want a light jacket, but afternoons can still feel pleasant for a walk.
The warmest part of the day is usually early afternoon.
If you’re sensitive to cool nights, layering up is a good idea since older buildings often lack indoor heating.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December is the wettest month of the year in Mdina.
The city gets about 100–110 mm of rain spread over several days.
Rain shows up in short, heavy bursts rather than dragging on all day.
Rainfall can swing wildly from week to week.
Some days are bright and dry, others bring sudden downpours.
Streets and courtyards may flood briefly during heavier rain, so comfortable, waterproof shoes come in handy.
Even though rain increases, you’ll still get dry stretches for sightseeing.
If you’re out exploring Mdina’s narrow streets, carrying a small umbrella or waterproof jacket makes life easier.
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity in December usually sits between 60% and 90%. The air can feel damp, especially inside stone buildings where heating is rare.
Sunshine drops compared to summer, but it’s still there.
You get about 5 hours of sun per day, which is more daylight than you’d see up north.
Clouds are common, but breaks in the sky bring bright afternoons.
When the sun comes out, Mdina’s limestone walls really reflect the light, making the city feel warm and inviting, even in winter.
Notable Weather Extremes During December
December in Mdina usually brings mild, damp days, but sometimes the weather surprises you.
Some years, temperatures have climbed way above the seasonal norm. Other times, sharp drops have made evenings feel colder than you’d think.
These extremes are rare, but it’s good to know about them if you like to be prepared.
Record High Temperatures
Daytime highs in December generally average around 16–17°C (60–63°F).
Some years, though, the thermometer has jumped up to 21°C (70°F), making it feel like spring.
These warm spells usually come when southerly winds bring dry air from North Africa.
Afternoons get noticeably brighter and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
You might find yourself walking Mdina’s streets in just a light jacket—even in midwinter.
These warm days never last long, but they’re a nice bonus if you catch one.
Bringing lighter clothing along with your layers is a smart move just in case.
Record Low Temperatures
Malta doesn’t get freezing winters, but December nights in Mdina can feel chilly.
Average lows hover around 11–13°C (52–55°F), but records have dropped to about 6–7°C (43–45°F).
High humidity and porous limestone buildings make these lows feel colder than they look on paper.
Since most buildings don’t have central heating, you’ll feel the chill more at night.
Strong northwesterly winds can make it worse, especially in exposed spots.
Packing a windproof jacket, scarf, and layers helps you stay comfortable if you hit one of these colder evenings.
Weather Impact on Christmas Travel and Activities
December weather in Mdina is mild compared to most of Europe.
Still, high humidity, rain showers, and cool evenings can change how you plan your trip.
You might need to build in extra time for travel, adjust outdoor plans on the fly, and pack clothes that work for both sunny afternoons and damp, chilly nights.
Travel Considerations in December
When you travel to Mdina in December, expect average daytime highs around 15–18°C (59–64°F) and nighttime lows near 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Usually, the weather is manageable, but rain showers and strong winds can cause short disruptions.
Public buses are the main way to reach Mdina from Valletta or other towns, but wet weather can slow service.
If you rent a car, remember you’ll need to park outside the city walls, and walking in can get slippery after rain.
Flights to Malta International Airport rarely see major winter delays, but storms sometimes cause minor schedule changes.
Planning some extra time for connections makes sense.
December is popular for holiday travelers, so booking transport and accommodation early is a good call.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
Mdina’s historic streets and Christmas decorations really shine when you’re on foot.
Damp stone pavements can feel colder than you might expect.
Sunny afternoons often make for comfortable sightseeing, though you’ll get about 5 hours of daylight sun on average.
Rain showers happen, so it helps to keep your plans flexible.
For example:
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Good weather: explore Mdina’s bastions, take a countryside walk, or relax at open-air cafés.
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Rainy weather: check out St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Mdina Dungeons, or museums inside the city walls.
Sea swimming isn’t a great idea in December, since water temperatures hover near 19°C (66°F).
Instead, you could enjoy cultural events, Christmas markets, and evening light displays in Valletta or Rabat, both easy to reach from Mdina.
Packing Tips for Christmas Visits
Pack clothes you can layer.
A light jacket might do during the day, but evenings often need a warmer coat.
