Malta in November: A Guide for 2026

November is the month Malta gives back to the people who live here. The summer crowds are long gone, the Christmas visitors haven't arrived, the light turns soft and golden by mid-afternoon, and the sea is still warm enough that locals carry on swimming. If you can choose your dates, it is one of the most underrated months of the year.

In short: expect daytime highs of around 20°C, nights of about 14°C, roughly six hours of sunshine a day and a sea that holds near 21°C. It rains on around ten days in the month, usually in short heavy bursts rather than grey, settled weather. The clocks have already gone back, so the sun sets around five. St Martin's Day falls on 11 November and Valletta's Christmas in the Capital season opens on 25 November.

Malta weather in November, honestly

The first half of November often feels like a mild late October: T-shirt weather at midday in the sun, a light jacket by evening. The second half cools steadily, and the first proper winter storms tend to arrive, with strong north-westerly winds and an afternoon or two of heavy rain. Between them, the days are usually bright, clear and very comfortable for walking.

The averages sit at around 20°C by day and 14°C at night, with about six hours of sunshine and around 70mm of rain spread over roughly ten days (figures from Weather2Travel's Malta climate data). What the numbers don't show is the humidity, which makes a still evening feel milder than the thermometer says and a windy one feel colder. Maltese buildings are built for heat, so indoor warmth matters more than you'd expect: air conditioning in Malta heats as well as cools, and it is worth checking your accommodation has it in every room.

Can you swim in Malta in November?

Yes. The sea cools much more slowly than the air and sits at around 21°C for most of the month, which is warmer than the sea off southern England in August. On calm, sunny days the rocks along the Gzira and Sliema front still have their regulars, and a morning swim followed by coffee is a perfectly normal November routine. On windy days the swell picks up quickly on the exposed coasts, so choose sheltered spots and stay out when the sea is rough. Our guide to the best beaches and swimming spots near Gzira and Sliema covers where to go.

What's on in Malta in November 2026

November is a quieter month on the calendar, which is part of its appeal, but a few dates are worth knowing.

The Three Palaces Festival of classical music runs until 1 November, with concerts in historic palaces. All Saints' Day on 1 November and All Souls' on 2 November are observed in churches and cemeteries across the island; they are religious days rather than public holidays, so shops and restaurants open as usual.

St Martin's Day on 11 November is a small, old autumn custom: children traditionally receive a bag of nuts and seasonal fruit, and the village of Baħrija marks it with its own feast and a country fair.

On 25 November, Valletta's Christmas in the Capital season begins, running until 31 December, with the city's Christmas tree, a nativity crib, street decorations and live performances. The last week of November is when the island starts to sparkle, without yet being busy. For Americans, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 26 November.

What locals actually do in November

Swim on the good days, walk on the cool ones. November is when the countryside starts to turn green again after the summer, and the coastal walks along the Dingli Cliffs, the north-west and Gozo become pleasant at midday for the first time since spring. It is olive and new-wine season, so look for fresh local olive oil in delis and village shops. Restaurants have their tables back and their kitchens' full attention, which makes it a very good month to eat out.

What to pack for Malta in November

Layers. Short sleeves for sunny afternoons, a light knit and a proper jacket for evenings and windy days, and something waterproof for the downpours. Shoes with grip matter: polished limestone streets are slippery when wet. And yes, bring swimwear.

Where to stay in Malta in November

In the cooler months, where you stay matters more than in summer, because you spend more time inside and you want to be close to things when the weather turns. The harbour towns, meaning Valletta, Sliema and Gzira, are the best bases: everything is walkable or a short ferry ride away, and you aren't relying on long bus journeys in the rain. Our guide to where to stay in Malta compares every area in detail.

November is also the start of the best stretch of the year for a longer stay. Rates ease after the autumn, the island is quiet, and a few weeks of mild weather is a good trade against a northern European winter. Our piece on why the off-season is the best season for extended stays explains the case, and Malta in October covers the month before.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Malta in November?

Mild and mostly bright: daytime highs of around 20°C, nights of about 14°C, roughly six hours of sunshine a day and rain on around ten days, usually as short heavy showers. The second half of the month is cooler and windier than the first.

Is Malta warm enough to swim in November?

Yes. The sea stays at around 21°C for most of November, warmer than the sea off the UK in midsummer, and locals keep swimming on calm sunny days. Avoid exposed coasts when it is windy.

Is November a good time to visit Malta?

Yes, especially for walking, sightseeing, eating out and longer stays. It is quiet, mild and good value, with warm sea temperatures. It is not a beach-holiday month, and you should expect a few days of wind and rain.

Planning a few weeks of November sun? Morrison Court is five self-contained apartments in a reimagined 1920s townhouse in Gzira, a few minutes' walk from Sliema and ten minutes from Valletta by ferry, with heating and cooling in every room and space to work, read and slow down.