Spring in Sliema really hits a sweet spot. You get mild air, longer daylight, and calmer seas. It’s honestly one of the best times to hang out along Malta’s coast.
Daytime temperatures climb steadily from the low 60s °F in March to the upper 70s °F by late May. Nights stay cool, but not exactly cold. This warming trend makes it perfect for sightseeing or being outdoors, without sweating through the summer heat.
Rain falls more often in early spring, but that fades fast. By late May, you’ll barely see a drop—just lots of sunshine. The Mediterranean Sea starts out brisk in March, but by late spring, it’s much more inviting for a coastal walk or even an early swim.
Daylight stretches out by almost three hours from March to May. That gives you loads more time to enjoy Sliema’s seafront or explore nearby. Winds calm down too, making outdoor dining and harbor views more pleasant.
Overview of Spring Weather in Sliema
Spring in Sliema shifts from mild and damp to warm and sunny. Temperatures rise, days get longer, and rain becomes rare, setting up comfy conditions for daily life and outdoor fun.
Seasonal Climate Patterns
From March to May, Sliema’s daily highs go from about 61°F (16°C) up to 77°F (25°C). Nights warm up too, with lows moving from 51°F (10°C) to 65°F (18°C).
Rainfall drops off quickly. In early March, you might see a wet day about 22% of the time. By late May, that’s down to just 4%. Average monthly rainfall falls from around 1.6 inches in March to less than 0.5 inches by the end.
Clouds thin out as spring goes on. In March, the sky looks overcast or mostly cloudy about 35% of the time. By late May, it’s closer to 27%. That means more sunshine as the weeks pass.
The Mediterranean Sea warms too. Water temperatures move from about 59°F (15°C) in March to 68°F (20°C) by late May. Late spring finally feels right for swimming.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring in Sliema bridges the gap between the wet, cool winter and the hot, dry summer. Winter highs hover around 59°F (15°C), with plenty of rain and stronger winds. Summer, on the other hand, pushes highs up to 85°F (29°C) and brings almost no rain.
Spring is definitely drier than autumn. November can dump over 5 inches of rain, while spring rarely goes over 3.5 inches in a month. If you’re not a fan of rainy days, spring’s the safer bet.
Humidity in spring stays low to moderate, so muggy days are rare. Summer, especially August, can get sticky, but spring feels a lot fresher. Walking, sightseeing, and eating outside all feel easier.
You’ll notice daylight increases by about 3 hours from March to May. That’s a big change from winter, when the sun sets early and days feel short.
Geographical Context
Sliema sits on Malta’s northeast coast, right by the Mediterranean. This location keeps winters mild and summers hot, but sea breezes usually take the edge off.
The town is pretty low—about 83 feet (25 meters) above sea level. Water surrounds much of the area, which helps keep temperatures steady and avoids big swings.
Coastal winds matter here. In spring, average wind speeds drop from about 15 mph in March to 10 mph in May, mostly from the west. That shift makes spring feel calmer than the gusty winter months.
The Mediterranean climate means freezing temperatures almost never happen. Spring brings a slow, steady move toward warmth, longer days, and clearer skies, all thanks to the sea and the island’s geography.
Typical Spring Temperatures
Spring in Sliema means a gentle climb in warmth. March starts off cool, but by May, it’s basically summer-lite. Afternoons feel mild, evenings stay cool, and every week feels a bit warmer.
Average Highs and Lows
In spring, daily high temperatures usually range from the low 60s °F (16–18°C) in March up to the upper 70s °F (24–25°C) by late May. Lows start near 55°F (13°C) in March and climb to about 65°F (18°C) in May.
This rise makes spring a comfortable season for being outside. Days feel pleasantly warm, while nights cool off but don’t get too chilly.
