Malta in October

Want to travel to Malta but still undecided about the timing? In terms of temperature, tourist crowds, and budget, autumn is a fantastic season to discover the Mediterranean archipelago With beaches, archaeological sites, museums, and cities, a wonderful experience awaits you... If you want to ensure you make the right decision, this guide provides everything you need to know about a stay in Malta in October!

For those looking for a getaway away from the crowds, Malta is undoubtedly the ideal destination for an October trip! This season has lower attendance, allowing you to enjoy this Mediterranean archipelago in peace. Obviously, I strongly recommend visiting the main island of Malta and adding other iconic destinations like Comino and Gozo!

Malta in October offers optimal weather conditions for a maximum of activities. The temperatures are pleasant, which is a great advantage for exploring Valletta on foot, enjoying strolls by the Mediterranean, and admiring Maltese architecture. If you have enough time, visit spots like Marsaxlokk and Mdina, two charming gems ✨

In terms of budget, those on a tight budget can actually enjoy themselves. Most tourists prefer to visit Malta in summer during the high tourist season. When autumn arrives, many travelers pack their bags, resulting in more affordable rates for flights and accommodation.

The Maltese archipelago enjoys a Mediterranean climate. This means pleasant temperatures year-round, ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius, with an average of 25 degrees. While some months vary, such as the summer season, it's safe to say you can easily visit Malta year-round!

In October, you will experience declining summer-like temperatures. After the intense summer heat, the arrival of autumn in Malta brings temperatures averaging around 25 degrees, with a slight chill at night. If you plan to enjoy the Maltese nightlife, expect nighttime temperatures between 17 and 20 degrees, which is quite reasonable.

Days are sunny, temperatures are warm and pleasant, tourist attendance is lower, and rainfall is relatively low. You can still largely enjoy the beaches, even for swimming, engage in water activities like diving, or take a few hours' walk along the waterfront

How to start a stay in Malta? The best thing to do is to take your time exploring Valletta, the capital of the main island. Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, this city boasts an immense architectural, historical, and cultural heritage through its buildings and alleyways.

At the heart of the city stands the iconic St. John's Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architectural style with an austere façade. But don't be fooled, its interior houses opulent decorations with frescoes, marble flooring, tombstones of knights, and richly adorned walls. You will also see 8 different chapels, paintings by Mattia Preti on the ceiling, and the Beheading of St. John the Baptist painting.

As you continue your visit in Valletta, you will certainly notice its imposing fortifications built by the knights to defend the island. The ramparts offer breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, one of the largest and most beautiful natural harbors in Europe. Of course, the National Archaeology Museum, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Maritime Museum of Malta are must-visits

To ensure you don't miss anything in the capital, I highly recommend joining the guided walking tour of Valletta Accompanied by a local guide, you will stroll through the city for about 2 hours and 30 minutes for only €20 per person.

Continue your exploration of Malta by discovering the Three Cities. They are also known as Cottonera and consist of a collection of historic cities located on the eastern coast of the island. These cities include Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, all surrounded by impressive fortifications

The historical significance of the Three Cities of Malta lies in their crucial role during the time of the Knights of St. John. They were a stronghold against attacks from the Ottomans and many other enemies, and all three have withstood several sieges over the centuries. You can visit them on a 4-hour tour with a certified guide who will teach you more about their history and even take a quick ride on a Frejgatina (traditional Maltese boat) during your visit to Vittoriosa, all for just €39!

Each of the Three Cities has its own charm and character:

Nicknamed the Silent City, Mdina is a beautiful medieval city perched atop a hill that is a must-visit. Take advantage of your stay in Malta in October to explore its fortified walls dating back to the medieval period. It is also the least populated city in Malta with only 300 residents!

Founded by the Phoenicians over 4,000 years ago, Mdina has been occupied by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Romans, Arabs, and the Knights of St. John. Strolling through its streets, you will uncover its history through its churches, palaces, and ancient buildings.

Among the sights to see in Mdina is St. Paul's Cathedral with its richly adorned interior of marble, frescoes, and multiple chapels. The Cathedral Museum is also essential to learn more about the history of this religious building. Continue your walk by admiring the architecture of the Mdina Gate (Vilhena Gate), Piazza Mesquita, and the Carmelite Convent.

Depending on the weather and your desires, enjoy the tranquility of October by joining a guided tour of Mdina that includes round-trip transportation and lunch. This excursion includes visits to the St. Cataldus Catacombs, St. Mary's Rotunda, St. Anthony's Botanical Garden, and the Ta' Qali crafts village, all for about €67 per person

The second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo is a must-visit destination! Although smaller than the main island, Gozo is full of charm and history. It is famous for its spectacular landscapes, pristine sandy beaches, and remarkable archaeological sites

Once you arrive, what to do in Gozo? Well, start by discovering Victoria, the capital, also known as Rabat (not to be confused with the Moroccan city). Here you can find a lovely medieval citadel surrounded by fortified walls offering stunning panoramic views of the entire island.

Among the must-do activities, you can head to the Azure Window site, a natural limestone arch overlooking the sea that unfortunately was engulfed by the waters in 2017

The megalithic temples of Ggantija, dating back over 5,000 years, are among the oldest religious monuments in the world! I also recommend visiting the Gozo Archaeology Museum for its historical stone sculptures and the Dar Storika tal-Gran Kastell Folklore Museum.

