Fall in Valletta brings a welcome shift from the hot, dry summer into a cooler, more balanced season. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-70s °F (around 24°C) in September to the upper 60s °F (about 20°C) by November.
Nights stay mild, and this gradual change makes autumn one of the most pleasant times to experience the city.
The season adds more variety to the weather. Rain shows up more often than in summer, but it usually comes in short bursts.
Sunshine hours still feel generous, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming into October. You get plenty of flexibility for outdoor exploring or coastal activities.
Moderate humidity, light breezes, and a mix of bright days and refreshing showers all create an inviting atmosphere for sightseeing, cultural events, and waterfront strolls.
This blend of conditions makes the season feel both relaxed and lively, and autumn in Valletta often turns out to be a rewarding time to visit.
Overview of Valletta’s Fall Climate
In Valletta, fall steadily shifts from the hot, dry summer into a cooler, wetter season. Temperatures drop, daylight hours shorten, and rainfall becomes more frequent as autumn moves along.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Valletta sits in a Mediterranean climate (Csa classification), so it gets hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Fall lands right between those extremes.
In September, average highs reach about 85°F (29°C). By November, they drop closer to 65°F (18°C).
Nighttime lows follow that same trend, moving from around 73°F (23°C) in early fall to 57°F (14°C) by late November.
Humidity changes pretty quickly too. September often feels muggy, but by November, the air gets much drier. That shift makes being outside a lot more comfortable, especially compared to sticky summer months.
Rainfall becomes more common as autumn progresses. In early September, the chance of a wet day sits at about 8%, but by late November, it jumps to nearly 30%.
This pattern comes from the arrival of Mediterranean storm systems.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Autumn
Cooler air, shorter days, and stronger winds mark the move from summer into autumn. On September 1, you get nearly 13 hours of daylight.
By the end of November, that shrinks to about 10 hours.
Winds pick up too. Average speeds climb from 9 mph in early fall to about 15 mph by late November.
These winds usually blow in from the west, bringing cooler and more unsettled weather.
Sea temperatures drop as well. Water averages 79°F (26°C) in September but cools to 67°F (19°C) by November.
Swimming is still possible early in the season, though by November, the sea feels less inviting.
Cloud cover increases as fall moves along. Early September brings mostly clear skies, but by late October, overcast days become much more common.
Comparison to Other Seasons
When you look at fall versus summer, the difference stands out. Summer in Valletta is hot, dry, and nearly cloudless, with barely any rain.
Fall brings in cooler temperatures and a sharp uptick in precipitation.
Winter gets even cooler, with average highs around 59°F (15°C) and the most rainfall of the year.
Spring is different again, with temperatures warming up and rainfall dropping. Unlike fall, which gets wetter, spring dries out as summer approaches.
If you like mild weather, fall offers a nice balance. You dodge the intense heat of July and August and skip the damp chill of January and February.
Average Temperatures in Fall
During fall in Valletta, temperatures slide from warm summer conditions to much cooler weather by late November.
Daytime highs and nighttime lows both drop steadily, with noticeable changes from September through November.
Daily High and Low Temperature Trends
In early September, daily highs often reach around 85°F (29°C). By late November, highs settle closer to 65°F (18°C).
Lows follow a similar pattern, falling from about 73°F (23°C) in September to around 57°F (14°C) by season’s end.
You start the season with warm, sometimes humid days, but finish with cooler, more comfortable conditions.
Nights feel much different by November, and you’ll probably want a light jacket compared to the mild evenings in September.
Valletta cools down gradually, not suddenly. The city almost never gets cold snaps in fall, and temperatures rarely drop below 50°F (10°C).
This makes Valletta’s climate more predictable than a lot of other European destinations in autumn.
Monthly Temperature Averages
Breaking the season down month by month helps with planning.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Avg Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 23°C / 73°F | ~26°C / 79°F |
| October | 25°C / 77°F | 19°C / 66°F | ~22°C / 72°F |
| November | 20°C / 68°F | 14°C / 57°F | ~17°C / 63°F |
September feels a lot like late summer, with warm afternoons and mild nights.
October brings a real shift, with cooler evenings and milder daytime heat.
By November, most days are mild, and evenings can feel cool, especially with the stronger winds that show up late in the season.
These averages highlight how fall acts as a bridge between seasons. September still works for beach outings, while November is better for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing.
