If you spend Christmas in Valletta, you’ll notice the weather’s pretty mild compared to most of Europe. Average daytime temperatures usually reach 15–18°C, and nights rarely dip below 10°C.
December brings more rain, but showers tend to be short, so you’ll still have plenty of time to soak up the city’s festive spirit outdoors.
You get about 5–6 hours of sunshine each day, which honestly feels like a treat if you’re coming from somewhere further north. The air can get a bit humid, and those sea winds sometimes add a chill, but the weather stays comfy enough for wandering through decorated streets or checking out historic sites.
Valletta’s cooler, not harsh, December weather makes it a great place for Christmas. You skip the icy winters of central Europe but still get that seasonal vibe—crisp air, lively markets, and holiday lights glowing against Malta’s stone buildings.
Typical Weather Conditions in Valletta at Christmas
Expect mild days, cooler evenings, and a decent chance of rain if you’re in Valletta for Christmas. Humidity and wind play their part, especially when you’re strolling through old streets or along the coast.
Average Temperatures in December
In December, Valletta feels pretty mild next to much of Europe. Daytime highs hit 16–18°C (61–64°F), and nights settle around 11–13°C (52–55°F).
You’ll probably be fine with just a light jacket during the day. But once the sun sets or first thing in the morning, you’ll want a sweater or fleece.
Forget swimming—summer’s long gone. The average sea temperature sits at about 16°C (61°F), which most folks find too chilly for a dip, though it’s still warmer than northern waters.
This steady, gentle climate draws travelers looking to avoid harsher winters elsewhere in Europe.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December stands out as Valletta’s wettest month. Rainfall averages 110–112 mm (4.3–4.4 in), spread over about 13 rainy days.
Showers usually come fast and heavy, but they don’t last all day. Between them, you’ll often spot some sun.
A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella comes in handy. After rain, streets get slippery, so wear good shoes when exploring.
Even with all that rain, storms rarely get wild. Most days, showers are moderate, and you’ll still get several dry days during the holidays.
Humidity and Wind Levels
Humidity hovers around 65–75% in December, so cooler days might feel a bit damp, especially in the shade or by the water.
Winds matter too. Valletta gets northwesterly and northeasterly breezes that can pick up at times. Average wind speeds are 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), but gusts go higher when it’s stormy.
You won’t need heavy winter coats, but a windproof jacket is smart for walks along the harbor or on open promenades. Some days are calm, but breezy weather is the norm around Christmas.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours in December
December brings shorter days and less direct sunlight to Valletta. You’ll still have enough daylight for sightseeing, but the sunshine is limited, and sunsets come early.
Length of Day and Sunrise/Sunset Times
December days in Valletta are the shortest of the year, with about 9 hours and 45 minutes of daylight.
Early in the month, the sun rises around 6:54 am and sets near 4:48 pm. By late December, sunrise shifts later to about 7:12 am, and sunset stretches just a bit to 4:58 pm.
Evenings come early, so it’s smart to plan sightseeing or outdoor activities for late morning or early afternoon.
Here’s a quick look:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early December | ~6:54 am | ~4:48 pm | ~9h 54m |
| Late December | ~7:12 am | ~4:58 pm | ~9h 46m |
These short days give Valletta a cozy winter vibe, especially with all the festive lights and events.
Average Daily Sunshine
Even with nearly 10 hours of daylight, Valletta averages just 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day in December. Clouds and showers cut down on the bright spells.
December brings the least sunshine of any month in Valletta. Some gray skies are likely, but sunny breaks do happen.
The UV index sits at 2, so sunburn’s not much of a worry. Still, a hat or a dab of sunscreen won’t hurt if you’re out for a while.
On bright days, the sun feels great, especially in sheltered spots. Those sunny hours warm up outdoor cafés and make coastal walks surprisingly pleasant.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
In late December, Valletta’s skies mix clear patches with stretches of cloudiness. Visibility usually stays good, but the balance between sun and clouds shapes how bright the city feels at Christmas.
Frequency of Clear and Cloudy Days
Cloud cover in December is pretty steady, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about one-third of the time. Still, you’ll see plenty of brighter days, especially around Christmas.
On December 25, the odds are good for nice weather. Records show clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies about 65% of the time on Christmas Day, making it one of the clearer days of the month.
December, overall, brings clearer skies than November, though nothing like the summer months. Expect a mix of blue sky and passing clouds—classic Mediterranean winter.
If you’re planning outdoor fun, stay flexible. The weather can swing from sunny to cloudy and back again, sometimes within the same day.
Typical Visibility During Christmas
Even with more clouds, Valletta’s visibility in December usually stays good to very good. Rain showers might blur things for a bit, but skies clear up quickly.
Valletta’s coastal position helps. Winds move weather systems along, so fog rarely sticks around.
On clear days, you can see across the harbors and out to sea. Even when it’s cloudy, visibility in town and along the coast is usually fine for sightseeing, walks, and ferry rides.