Humidity makes it feel colder inside, so sweaters and scarves are handy even if the temperature looks mild.
Bring waterproof shoes or boots—rain makes streets slick.
A small umbrella or raincoat is practical, too.
To stay comfortable while sightseeing, consider:
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Layered tops (long sleeves, jumpers)
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Windproof jacket
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Accessories like gloves and scarves for windy days
With the right gear, you’ll enjoy Mdina’s Christmas atmosphere without getting caught off guard by the weather.
Comparing Mdina’s Christmas Weather to Other Regions in Malta
Mdina’s inland spot gives it slightly cooler evenings and less humidity than areas near the sea.
Rainfall patterns are similar across Malta, but temperature and wind can feel a bit different depending on where you stay.
Differences with Coastal Areas
If you spend Christmas in Mdina, you’ll notice the air feels drier than in coastal towns like Sliema or St. Julian’s.
Mdina’s inland and elevated position means it dodges some of the sea humidity that makes coastal nights feel heavier.
Daytime highs around 16–17°C are close to what you get in Valletta, but coastal areas often feel milder thanks to the sea.
Nights in Mdina can dip a degree or two lower, so it feels cooler as you walk the city’s narrow streets.
Winds act differently, too.
Coastal towns get more sea breezes and the occasional strong gust, while Mdina’s sheltered spot means calmer conditions.
That can make outdoor activities more comfortable, even if it’s a bit cooler.
Rainfall is pretty even across the island, with December averaging around 100–110 mm, but puddles and dampness stick around longer by the coast.
Mdina’s stone streets dry out faster, making winter strolls a little nicer.
Weather in Neighboring Towns
Nearby Rabat feels almost the same as Mdina—both are inland and share similar rainfall and temperatures.
You might catch a bit more wind in open areas of Rabat, but it’s not a big difference.
If you head to Mosta or Attard, conditions are nearly identical to Mdina.
These central towns all get the same inland climate, with cool but not cold evenings and mild daytime temperatures.
Head south to towns like Marsaxlokk, and you’ll notice more of the sea’s influence.
That fishing village often feels warmer in the evening, though it can be windier because it’s right on the coast.
Basically, if you move just a few kilometers from Mdina, you’ll only feel subtle changes.
The biggest contrast comes when you compare inland towns to Malta’s coastal communities, where sea exposure makes a real difference in humidity and wind.
Historical Weather Data and Trends for December
December in Mdina usually brings mild but damp weather.
You can expect cool temperatures, frequent rain showers, and shorter daylight hours than in other months.
These patterns reflect long-term climate averages, along with some year-to-year variation.
Long-Term Climate Trends
Mdina sits inland at a slightly higher elevation than the coastal towns, so its December climate feels a bit cooler. Average daytime highs usually land around 16–17°C (60–63°F). At night, temperatures often dip to 10–12°C (50–54°F).
You’ll probably run into rain in December. It typically rains on 8–10 days of measurable precipitation during the month.
Rain doesn’t usually last all day. Instead, it falls in short bursts, leaving space for patches of sunshine.
Humidity tends to stay up there, often between 70–85%. That can make the air feel chillier than the numbers on the thermometer.
Winds blow at a moderate pace, but sometimes stronger gusts sweep through when Atlantic storm systems cross the central Mediterranean.
If you compare Mdina to northern Europe, December here feels pretty mild. Still, it’s definitely wetter than Malta’s hot, dry summer months.
December sits right in the middle of Malta’s wetter season, which usually stretches from October to March.
Recent Yearly Weather Patterns
If you look at recent December records, you’ll spot plenty of light rain and scattered showers. Thunderstorms pop up now and then, usually when a cold front sweeps through.
Some years, heavier rain shows up, but other times, totals stick pretty close to the seasonal average.
Take December 2024 for instance. Malta had several days of light rain, and a handful of days brought thunderstorms or even hail in certain spots.
Mdina doesn’t always get hit as hard as the coast, but showers still show up inland pretty often.
During the day, temperatures lately have hovered near the long-term average, usually between 15–18°C (59–64°F).
At night, lows tend to settle around 10–12°C (50–54°F), and honestly, that doesn’t change much from year to year.
So, if you’re heading to Mdina in December, expect things to be damp but not freezing. Layer up and grab something waterproof, and you should be just fine.