Temperature Ranges and Variability
Daily temperatures in Valletta during fall stick to a pretty narrow range. Highs rarely go above 90°F (32°C), and lows almost never dip below 50°F (10°C).
That kind of consistency makes planning easier since you don’t usually face extreme heat or sudden cold.
Humidity drops sharply as fall goes on. Early September can still feel muggy, but by late November, the air is much drier.
Cooler temperatures feel crisp instead of damp.
You’ll notice gradual, not abrupt, cooling as the weeks pass. Even as rainfall picks up later in fall, temperatures stay stable.
This steady transition is one reason Valletta feels like a reliable destination for autumn travel.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Autumn in Valletta brings a steady increase in rainfall after the dry summer.
The city moves from very low summer precipitation to more frequent showers and measurable rain, especially in October and November.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Valletta rises quickly compared to the summer months.
September often gets around 25–40 mm of rain, which is still pretty light.
By October, totals usually climb to 85–100 mm, marking a clear move toward wetter weather.
November keeps up the trend, averaging 90–100 mm of rainfall. That makes it one of the wetter months of the year, though December is usually even wetter.
By comparison, July and August typically get less than 2 mm—a huge difference once autumn starts.
To put it in perspective:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 25–40 |
| October | 85–100 |
| November | 90–100 |
This increase in precipitation marks the start of Malta’s wet season.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days become more common as fall moves along.
In September, you might only see 3–5 days with measurable rain.
By October, that usually doubles to 8–10 days.
November is even wetter, with about 10–12 rainy days on average.
These days often bring short but heavy showers, not long, steady rain.
The Mediterranean climate means rain tends to come in bursts, sometimes with thunderstorms.
Since showers are scattered, you can still enjoy long stretches of sunshine even in the wetter months.
Rain usually falls in the late afternoon or evening, so much of the day stays dry.
Seasonal Precipitation Trends
Autumn marks the shift from Malta’s dry summer to its wetter winter.
Rainfall levels rise steadily from September through November, setting the stage for December, which usually brings the most rain.
Valletta averages about 435–600 mm of precipitation annually, with nearly half of that falling between October and January.
You should plan for more frequent showers as fall goes on.
September still feels relatively dry, but October and November bring conditions closer to the island’s winter weather.
This shift matters for both local agriculture and anyone planning outdoor activities.
Humidity and Dew Point in Autumn
During autumn in Valletta, the air grows less humid and the dew point steadily drops.
These changes make the climate a lot more comfortable for outdoor activities compared to the muggy end of summer.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Valletta changes a lot between September and November.
At the start of autumn, you’ll still get higher relative humidity, with muggy conditions common in early September.
By late November, humidity drops sharply, and the air feels much drier.
On average, relative humidity ranges from about 70% in September to closer to 65% by November.
While those numbers sound moderate, falling temperatures make the humidity less noticeable.
Warm air in September holds more moisture, which can make the city feel sticky, especially during the day.
By October and November, cooler air and lower dew points mean you don’t feel that heavy, oppressive humidity.
That’s one reason autumn is a favorite time to explore Valletta on foot.
Dew Point Fluctuations
The dew point in Valletta drops quickly through the season.
In early September, it often sits near 70°F (21°C), which is high enough to feel muggy.
By November, it falls closer to 55°F (13°C), which is much more comfortable.
A lower dew point means there’s less moisture in the air, so sweat evaporates more easily.
That’s why you notice a real difference between sticky September evenings and the crisp, pleasant nights of late autumn.
As the dew point drops, the chance of oppressive heat goes down too.
Instead, you get a balance of mild temperatures and drier air, which makes sightseeing, dining outdoors, or walking along Valletta’s waterfront a lot more enjoyable.
Wind Conditions During Fall
Winds in Valletta during fall stay steady but not extreme.
You’ll usually get moderate breezes that change direction with the shifting weather, which can affect how comfortable it feels to be outside.
Average Wind Speed by Month
In September, average wind speeds usually sit between 10–12 mph (16–19 km/h).
These breezes feel lighter than in summer, making outdoor activities more pleasant.
By October, winds pick up a bit, averaging 12–14 mph (19–22 km/h).
That’s when the first autumn storms can blow through, bringing stronger gusts on some days.
By November, winds are more frequent and can reach 14–16 mph (22–26 km/h) on average.
These stronger breezes often come with cooler air and higher chances of rain.
The gradual rise in wind speed across the season makes late autumn feel breezier than early autumn.
If you’re planning to walk by the waterfront or take a ferry, November winds are definitely more noticeable than those in September.