In addition, enjoy the beautiful temperatures in Malta in October to visit Comino! This island located between Malta and Gozo offers a more rural landscape and an authentic atmosphere. Not very large, it spans an area of 3.5 square kilometers and is mainly renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters ✨

One of the most popular attractions in Comino is the Blue Lagoon, a site located between the island of Comino and the small islet of Cominotto, a visit not to be missed! Highly preserved, the Blue Lagoon of Malta boasts stretches of white sand and turquoise waters worthy of the Caribbean... It's the perfect spot for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing in the sun

Despite its small size, Comino also hosts some interesting historical sites like St. Mary's Tower, or Comino Tower, built in the 17th century to protect the island from invasions. The view from its top is simply stunning! Unlike the islands of Malta and Gozo, Comino offers a more laid-back and relaxed experience if you're looking for a getaway.

Tip: To make things easier, join an excursion to Gozo and Comino! ⛴️ This will allow you to discover the Blue Lagoon and the must-visit places on these islands for only €25 per person.

With the low tourist attendance, October is the perfect time to discover temples peacefully, away from tourist crowds. The island has several, including temples dating back over 5,000 years! They are among the oldest structures in the world, even older than those of Egypt

Malta has no less than 17 megalithic temples, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among the most popular are the Tarxien Temples, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra, which showcase exceptional architecture.

If you are a history enthusiast, I recommend this excursion to the temples of Malta, which lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes, with transportation and entrance fees included, and you can discover these unique places with a guide who will teach you even more about their history. If you're interested, you'll find the complete description of this activity below; budget around €50 per adult.

Depending on the length of your trip to Malta, why not see Marsaxlokk? This charming fishing village is located on the southeastern coast of the island and offers a truly authentic experience. Here you will discover traditional Maltese life and colorful boats known as "luzzus" adorned with eyes

The must-do thing in Marsaxlokk is its fish market It attracts visitors from all over the archipelago who come to enjoy the quality of seafood and other products available here. The market takes place every Sunday at dawn and is renowned for offering the best prices in Malta!

Being away from the hustle and bustle of tourist cities, it is clear that Marsaxlokk is the perfect destination for a peaceful getaway. The alleys are filled with small cafes and typical restaurants

A must-see, the Mdina Grand Prix is a prestigious automotive event held annually in October in Malta. It features a collection of classic and collectible cars, with the opportunity to race in the streets of the Silent City.

If you are traveling to Malta in October, you will have the chance to see various categories of cars, ranging from sports cars to models from the 1920s-30s. In addition, there will be plenty of car exhibitions and parades to mark the occasion, so don't miss this celebration!

In Malta in October, the Birgu Fest celebrates the history and culture of the nation with outdoor concerts, culinary tastings, and various theatrical performances.

On-site, you can see hundreds of men dressed in costumes reminiscent of the Knights of Malta. Fort Saint Angelo and the bastions are also open to the public, allowing visitors to explore these historical sites

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is an annual boat race organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club. The 2025 edition will be held on October 18. Participants depart from the Grand Harbour and take a grand tour offshore before returning to port.

The distance covered is approximately 606 nautical miles. The vessels pass notably by Stromboli, Lampedusa, and Pantelleria. The year 2025 marks the 46th edition of this sailing race, and the awards ceremony will take place on October 25, 2025. If you want to watch the boats depart, I suggest you arrive early at the port, as it can get quite crowded!

If you're looking for a place to stay in Malta, I recommend reading my very comprehensive article Otherwise, in addition, I'll take this opportunity to suggest three superb establishments available in Malta:

The Sally Port Suites features a fantastic location and boasts a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Located at the entrance of Valletta, the hotel offers elegant, modern, and well-equipped studios for €180 per night in October.

The Paulos Valletta is situated in the center of Valletta, just 300 meters from the Upper Barracca Gardens. It offers comfortable and fully equipped self-catering accommodations starting at €148 per night in October, breakfast included. The establishment itself is housed in a historic building with stunning architecture!

Located about 400 meters from the center of Valletta, the Osborne Hotel features a lovely outdoor pool and comfortable rooms starting at €261 per night in October. The establishment is a 5-minute walk from the cavalier and St. John's Co-Cathedral! You will enjoy a warm and friendly welcome

The most common and fastest way to get to Malta is by plane ✈️ From the United States, you will easily find flights to Luqa Airport with airlines such as Air Malta and Air France. Departing from New York, for example, plan for a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and around €150 for a round trip.

If you have a modest budget, be sure to check for available flights through low-cost airlines like Ryanair. They offer cheaper flights from New York's airports. Once you arrive at your destination, Valletta is located just 8 km north of Malta Airport, making it very quick. To find your flight at the best price, consider using a comparison platform; I often use Ulysse ✈️

If you want greater freedom of movement during your vacation in Malta in October, you can opt for a car rental. Of course, if you're only planning a short stay exclusively in Valletta, it may not be necessary, but if you want to see other cities on the island (and they are worth it), renting your own vehicle can be interesting

Personally, I use the comparison platform DiscoverCars a lot because I find them cheaper than the competition and the interface is clear, so I can quickly compare offers for different cars and find the vehicle that suits me best and at a very low price! Indeed, if you book a bit in advance, you can find initial offers starting from €5 for a daily rental!

That's all for this article about visiting Malta in October! So? Did I manage to convince you to travel there during this time of year? If you have any remaining questions, feel free to ask them in the comments. Until then, see you soon for a new article