When you imagine winter in Mdina, maybe you’re expecting biting winds and thick jackets. But Malta’s old capital delivers a different kind of winter.
Winters stay mild here. Daytime temperatures usually hang out in the mid-teens Celsius, and nights don’t really get much colder.
You’ll find a comfortable and gentle winter climate, so wandering Mdina’s narrow streets and historic corners stays pleasant even during the coldest months.
Rain does show up, but it usually arrives in quick bursts instead of long, dreary spells. That leaves plenty of clear days to explore.
December brings the most rainfall, while January and February tend to be a bit drier. Sunshine still breaks through a lot, and you get more bright days than you might expect for winter.
Mdina’s mild temperatures, limited rain, and steady daylight make winter weather pretty easy to plan around. If you want to walk the fortified walls, sip coffee in a quiet café, or just soak in the views, the climate usually works in your favor. You won’t face the wild swings you might see elsewhere in Europe.
Overview of Winter Weather in Mdina
Mdina’s winter feels mild compared to much of Europe. You get cool but comfortable temperatures, a mix of sunny and rainy days, and a climate that the Mediterranean Sea shapes.
Conditions stay pretty consistent all season. Only small changes in rainfall and daylight pop up.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During winter, Mdina’s daytime temperatures usually sit between 15°C and 17°C. Nights cool off just a bit, averaging 14°C to 16°C.
That small gap between day and night temps keeps the weather feeling stable. It’s kind of nice not having to guess what to wear.
Sea temperatures drop from about 18.6°C in December to 15.6°C in February. The sea doesn’t invite much swimming, but it still keeps the air from getting too chilly.
Rain is moderate, with about 3–4 rainy days per month. Precipitation ranges from 38 mm to 47 mm, so showers are short and rarely mess up your plans.
You also get 13–15 sunny days per month. That’s plenty of clear skies for winter.
General Climate Characteristics
Mdina enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. In winter, the cooler air gets balanced by sunlight and short spells of rain.
Daylight grows slowly from about 9.7 hours in December to over 11 hours in February. You’ll notice brighter afternoons as winter moves on.
Humidity stays moderate, and strong winds don’t show up as often as they do along Malta’s coast. Mdina sits at about 138 meters above sea level, so it avoids some of the dampness and sea spray from lower areas.
Mild air, limited rain, and steady sun combine to make Mdina’s winter climate comfy for walking, sightseeing, or eating outside. You don’t get the harsh extremes that northern Europe deals with.
How Mdina Compares to Other Maltese Cities
Mdina feels a bit cooler at night than coastal cities like Valletta or Sliema. That’s thanks to its inland spot and higher elevation.
The difference is small—usually just 1–2°C—but evenings can feel a little crisper here.
Rainfall patterns across Malta look pretty similar. Mdina often feels drier, though, since it’s sheltered from sea breezes and coastal humidity.
Winter weather here feels more stable and less unpredictable than in seaside towns.
Mdina gets about the same number of sunny days as other Maltese cities. What makes it stand out is the quiet atmosphere and less exposure to winter storms that sometimes hit the coast.
It’s honestly one of the more comfortable inland places to experience Malta’s winter.
Monthly Winter Weather Breakdown
Mdina’s winter brings cooler temperatures, more rain, and shorter days than the rest of the year. Still, you get mild conditions—not harsh cold.
Each month has its own weather quirks that might affect your plans.
December Weather Details
December kicks off the wettest stretch in Mdina. Rainfall averages about 112 mm, making it the rainiest month.
Showers can get heavy but usually don’t last long, so you’ll see sunshine pop out between storms.
Daytime highs hover around 15–17°C (59–63°F). Nights drop closer to 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Cooler evenings might feel chilly, especially if it’s damp outside. You’ll notice shorter days too, with about 9.5 hours of daylight.
That means less time for sightseeing, so it’s smart to do things earlier. Even with more rain, skies aren’t always gray, and you still get several sunny days.