Typical Wind Direction
Prevailing winds around Valletta in fall usually come from the northwest and west.
These directions account for most breezes, especially in October and November.
You’ll also get winds from the southwest and south, though not as often.
Those winds can bring warmer, more humid air, especially in early autumn.
Winds from the north and northeast show up less, but when they do, they feel cooler and drier.
According to long-term averages, the most common directions are:
- West: ~21%
- Northwest: ~16%
- Southwest: ~13%
- South: ~12%
This mix of directions means you should expect shifting conditions, with the strongest winds usually tied to passing weather systems in late fall.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Water Temperature
When fall rolls into Valletta, you start to notice shorter days, fewer hours of sunshine, and cooler sea temperatures compared to the summer months. These changes shift how much time you want to spend outdoors and whether swimming or water activities still sound appealing.
Hours of Sunshine
September usually brings about 24 sunny days, so you get plenty of chances to head outside. By October, that number drops to around 21 sunny days, and then November averages just 14 sunny days.
So, early fall still feels bright and inviting, but late fall brings more cloudy and rainy days. Rain jumps from about 26 mm in September to over 70 mm in November, and that really cuts down on sunshine hours.
Even with less sun, Valletta still beats a lot of other European spots for brightness during fall. In October and November, you’ll want to stay flexible with your outdoor plans since the weather can shift from sunny to overcast pretty quickly.
Length of Daylight
Daylight hours shrink steadily as fall goes on. Early September gives you between 11.9 and 12.9 hours of daylight, so afternoons stretch out nicely for exploring. By October, daylight drops to 10.7–11.8 hours, and in November it slips further to 9.9–10.7 hours.
The change isn’t drastic overnight, but you’ll definitely notice it, especially if you like evening walks or sightseeing late in the day. Earlier sunsets in November mean you’ll need to start activities earlier if you want to make use of natural light.
Shorter days might limit your outdoor time, but the cooler weather actually makes sightseeing a lot more comfortable than in the summer heat.
Average Water Temperature
The sea stays warm enough for swimming through much of fall. In September, the average water temperature sits at about 26.5°C, which feels great for most people. By October, it cools to around 24.4°C, and in November it drops to about 21.8°C.
You can still enjoy the sea in early and mid-fall, though by late November, the water starts to feel pretty brisk, especially if you’re used to warmer conditions.
If you love water sports, September and October offer the best mix of warmth and calm seas. By November, swimming is still possible, but most folks start to pick land-based activities as air and water temperatures cool off.
How Fall Weather Impacts Activities in Valletta
Mild temperatures and shorter days make fall a comfortable time to explore Valletta. Rain does become more common later in the season, but you still get enough sunshine to enjoy both cultural and outdoor activities.
Sightseeing and Outdoor Exploration
You can wander Valletta’s narrow streets without dealing with the intense summer heat. In September, daytime highs usually hit the mid-20s °C (upper 70s °F), while November cools down to the high teens °C (mid-60s °F). That makes visits to places like St. John’s Co-Cathedral or the Grand Master’s Palace so much more pleasant.
Upper Barrakka Gardens give you shaded spots and great views of the Grand Harbour. Depending on the month, you’ll have about 6–9 hours of sunshine per day, so there’s still enough daylight for exploring.
Rain showers pick up in October and November, so it’s smart to carry a light jacket or umbrella. Streets can get a bit slippery after rain, but showers usually don’t last long, and you can get back to sightseeing pretty quickly.
Outdoor cafés and waterfront promenades stay lively through the season. You can soak up the atmosphere without the big summer crowds, which makes it easier to find a seat or a quiet corner.
Travel Planning Tips
You’ll probably find booking accommodations in fall a lot easier, since fewer people travel then compared to the busy summer months. Hotels and flights usually cost less, especially in October and November.
That means you might stretch your trip longer or pick a place right in Valletta’s historic center if you want.
Pack clothes you can layer. A short-sleeve shirt feels fine during the day, but it gets cooler by the water in the evening.
You’ll want a light sweater or jacket once the sun goes down.
November brings the most rain, so waterproof or quick-drying shoes are a smart bet.
If you’re heading out of Valletta for day trips, check ferry and bus times—bad weather sometimes messes with the schedule.
Try to do your sightseeing earlier, since the days get shorter fast. By November, the sun might set before 5:30 p.m., which can cut walking tours or photo sessions short.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather so you can make the most of your time.