After visiting Malta during the month of March myself as a birthday getaway, I can genuinely tell you that spring is a great time to explore this beautiful island, despite some occasional windy conditions.
March offers a blend of cool yet pleasant weather and fewer tourists, which is ideal for sightseeing. So keep reading because I’m about to share my top picks and personal tips on making the most of your Maltese adventure in spring!
Pros and cons of visiting Malta in March
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – less crowds than in high season | – you can’t swim in the sea |
| – it’s generally cheaper | – less activities to do |
| – pleasant weather for sightseeing | – it can be windy |
| – it’s warmer than in other parts of Europe |
Best things to do in Malta in March
01. Explore Valletta
Valletta is Malta’s tiny capital city, but don’t let its small size fool you – it has a rich history and plenty of charm and character.
One of the first things you’ll notice as you walk along the streets of Valletta is the colorful Maltese balconies that adorn the facades of most buildings. They’re called gallariji and not only do they serve an aesthetic purpose, but they’re also functional, providing shade and privacy.
A tip for photography enthusiasts: the building with red balconies, located close to Victoria Gate, is one of the most photogenic spots in Valletta.
No visit to Valletta is complete without a stop at the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. These public gardens not only offer a small break from the hustle and bustle of the city, but they’re also free to visit and both have incredible views of the Three Cities across the bay.
I would suggest getting to the Upper Barraka Gardens around either noon or 4 PM as this is when the firing of the cannons takes place on the Saluting Battery below.
The tradition takes place Monday to Saturday and it’s one of the main reasons why Valletta is worth a visit, so make sure not to miss it.
For a small donation, visitors can witness the firing up close, from the terrace and learn about the tradition and mechanics of the cannons. However, in my opinion, the view is better from the gardens and you can still donate if you wish to.
Lastly, the rich spiritual history of Valletta shines through at places like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Victory. You can also pay your respects at the Siege Bell War Memorial, a testament to Malta’s resilience during World War II.
02. Visit The Three Cities
Located across the water from Valletta, the Three Cities – Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) – offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture, as well as a convincing reason why Malta is worth a visit.
Birgu, the smallest of the three is known for its picturesque waterfront, historic buildings, and great views of Valletta.
You can spend a few hours exploring the picturesque streets and checking out its top sights which include Fort Sant Angelo, Inquisitor’s Palace, and Victory Square. Out of the three cities, I consider Birgu to be the most beautiful, so if you’re short on time, my suggestion is to prioritize it over the others.
Across the water from Birgu, you’ll find Senglea which offers amazing views of Valletta’s waterfront as well. They are best enjoyed from the Gardjola Gardens, located at the tip of the peninsula. Other must-see sights include the Main Gate and St. Julian’s Church.
Sandwiched between its two coastal siblings, Cospicua lies nestled further inland. Some of its attractions include the fortified walls (Cottonera Lines), Notre Dame Gate, and St. Helen’s Gate.
How to get to the Three Cities from Valletta
The most convenient and quick way to reach the Three Cities from Valletta is by taking a boat trip or ferry across the bay (though you can also travel there by bus).
To access the waterfront, I suggest taking the Barrakka Lift down from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s just 1 EUR per ride, but it will save you quite a bit of time and effort.
The ferry runs every half hour between Valletta and Cospicua and it’s 1.50 EUR per ride or 2.80 EUR for a return trip. Tickets can be purchased onboard and both cash and card payments are accepted.
03. Mdina
Often referred to as the ‘Silent City’, Mdina is Malta’s medieval jewel, perched atop a hill with views that seem to stretch on forever.
You can stroll through the narrow alleyways, take in the scenery from the Malta observation deck, and pause for a coffee or a bite at one of the restaurants located in Pjazza Mesquita.
Fans of the Game of Thrones TV show will recognize both the square and the Main Gate from the popular TV show.
04. Discover Rabat
Adjacent to Mdina lies Rabat, a city equally rich in history but with its own unique tales to tell. While Mdina has historic palazzos and medieval streets, Rabat is home to catacombs and caverns, narrating stories of early Christianity on the island.
The St. Paul’s Catacombs are a fascinating incursion into the past as the underground tunnels and chambers date back to Roman times.
Named after Saint Paul, who is believed to have shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD, they were used for burial by early Christians. Word of warning though: if you’re claustrophobic, you might want to skip visiting the catacombs (you can see from the picture above how tight the space is inside).
Other highlights worth mentioning in Rabat are the Howard Gardens, St. Paul Church, and St. Dominic’s Priory.
05. Feel like a kid at Popeye’s Village
Originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical production Popeye, featuring Robin Williams as the spinach-loving sailor, Popeye’s Village has now been transformed into a popular tourist attraction that entertains children and adults alike.
Visitors can explore the colorful houses, snap photos, and participate in various activities. You can purchase the tickets either online or on-site.