January Weather Patterns
January usually brings the coldest weather in Mdina. Daytime temperatures sit around 12°C (54°F), and nighttime lows fall to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
The air feels crisp, but it rarely gets close to freezing.
Rain keeps coming, but not as much as in December. Expect about 60–70 mm of precipitation over several days.
Rain shows up in short bursts, so you’ll still find dry intervals.
Winds can pick up and add to the chill. If you’re walking Mdina’s narrow streets, you’ll want a light jacket or windbreaker.
Days stay short, with less than 10 hours of daylight. It helps to plan ahead if you want to make the most of your time.
February Weather Highlights
February signals the end of winter in Mdina. Average daytime highs climb to about 14–15°C (57–59°F). Nights stay around 12–13°C (53–55°F).
Some days can feel warmer, especially when the sun’s out.
Rainfall drops compared to December, averaging about 55 mm for the month. You’ll usually get about 4 rainy days, so outdoor activities get easier to plan.
Longer days bring more light, with nearly 11 hours of daylight by late February.
Clouds still show up, but you’ll see more clear days. February often feels comfortable if you like mild weather with fewer wet days.
Temperature Patterns and Variations
Mdina’s winter feels mild compared to much of Europe. You get cooler days and nights, but the weather stays comfortable enough for walking and sightseeing.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, Mdina’s daytime temperatures usually land between 12°C and 16°C (54°F–61°F). On sunny afternoons, it can feel warmer, especially in sheltered spots or open squares.
At night, temps drop to about 10°C–13°C (50°F–55°F). That’s not freezing, but evenings can feel damp because of the sea air. A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick.
The difference between day and night is moderate, so you won’t get those sharp drops you find in inland European cities.
This steadiness makes Mdina’s winter climate pretty easy to pack for.
Seasonal Temperature Fluctuations
Mdina’s winter typically runs from December through February. January is the coldest month, with temps around 12°C (54°F). February starts warming up, with days closer to 15°C (59°F).
Unlike summer, winter temperatures shift gradually. Sometimes you’ll catch a mild day above 18°C (64°F), but rainy or cloudy spells can cool things back down.
Rain and wind also change how the air feels. December is usually the wettest, and damp conditions might make it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Seasonal variation is small here, but the steady pattern of mild days and cool nights really defines Mdina’s winter. It’s nice not having to overthink what to pack or plan.
Precipitation and Rainfall in Winter
Mdina gets more rain in winter than any other season. The cooler months bring most of the city’s annual precipitation, and December usually stands out as the wettest period.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Winter in Mdina brings a clear jump in rainfall compared to the dry summer. December averages about 92 mm of rain. January gets around 77 mm, and February sees about 61 mm.
So, over the three main winter months, you’ll get roughly 230 mm of rain in total—almost half of Mdina’s yearly average of about 551 mm.
Rain usually falls in quick bursts, not long storms. Showers can be heavy but clear up fast, leaving blue skies behind.
That’s typical for the Mediterranean—winter is the main wet season.
If you visit now, plan for wetter weather and bring light rain gear. Mdina’s stone streets can get slippery after rain, so good shoes help.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days also increase in winter. December averages about 12 to 14 days with measurable rain. January usually sees 10 to 12 days, while February drops to 8 to 10 days.
That’s about a third of winter days with some rain. Still, it usually doesn’t last all day.
Showers often hit in the morning or afternoon, but you’ll get several dry hours too.
You can expect a mix of wet and sunny spells most weeks. Planning indoor activities for rainy periods and keeping outdoor plans flexible works well.
Most visitors find that breaks in the rain leave plenty of time to enjoy Mdina’s historic streets and views.
Other Winter Climate Factors
Besides temperatures and rain, a few other things shape Mdina’s winter weather. Humidity, daylight hours, and wind all play a part.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Mdina during winter stays moderate. Average relative humidity usually sits between 70% and 80%, which can make the air feel cool but not too damp.
Mornings often feel more humid, especially after overnight rain. By midday, humidity usually drops as temps rise and breezes pick up.
