At A Glance
May is the connoisseur’s month: 23°C days, sea warming to 18-20°C, almost no rain, low crowds, and shoulder-season prices — the best price-to-weather ratio of the year.
- Average daytime high 23°C; lows 16°C; sea 18°C; rain days 3.
- Sunshine 10 hours/day; sunset 20:00; daylight 14h 00m.
- The Strawberry Festival in Mgarr typically falls on the first Sunday of May.
- May has the longest sunlight-to-rainfall ratio of any month in Malta — 10 hours of sun a day on average and only 3 rain days.
- Aster House sits 150 metres from the Sliema seafront, sleeping up to 9 across three super-king ensuite bedrooms.
If you ask me my favourite shoulder-season month, May wins almost every year. The weather is properly Mediterranean — 23-25°C, almost no rain, long days — the sea is warming fast, and the crowds and prices are still well below the August peak. Many of my repeat guests at Aster House book May on rotation and never look back.
May is also the month when the bougainvillea climbing the front of Aster House comes fully into bloom, the rooftop terrace becomes the centre of the house again, and the sea breeze along the Sliema Strand is exactly the right temperature for the early-evening passeggiata.
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 May at a glance
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Average high | 23°C |
| Average low | 16°C |
| Sea temperature | 18°C |
| Rain days | 3 |
| Sunshine hours/day | 10 |
| Sunset (mid-month) | 20:00 |
| Daylight hours | 14h 00m |
| Season | Spring |
Planning a spring trip? Aster House sleeps 9 in central Sliema, ideal for spring family or group trips before the summer crowds arrive.
May events in Malta
The Strawberry Festival in Mgarr typically falls on the first Sunday of May. Workers’ Day on 1 May is a national holiday. The Malta International Fireworks Festival traditionally lights up the Grand Harbour in late April or early May, depending on the year — check the date closer to your trip. Late May also brings the start of festa season in the smaller villages.
Sea temperature and swimming
Sea warming from 18°C at the start of the month to 20°C by the end. Locals start swimming around mid-May; visitors from cooler climates are usually swimming from early in the month.
What to wear in Malta in May
Daytime
Light cottons, linen, T-shirts, swimsuit underneath. A light layer for mornings is sometimes useful through the first week.
Evening
A light cardigan or denim jacket for after-dark dinners, particularly along the Sliema seafront where the breeze is cooler.
Footwear
Sandals, trainers, one pair of comfortable shoes for longer walks. Skip closed shoes for the beach.
Extras
Sunscreen SPF 30+, sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuit (you will want at least two).
What to do in Malta in May
- Comino and the Blue Lagoon — warm enough to swim, far less crowded than July
- Hike the Dingli Cliffs and Buskett Gardens before the heat takes hold
- Mdina at sunset
- The Strawberry Festival in Mgarr (first Sunday of May)
- Long lunches on the Sliema seafront
- Gozo for a 2-3 night side trip — Cittadella, Ramla Bay, Ta’ Cenc
What is open and what is closed
All beach lidos open from the start of May. Comino on full daily ferry service. Hop-on hop-off buses on summer hours. Restaurants in Mellieha and Bugibba reopening through the month. All museums on summer hours.
Why May works (and what to know)
May has the longest sunlight-to-rainfall ratio of any month in Malta — 10 hours of sun a day on average and only 3 rain days. If you want one shot at the perfect Mediterranean week, take May.
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
“May is when Aster House looks the way it was meant to look. The bougainvillea over the front door is in full flower, the rooftop is open all day, and the sea is just warm enough for a late-afternoon swim before dinner. If you are coming once a year, May is the bet I would make.”
— 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 May?
Average daytime highs of 23°C, with overnight lows of 16°C and sea temperatures around 18°C.
Can you swim in Malta in May?
Sea warming from 18°C at the start of the month to 20°C by the end. Locals start swimming around mid-May; visitors from cooler climates are usually swimming from early in the month.
What should I pack for Malta in May?
Light cottons, linen, T-shirts, swimsuit underneath. A light layer for mornings is sometimes useful through the first week. A light cardigan or denim jacket for after-dark dinners, particularly along the Sliema seafront where the breeze is cooler.
Is May a good month to visit Malta?
If you ask me my favourite shoulder-season month, May wins almost every year. The weather is properly Mediterranean — 23-25°C, almost no rain, long days — the sea is warming fast, and the crowds and prices are still well below the August peak. Many of my repeat guests at Aster House
What events are on in Malta in May?
The Strawberry Festival in Mgarr typically falls on the first Sunday of May. Workers’ Day on 1 May is a national holiday. The Malta International Fireworks Festival traditionally lights up the Grand Harbour in late April or early May, depending on the year — check the date closer to your trip.
What is the rainfall in Malta in May?
Around 3 rain days on average through the month, with rainfall coming in short concentrated bursts rather than steady drizzle.
Stay at Aster House
The Mediterranean’s perfect month.
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
Susan
Susan is the host of Aster House and a founder of Espais Roca, a small collection of heritage homes lovingly restored across Malta, Portugal and the UK. She lives near the villa, welcomes most guests personally, and is on hand by message or phone during every stay.
Read more about Susan and Aster House →