Here’s a quick look at typical highs and lows:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 63°F (17°C) | 55°F (13°C) |
| April | 66–68°F (19–20°C) | 58–60°F (15–16°C) |
| May | 74–77°F (23–25°C) | 63–65°F (17–18°C) |
Temperature Trends from March to May
March still feels a bit wintry, with cool air and the odd windy day. April warms up, rain eases, and the weather becomes more predictable.
By May, it’s clear summer is on the way. Afternoons get warmer, and the sea finally feels swimmable.
Temperatures don’t jump suddenly—they just inch up week by week. That slow shift is part of what makes Sliema’s spring so comfortable for visitors.
Day and Night Variations
You’ll spot a real difference between day and night in Sliema during spring. Afternoons are mild to warm, but evenings, especially in March and early April, can cool off.
In March, the difference between day and night can be as much as 8–10°F (4–5°C). By May, nights catch up a bit, and the gap narrows.
A light jacket or sweater comes in handy at night, but you’ll probably want short sleeves during the day. This balance makes it easy to plan for both active afternoons and relaxed evening strolls by the sea.
Rainfall Patterns During Spring
Spring in Sliema dries out fast. Rainy days become rare, showers lighten up, and by late May, the weather turns mostly sunny.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Sliema drops from moderate in March to barely there in May. March brings about 27 mm (1.1 inches), April sees 13 mm (0.5 inches), and May falls to just 9 mm (0.35 inches).
That’s tiny compared to autumn and winter, when totals can go over 70 mm. Spring showers are usually quick and light, so they don’t mess up your plans much.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| March | ~27 mm (1.1 in) |
| April | ~13 mm (0.5 in) |
| May | ~9 mm (0.35 in) |
You’ll see how quickly the weather moves from damp to dry.
Rainy Days and Precipitation Probability
Rainy days drop sharply as spring rolls on. March might bring rain on about 10 days. April drops to around 7 days. May? Just 4–5 days.
So, your odds of rain shrink as the season moves along. Showers are usually short and often show up overnight or early in the morning.
Unlike winter storms that stick around, spring rain in Sliema is brief and scattered. You might want a light jacket or umbrella in March, but by May, you probably won’t need it.
With fewer wet days, spring is a great time if you want mild weather and minimal rain interruptions.
Monthly Rainfall Changes
Rainfall shifts quickly from March to May. March still holds onto some winter wetness, but April cuts that nearly in half. May continues to dry out, leading into the long, dry summer.
This pattern is classic Mediterranean—wet winters slowly fade into dry, sunny summers. The drying trend is gradual, so you won’t get caught off guard.
By late spring, the landscape dries out, and outdoor activities become a safer bet. Heavy downpours are rare, and most days stay clear start to finish.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The sea around Sliema warms up steadily in spring. Water starts out chilly, but by late May, it feels much better for swimming or watersports. You’ll notice the changes in both sea temperature and coastal weather as the season moves along.
Average Sea Temperature
Early spring brings cold water—about 59°F (15°C). That’s as cold as it gets, leftover from winter. By late May, the sea warms up to around 68°F (20°C), which is a lot more comfortable.
This rise of about 9°F (5°C) shows how the Mediterranean warms up slowly. The land heats up faster, but the sea takes its time.
Just for context, August brings the warmest sea—about 79°F (26°C). February is the coldest, at 59°F (15°C). Spring sits right in between, moving from brisk to decent.
Swimming and Water Activities
If you want to swim in March or early April, brace yourself—it’s cold unless you’ve got a wetsuit. At 59–63°F (15–17°C), most people don’t last long in the water. By late April, it’s a bit better, but a lot of folks still want some thermal protection.
By May, the sea hits 66–68°F (19–20°C). Now, casual swimming is doable, especially if the sun’s out and the air is warm. Snorkeling and diving become more popular, since visibility is good and currents are usually calm.
You can try kayaking or paddleboarding all spring. Even if the water’s cool, the calmer seas and lighter winds in late spring make these activities more fun.