Mdina’s inland spot and higher elevation keep the air from feeling as sticky as it does near the sea. Walking the city’s narrow streets stays pretty comfortable.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, winter is a good time to visit. The combo of mild temps and manageable moisture creates a nice balance.
Sunshine Hours
Winter days are shorter in Mdina, but you still get a fair bit of sunshine. You can expect 13 to 15 sunny days each month from December through February.
Day length grows slowly through winter. December brings about 9.7 hours of daylight, and February stretches to 11.4 hours.
That gives you more time for sightseeing as winter moves on.
Clouds are common, but they rarely block the sun for more than a few days at a time. Even in the wettest months, you’ll often get showers followed by blue skies.
For travelers, that means you can plan outdoor activities with a fair amount of confidence. A light jacket and umbrella usually cover your bases.
Wind Conditions
Winds in Mdina during winter stay steady but not wild. Breezes from the northwest and northeast bring cooler air and occasional gusts.
Average wind speeds land around 10 to 15 km/h. Sometimes you’ll feel stronger bursts during passing weather fronts.
These winds rarely interrupt daily life, but they can make evenings feel colder.
Mdina’s higher ground means you might notice the wind more than in sheltered coastal spots. After sunset, the chill stands out.
If you’re heading to the city walls or open viewpoints, a windbreaker or extra layer helps.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mdina in Winter
Winter in Mdina brings mild daytime temperatures, cooler evenings, and way fewer tourists than summer.
You can enjoy comfortable sightseeing, cultural events, and a quieter pace of travel with just a little planning.
What to Pack for Winter in Mdina
Daytime highs in Mdina usually hover around 15–17°C (59–63°F). Nights tend to dip closer to 13–14°C (55–57°F).
You probably won’t need heavy winter coats, but you’ll want to bring layers so you can adjust as the weather changes.
A light jacket or fleece keeps you comfortable during the day. When evening rolls around, I’d grab a warmer sweater or a medium-weight coat for outdoor walks.
Rain shows up on a few days each month, so toss a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket in your bag. You’ll want comfortable walking shoes with good grip, since Mdina’s stone streets can get slippery if it rains.
Mix in some casual wear for exploring, and pack slightly dressier outfits if you plan to dine out—Mdina’s restaurants often feel pretty refined. Sunglasses still come in handy, as winter days can be surprisingly sunny.
Best Activities for the Season
Winter gives you a great chance to wander Mdina’s historic streets and landmarks without the crowds that summer brings.
You can walk along the fortified walls and take in wide views across Malta. The skies feel clearer, and the cool air makes walking pleasant.
The St. Paul’s Cathedral and its museum let you dive into the city’s religious and cultural history. If the weather turns rainy, indoor spots like the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum make for a cozy escape.
Cafés and restaurants tucked inside the city serve warm meals and classic Maltese dishes, so winter feels perfect for food-focused travel. On sunny afternoons, you might still enjoy eating outside, but evenings can get a bit too chilly for that.
Short day trips to nearby Rabat or Valletta are easy from Mdina in winter. The roads stay pretty clear, and you can explore countryside trails around the city, which look greener this time of year thanks to recent rain.
Travel Considerations and Advice
Public transport in Malta runs all year, but you’ll notice buses show up less often in winter than in summer. If you want more freedom, you might just want to rent a car—it’s a lot easier to get between Mdina and other parts of Malta that way.
You’ll get about 9–11 hours of daylight in winter, so it’s smarter to plan your sightseeing earlier. Streets in Mdina stay well lit, though evenings get pretty quiet, and not many shops or attractions bother staying open late.
Winter isn’t peak tourist season, so accommodation prices usually drop and booking a place is much less stressful. Still, you might find some outdoor attractions or seasonal tours just aren’t running.
It’s a good idea to carry some euros in cash, since smaller cafés and shops in Mdina don’t always take cards. People speak English everywhere, so chatting with locals is easy enough.
Honestly, with the mild weather, fewer crowds, and all that history, a winter trip to Mdina feels calm and pretty practical.