Travelers can count on steady daylight and open views, making Christmas a great time to explore Valletta’s outdoor spaces without worrying much about poor visibility.
Sea and Coastal Weather Around Christmas
December brings mild sea conditions to Valletta, but the water feels cool compared to summer. Rain and wind show up more often, so coastal activities depend on both temperature and weather.
Sea Temperature in December
The sea near Valletta in December usually sits at 17°C to 19°C (63°F to 66°F). That’s a big drop from autumn, so long swims aren’t too tempting. Some locals might brave a quick dip, but most visitors find it too cold.
With chilly water, don’t expect the beach scene you’d get in summer. Swimming is rare, and most people stick to enjoying the view.
For comparison:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp. | Swimming Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~25°C | Warm, ideal |
| December | ~18°C | Cool, limited |
| February | ~15°C | Cold, not ideal |
You can still stroll the shore, just don’t plan on much time in the water.
Suitability for Coastal Activities
Coastal weather in December often brings rain showers, higher humidity, and the odd strong wind. That makes sunbathing or snorkeling hit-or-miss. The sea can get choppy, so water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding aren’t always possible.
Still, the coastline is a highlight. Walking along the Valletta waterfront or exploring rocky coves is pleasant with mild daytime temps of 15°C to 18°C. Plus, there are fewer crowds, so you get a more relaxed harbor experience.
If you’re heading outdoors, pack a light jacket and sturdy shoes. Swimming isn’t likely, but you can enjoy coastal cafés, harbor cruises, and scenic viewpoints without sweating through summer heat.
How Christmas Weather in Valletta Compares to Other Months
Christmas in Valletta brings cooler days, more rain, and shorter daylight hours. It’s a big change from the dry, hot summers and a bit milder than the colder, wetter January and February.
Contrast With Valletta’s Summer Weather
At Christmas, average highs in Valletta sit at 15–16°C (59–61°F), with nights cooling to 10–11°C (50–52°F). December’s one of the wettest months, picking up 110–112 mm of rain over about 13 days.
Summer flips the script. From June to August, highs soar to 30–31°C (86–88°F), and nights stay warm at 21–22°C (70–72°F). Rain barely shows up—often less than 5 mm for the whole month.
Daylight shifts a lot too. In July, you get over 14 hours of sunlight, but in late December, it drops to about 9.5 hours. Sea temps cool to 15–16°C (59–61°F) in winter but reach 26°C (79°F) by August.
Christmas weather works better for sightseeing and city walks. Summer’s for swimming, beaches, and those long evenings outdoors.
Comparison to January and February Conditions
If you visit Valletta at Christmas, you’ll find the weather’s a bit milder than in January or February. In January, average highs drop to 15°C (59°F), and lows come close to 9°C (48°F)—the coldest month. February is similar, with highs at 15–16°C (59–61°F) and lows around 9–10°C (48–50°F).
Rain stays high in all three months, but December usually tops the charts. By February, rain starts to let up, and daylight stretches to nearly 11 hours, compared to just 9.8 hours in December.
Sea temps hit their lowest in February at about 15°C (59°F), so swimming’s even less appealing. Around Christmas, the sea’s a touch warmer, but still not great for most.
Christmas weather is a bit brighter and less cold than January, but it’s definitely part of Valletta’s wetter season.
Tips for Visitors Experiencing Valletta’s Christmas Weather
You’ll get mostly mild but damp weather in Valletta at Christmas, with daytime highs around 15–16°C (59–61°F) and cooler evenings near 10°C (50°F). Rain showers pop up often, though they’re usually quick, so being prepared makes your visit a lot more comfortable.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Bring layers so you can adjust as the weather changes. I usually toss in a light sweater or fleece for daytime, then grab a warmer jacket for those chilly evenings.
December brings plenty of rain to Malta, so pack a waterproof jacket or just throw in a small umbrella.
Shoes really do make a difference. Valletta’s limestone streets get slippery fast when it rains, so pick comfortable, non-slip walking shoes that can handle wet ground. If you’re thinking about wandering outside the city, waterproof footwear is honestly a lifesaver.
A small day bag comes in handy for carrying your umbrella, water, and an extra layer. Some folks like to bring gloves and a scarf, especially when the wind whips up near the harbor.
Weather-Appropriate Activities and Events
Cooler weather really makes walking tours and sightseeing way more comfortable than those blazing hot Maltese summers. You can wander Valletta’s historic streets, museums, and churches without feeling like you’re melting.
Rain showers might mess with your outdoor plans, but don’t worry—most attractions sit just a short walk apart, so it’s easy to duck inside if you need to.
December brings Christmas markets, light displays, and concerts right into the city center. These events feel lively, but the cooler air keeps things pleasant, especially if you remember to layer up.
Cafés and restaurants invite you in with cozy indoor seating, offering a warm break between activities.
If you’re into coastal views, check out the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping panoramas of the Grand Harbour.
Even on cloudy days, the scenery still stands out, and honestly, the cooler temperatures make those hilly Valletta streets a lot less exhausting.