Coastal Microclimate
Sliema’s coast has its own little climate, thanks to the sea. Water keeps temperatures from swinging too much—cooling things off during warm spells and keeping it milder on cooler days. This effect is strongest in spring, since inland areas warm up faster than the shore.
Humidity creeps up as spring goes on, but it rarely feels muggy before summer. Breezes from the west help keep things comfortable, with average winds dropping from about 15 mph in March to 10 mph in May.
Clouds thin out as spring progresses, so you’ll get more sun along the water. By late May, daylight lasts longer, skies clear up, and the sea feels warmer—making the coast more inviting.
Wind Speed and Weather Influences
Spring in Sliema brings steady winds that really shape how the days feel. Wind strength and direction affect how warm the air feels, how calm the sea looks, and whether it’s comfortable to spend time by the water.
Typical Wind Speed in Spring
In spring, Sliema usually gets wind speeds between 12–16 miles per hour (19–26 km/h). You’ll notice the breeze as you walk along the seafront, but it rarely feels disruptive.
April often brings winds around 15 mph (24 km/h). March and May tend to feel just a bit calmer.
These winds belong to the longer windy season that starts in late autumn and goes through early May.
Afternoons get breezy, especially if you’re near open coastal areas. In sheltered streets or farther inland, the wind drops off.
If you’re traveling here, you’ll probably find outdoor dining, walking, or cycling along the promenade pretty comfortable. Still, you might want a light jacket for the evenings.
The wind helps keep humidity in check during spring. The air feels fresher compared to the muggy summer months.
Wind Patterns and Their Effects
Most of the time, winds in Sliema blow from the northwest. These winds cross the Mediterranean and usually bring cooler, drier air. They keep spring temperatures from climbing too fast, even as highs reach the mid-70s °F (low to mid-20s °C).
Sometimes, the wind shifts more westerly, and things warm up a bit. When that happens, the sea can get choppier, which might affect swimming or boat trips.
The steady breeze keeps the air fresh, and the coastline never feels stagnant like calmer places sometimes do. Outdoor exercise and sightseeing feel especially nice in spring.
If you’re planning water activities, check the daily forecast. Gustier days can bring waves that aren’t great for small boats or casual swimming. But most of the time, winds don’t get strong enough to mess up your travel plans.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Spring brings longer days, more sunshine, and skies that clear up as the season moves on. Rain and cloudiness drop off, so you get brighter days than in winter.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Sunshine gets more reliable in Sliema during spring. Early March usually offers about 6–7 hours of bright sunshine a day. By May, that jumps to around 10 hours.
Late spring becomes one of the sunniest times of the year before summer kicks in.
Malta as a whole enjoys high sunshine levels, close to 3,000 hours annually. In practice, you’ll often see clear skies and bright afternoons, especially as spring goes on.
Even if clouds drift by, the sun usually breaks through for hours. If you like being outside, late spring gives you a great mix of warmth and steady sunshine.
Daylight Duration Changes
Days get noticeably longer during spring. On March 1, you get about 11 hours and 25 minutes of daylight. By late May, daylight stretches to roughly 14 hours and 25 minutes.
That’s about 3 extra hours gained throughout the season.
Sunrise comes earlier each week, shifting from around 06:50 in March to about 05:45 in late May. Sunsets move later too, from just before 18:00 in March to after 20:00 by the end of May.
You end up with more time for the coast, sightseeing, or just evening walks without feeling rushed. The long evenings feel especially nice for outdoor dinners or strolling along Sliema’s promenade.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover drops steadily as spring moves along. At the beginning of March, you’ll see overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 35% of the time.
By the end of May, that number falls to around 27%. Late spring feels noticeably clearer.
The clearest day of the season usually lands near the end of May. On that day, skies stay clear, mostly clear, or just partly cloudy about 73% of the time.
So, as spring goes on, you’ll probably notice fewer grey days. March still brings its share of unsettled weather, but April and May tend to offer more bright, open skies and just a bit of cloud cover.