I also recommend taking a stroll to the nearby Popeye Village Viewpoint, for an incredible panoramic view of the bay and the village. But be very careful where you step, as there’s a risk for the rock floor to cave in that area.
To reach Popeye’s Village, take bus 42 (B6) or 44 (B7) and bus 101. The journey takes in total approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Also, make sure you waive bus 101 down, otherwise, you might have the unpleasant surprise that it won’t stop to pick you up.
Had that happened to us and we ended up hailing an Uber since on this route, the buses are not very frequent.
06. Admire the views from the Dingli Cliffs
One of Malta’s natural wonders, the Dingli Cliffs offers a breathtaking vantage point, overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Rising dramatically above sea level, these cliffs are the ideal spot from which you can watch the sunset. If you’re traveling from Rabat, hop on bus 201: it’s a quick 11-minute journey that takes you directly to the Dingli Cliffs (get off at ‘Maddalena’ stop).
07. Explore Gozo
Gozo, the second-largest island after Malta itself, is both a popular destination for day-trippers and a great getaway for longer stays.
It has beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and a variety of interesting sights such as Ta’ Pinu Basilica, Marsalforn salt pans, and the Ggantija megalithic temple complex.
However, if you opt to visit Gozo as a day trip from other parts of Malta, you should be aware that unless you’re booking a tour or using the Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus, you won’t be able to see anything else apart from Victoria, the capital city.
How’s the weather in Malta during March?
I found Malta’s weather to be quite pleasant in March, though it got pretty windy at times.
Daytime sees an average high of around 17-18 ºC (62.6 – 64.4 °F) and trust me, when the sun shines down and there’s no breeze, it feels quite warm. However, if you’re thinking of a dip in the ocean, you might want to reconsider. The sea temperature hovers around 15 -16 °C (59 – 60.8 °F) during this month – a bit too chilly for most people.
As far as rainfall goes, March sees about 9 days of it on average. While the skies can be quite cloudy occasionally, the silver lining is that any rain showers are typically light and fleeting, not lingering long enough to impede your travel plans.
What to pack if you’re visiting Malta in March?
Packing for traveling to Malta in March calls for a mix of layers that will cater to its mainly warm, but occasionally breezy weather.
Bring some lightweight, breathable clothing for the daytime, when it’s sunny outside. But given the wind’s potential chill, it’s also wise to pack a light jacket or a cozy cardigan. A sturdy pair of walking shoes is also a must.
If you love wearing dresses and skirts, know it’s totally doable as that’s exactly what I wore. However, I’d recommend going for materials that will keep you warm, so not summer dresses. A pair of thick leggings will also help tremendously. I especially love those that look like they’re transparent, but they actually have two layers.
Festivals & holidays
Feast of Saint Joseph
Mid-March brings along the Feast of Saint Joseph which is officially set on the 19th (though some churches will push its celebration to summer).
Primarily centered in the towns of Rabat and Mdina, this festivity honors Saint Joseph. In Rabat, you can even witness a vibrant procession marching through the streets in the evening, carrying the statue of the Saint.
Freedom Day
Another significant day in Malta’s March calendar is Freedom Day, celebrated annually on the 31st.
While Malta had already marked its Independence years prior, this day holds particular importance as it commemorates the departure of the remaining British Forces and Royal Navy from the island, back in 1979. To honor this important chapter in Malta’s history, various ceremonies are organized across the island.
Where to stay in Malta?
Since March in Malta doesn’t quite equal beach weather, setting up camp in a beachside resort town is not the best choice, though it can be cheaper since it’s out of season. Still, I recommend staying in Valletta, especially if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing via public transportation.
Given the fact that driving in Malta is done on the left side of the road, relying on local buses for visiting can be a more comfortable option for most people. Valletta is the starting point for many routes, making it a good base for exploring the rest of the island.
If you’re longing to do some hiking and other outdoor activities, consider allocating a few days for Gozo as well.
Other things to know
Is Malta warm in March?
Malta’s weather is fairly warm in March, but it can get quite windy at times, so make sure you pack a jacket.
Can you sunbathe in Malta in March?
While you can sunbathe in Malta in March, you’ll probably still want to stay away from the water, as the sea temperature is still too low for comfortable swimming.
Is it warm enough to swim in Malta in March?
In March, the sea temperature typically ranges from 15 to 16 °C (59 – 60.8 °F), which is generally too cold for swimming by most people.
Is Malta busy in March?
March is typically considered an off-season month in Malta, meaning that you are unlikely to encounter big crowds during this time.
To wrap it up, March is a great time to explore Malta, as you’ll avoid both the heat and crowds of the peak tourist season.
And if you’re eager to discover more about what the island has to offer, don’t miss out on my detailed 4 days in Malta itinerary, which doesn’t require renting a car or my guide for spending a weekend in Malta.
