At A Glance
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December delivers 16°C days, the Valletta Christmas markets through 6 January, an ice rink at the Triton Fountain, and the year’s lowest prices outside Christmas week itself.
- Average daytime high 16°C; lows 11°C; sea 18°C; rain days 12.
- Sunshine 5 hours/day; sunset 16:50; daylight 9h 32m.
- December in Malta is where mild Mediterranean winter meets full Christmas culture. Daytime temperatures hold at 14-17°C, the rains come in short concentrated storms rather than all-day drizzle, and Valletta fills with Christmas markets, an ice rink at the Triton Fountain, and street decorations from the first week onwards.
If you want a properly Mediterranean Christmas without the freeze of northern Europe, December at Aster House is one of the best decisions you can make. The thick limestone walls hold heat well, the projector media room earns its keep, and the Sliema seafront is at its quietest of the year.
Check availabilityStaying in Malta?
Aster House sleeps up to 9, with a rooftop chillout, a 1930s outdoor tub, and a media room with a 2-metre projector screen. 150 metres from the seafront, 5 minutes from the Valletta ferry.
Malta weather in December at a glance
Stat Value Average high 16°C Average low 11°C Sea temperature 18°C Rain days 12 Sunshine hours/day 5 Sunset (mid-month) 16:50 Daylight hours 9h 32m Season Winter December events in Malta
The full Malta Christmas markets guide is here. The main market runs in Pjazza San Gorg in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace from early December through 6 January (Epiphany), with smaller markets in Pjazza Tritoni and along Republic Street, plus an ice rink usually at the Triton Fountain. Republic Day on 13 December brings official ceremonies. Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day (26 December) see most attractions closed. New Year’s Eve in Valletta has free street parties and fireworks at midnight.
Sea temperature and swimming
Sea at 18°C, possible for cold-water swimmers but not most travellers. Not a swim month.
What to wear in Malta in December
Daytime
Light layers, jeans or warm trousers, long-sleeve tops, a jumper.
Evening
A proper jumper or fleece, scarf, light winter coat.
Footwear
Walking trainers, waterproof shoes for storm days.
Extras
Packable raincoat, umbrella, sunglasses, gloves for the windier days.
What to do in Malta in December
- Valletta Christmas markets in Pjazza San Gorg
- Triton Fountain ice rink
- Mdina by Christmas lights at dusk
- St John’s Co-Cathedral for the Christmas decorations and the Caravaggio without queues
- Long Sunday lunches at Marsaxlokk
- New Year’s Eve in Valletta — free street fireworks at midnight
What is open and what is closed
Most major museums stay open through the month, except Christmas Day (closed) and 26 December (reduced hours). Comino ferries are weekend-only or weather-permitting. Sliema, Valletta, and Three Cities restaurants and bars stay open. Many family-run restaurants close 24-26 December. Public transport runs reduced services on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Why December works (and what to know)
The four days of 24-27 December are the closest Malta gets to a quiet shutdown — many family-run restaurants close, public transport runs a skeleton service on the bank holidays, and museums close on Christmas Day. Plan ahead if you are travelling that week.
Where to base yourself
Sliema is your best base in Malta in any month. Central, walkable, on the Valletta ferry line. Aster House sleeps 9 across three super-king ensuite bedrooms with a rooftop chillout, projector media room, and 1930s outdoor tub. Read my full where-to-stay guide.
A Note From Susan
“December at Aster House is the month I most often book myself. The Christmas markets in Valletta are properly atmospheric, the projector media room is the centre of the house in the evenings, and a New Year’s Eve dinner on the rooftop with the Sliema lights below is one of my favourite nights of the year.”
— Susan, Espais Roca founder
More to Explore
- Malta Weather by Month: Complete Climate Guide
- Best Time to Visit Malta: Month-by-Month
- Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas Guide
- What to Do in Malta: My Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is Malta in December?
Average daytime highs of 16°C, with overnight lows of 11°C and sea temperatures around 18°C.
Can you swim in Malta in December?
Sea at 18°C, possible for cold-water swimmers but not most travellers. Not a swim month.
What should I pack for Malta in December?
Light layers, jeans or warm trousers, long-sleeve tops, a jumper. A proper jumper or fleece, scarf, light winter coat.
Is December a good month to visit Malta?
December in Malta is where mild Mediterranean winter meets full Christmas culture. Daytime temperatures hold at 14-17°C, the rains come in short concentrated storms rather than all-day drizzle, and Valletta fills with Christmas markets, an ice rink at the Triton Fountain, and street decorations
What events are on in Malta in December?
The full Malta Christmas markets guide is here. The main market runs in Pjazza San Gorg in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace from early December through 6 January (Epiphany), with smaller
What is the rainfall in Malta in December?
Around 12 rain days on average through the month, with rainfall coming in short concentrated bursts rather than steady drizzle.
Stay at Aster House
Christmas markets, mild winter, and a villa worth coming home to.
Aster House sleeps up to 9 across three ensuite super-king bedrooms, with a rooftop chillout, projector media room, 1930s outdoor tub, and gas BBQ on the terrace. 150 metres from the Sliema seafront.
Check availability
