At A Glance
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February is Carnival month in Malta — 15°C daytime, mild but cool, with Carnival 2026 running 13-17 February and almond blossoms across the countryside.
- Average daytime high 15°C; lows 9°C; sea 15°C; rain days 10.
- Sunshine 6 hours/day; sunset 17:50; daylight 11h 00m.
- Carnival 2026 runs Friday 13 February through Tuesday 17 February.
- Carnival in Nadur is genuinely different from Valletta — older, looser, more transgressive.
- Aster House sits 150 metres from the Sliema seafront, sleeping up to 9 across three super-king ensuite bedrooms.
February brings two distinct halves to Malta. The first two weeks are statistically the coldest stretch of our year, occasionally with a sharp cold snap and strong north-westerly Majjistral wind. The second half is warmer, brighter, and dominated by Carnival — the biggest cultural event of our winter.
If you can plan around Carnival, February is one of the best-value months to come. Hotel rates are still at their winter floor, the museums are quiet, and the almond blossoms are out across the countryside. If you can stay through the long Carnival weekend in Valletta and Nadur, you will see a Malta most tourists never witness.
Staying 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 February at a glance
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Average high | 15°C |
| Average low | 9°C |
| Sea temperature | 15°C |
| Rain days | 10 |
| Sunshine hours/day | 6 |
| Sunset (mid-month) | 17:50 |
| Daylight hours | 11h 00m |
| Season | Winter |
February events in Malta
Carnival 2026 runs Friday 13 February through Tuesday 17 February. Two distinct flavours: Valletta Carnival is the family-friendly daytime defile down Republic Street, with kids’ floats and a traditional procession to the Floriana Granaries. Nadur Carnival on Gozo is the older, satirical, adults-only version — spontaneous, anti-establishment, masks emphasising the macabre. Take the ferry to Cirkewwa and stay overnight in Gozo. The Hamrun Chocolate Festival also typically runs in February.
Sea temperature and swimming
The sea is 15°C — cold-water swimmer territory only. Not a swimming month for most travellers.
What to wear in Malta in February
Daytime
Layers, jeans or warm trousers, a long-sleeve top, and a light jumper for the morning chill that lifts by mid-day.
Evening
A proper jumper, scarf, and light winter coat. The Majjistral wind makes coastal walks raw on the worst days.
Footwear
Walking trainers, waterproof shoes for storm days. Trainers fine for Carnival parades.
Extras
Packable raincoat, umbrella, sunglasses (low winter sun), and a hat or beanie for the cold-snap stretches.
What to do in Malta in February
- Carnival 2026 in Valletta and Nadur (13-17 February)
- The almond-blossom drives through Mgarr, Bahrija, and the Dingli countryside
- Mdina, the State Rooms, the Caravaggio — all without queues
- The Hamrun Chocolate Festival, mid-February
- Sunday lunch at Marsaxlokk, then the harbour market
- Birgu and the Three Cities for atmospheric evening walks
What is open and what is closed
All the major museums and Valletta restaurants stay open. Comino ferries are weekend-only or weather-permitting. Sliema, Valletta, and the Three Cities all running normally. Beach lidos closed. Mellieha and Bugibba seasonal restaurants mostly closed. Public buses run on winter timetable.
Why February works (and what to know)
Carnival in Nadur is genuinely different from Valletta — older, looser, more transgressive. Worth the overnight ferry trip. Book Gozo accommodation early; locals fill it.
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
“I always tell first-time February guests to go to Nadur for one of the Carnival nights. It is the older, stranger, more-Maltese version — satirical costumes, dark masks, the whole village turning out in the streets. Family-friendly Valletta is wonderful too, but Nadur is the one you talk about for years.”
— 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 February?
Average daytime highs of 15°C, with overnight lows of 9°C and sea temperatures around 15°C.
Can you swim in Malta in February?
The sea is 15°C — cold-water swimmer territory only. Not a swimming month for most travellers.
What should I pack for Malta in February?
Layers, jeans or warm trousers, a long-sleeve top, and a light jumper for the morning chill that lifts by mid-day. A proper jumper, scarf, and light winter coat. The Majjistral wind makes coastal walks raw on the worst days.
Is February a good month to visit Malta?
February brings two distinct halves to Malta. The first two weeks are statistically the coldest stretch of our year, occasionally with a sharp cold snap and strong north-westerly Majjistral wind. The second half is warmer, brighter, and dominated by Carnival — the biggest cultural event of our
What events are on in Malta in February?
Carnival 2026 runs Friday 13 February through Tuesday 17 February. Two distinct flavours: Valletta Carnival is the family-friendly daytime defile down Republic Street, with kids’ floats and a traditional procession to the Floriana Granaries. Nadur Carnival on Gozo is the older, satirical, adults-onl
What is the rainfall in Malta in February?
Around 10 rain days on average through the month, with rainfall coming in short concentrated bursts rather than steady drizzle.
Stay at Aster House
Carnival weekend. 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