Planning a trip to Malta in July? Well, I’ll be straight with you:
It’s possibly the worst time to visit the island.
Malta is stupidly hot and crowded in July, and you’ll likely spend hours cooling off under the AC.
However, I understand that not everyone has the flexibility to visit Malta during cooler and quieter months. If you have children, July is likely the only time you can travel together.
So, I won’t tell you to avoid Malta in July (I do that in plenty other posts). Instead, I’ve put together a guide to help you make your holiday as pleasant as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Malta in July.
Table of Contents
July weather in Malta
There’s only one word to describe the weather in Malta in July: scorching.
Expect temperatures of more than 30 degrees. On some days, it will feel like 40 degrees or higher.
Nights don’t bring any respite. They’re warm and humid, and you will struggle to sleep unless you’ve got a powerful fan or AC in your room.
It almost never rains in Malta in July, so if you’re visiting for the sunshine, you can rest assured that you will get plenty of it.
Where to stay in Malta in July
Well, if you’re visiting for the beaches, you’ll want to choose a place by the sea. This will also make those balmy evenings more bearable.
I recommend staying in St. Paul’s Bay.
Disclaimer: It’s my hometown, so I may be a bit biased.
St. Paul’s Bay is a large peninsula which incorporates the traditional fishing village of St. Paul’s Bay, and the tourist areas of Bugibba and Qawra.
It has a long promenade, with a mostly rocky coastline. However, there are some lovely little swimming spots, including perched beaches in the heart of Bugibba.
The area is teeming with hotels and guesthouses, so you should be able to find suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.
From the Bugibba Bus Terminus, you can get a bus to popular attractions including Mdina, Valletta, Mosta, Ghadira Bay, and Golden Bay.
St. Paul’s Bay is a very multicultural area, and you’ll find a huge array of restaurants that specialize in different cuisines, including Indian, Balkan, Chinese, Italian, Nepalese, Turkish, and South American.
Best things to do in Malta in July
There are plenty of things to do in Malta in summer, besides hitting the beach. July is a particularly eventful month, with several festivals and celebrations taking place around the island.
Here are my top recommendations.
1. Visit Mdina before 9am
Mdina is one of the most popular attractions in Malta, and it’s packed with tourists all year round. While it’s nicknamed ‘The Silent City’, it can get quite noisy in the peak of summer.
In July, you’ll want to get to this old citadel before 9am. This way, you can explore its quaint alleys without the crowds.
Most places in Mdina open at 9am or 10am, so after you’ve walked through the city, you can visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, Casa Gourgion, Palazzo Falson, the Roman Villa, and other attractions.
Then, you can grab a cold drink or an ice-cream, and sit under the shade of a tree in Howard Gardens, just outside Mdina.
If you feel up for it, walk into neighbouring Rabat and visit St. Paul’s Catacombs. This burial site was used during Punic, Roman and Byzantine times.
Besides learning about early Christianity in Malta, you’ll get some much needed shelter from the July heat.
2. Go to a village festa
Every parish in Malta has a feast dedicated to its patron saint. Most of these village festas are celebrated in summer.
They’re characterised by lively marching bands and processions, spectacular fireworks, and colourful street decorations.
Popular feasts in July include:
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta
- St. Paul, Rabat
- St. George, Victoria (Gozo)
- Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Sliema
There’s at least one feast every weekend, so just see what’s on (and where) and take your pick!
If you’re staying in St. Paul’s Bay, the village feast is on the last weekend of July.
3. Seek respite at Ghar Dalam
Located in Birzebbuga, Ghar Dalam is a 144-metre long cave, and the oldest prehistoric site in Malta.
Hundreds of animal bones were found here, belonging to animals that were once native to Malta, including deer, pygmy elephants, and hippos.
The cave is also home to the earliest evidence of human presence in Malta.
You’ll start your tour at the site museum, which houses thousands of ancient bones in Victorian-style displays.
Then, you can walk down to the cave, where you can learn more about its formation and the five layers that were excavated.
If you’re visiting with kids, they will likely find it fascinating.
After Ghar Dalam, you can head to the centre of Birzebbuga and enjoy a swim in Pretty Bay.
4. Book a tour of the Hypogeum (well in advance)
The Hypogeum is an underground burial complex that dates as far back as 4,000 BC.
It consists of chambers and passages, hewn out of limestone, and goes down three levels. Many objects were found here, including figurines, carved animals, and human bones.
The Hypogeum has a daily cap on visitors and tours get fully booked very quickly. So, if you’re visiting Malta in July, you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance.
5. Take a boat trip (but not to Blue Lagoon)
Malta is actually an archipelago, consisting of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. So, as you can probably imagine, boat trips are a popular activity.
Tourists flock to Comino in the summer monthly, mainly to have a dip in the crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon.
However, this bay is not as idyllic as portrayed on TikTok and Instagram. In fact, it gets so overcrowded that the Maltese government will be introducing a cap on visitors in summer 2025.
Instead of a trip to Blue Lagoon, you might want to opt for a small boat tour that takes you around Comino and parts of Gozo, showing you secret caves and spectacular cliffsides.
6. Try local beers at the Farsons Beer Festival
Summer is a festive time in Malta, and many annual events are held in July. This includes the Farsons Beer Festival, which takes places in Ta’ Qali National Park.
At this outdoor festival, you get the opportunity to try some local brews and foods. There’s also live entertainment by Maltese bands and singers.
7. Spend an evening in Birgu
Birgu is one of my favourite places in Malta. While it’s not as popular as Valletta and Mdina, it has a rich history and it’s home to significant buildings like Fort St. Angelo and The Inquisitor’s Palace.
However, exploring Birgu on a hot July day can be a little challenging, which is why I suggest visiting in the evening.
You could enjoy a refreshing drink and a nice meal at one of the restaurants along the waterfront.
Mykonos serves some lovely Greek dishes, and you get to enjoy beautiful views of the Isla bastions on the other side of the marina.
Birgu is also very atmospheric at night. You could explore its quiet streets, lined with traditional Maltese houses, and stop for a drink at one of the little wine bars.
Café Riche is a local favourite. It’s been around since the 1930s and has a gorgeous courtyards with vines and bougainvillea.
8. Explore the museums in Valletta
Of course, a trip to Valletta is a must. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Baroque churches and palaces, and well-preserved fortifications.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the city’s star attraction, with daily long queues at the entrance. You’ll want to get there before 9am and take your time exploring this architectural gem.
The cathedral houses two masterpieces by Caravaggio: The Beheading of St. John the Baptist and Saint Jerome Writing.
For an additional fee, you can go a guided tour of the belfry and clock tower.
Other attractions in Valletta include the National Museum of Archaeology, which is housed in the stunning Auberge de Provence, and Fort St. Elmo, which walks you through island’s military history with interactive displays.
Visiting museums in Valletta is not only a great way to avoid the sun, but it also offers an immersion into the rich cultural heritage of Malta.
9. Jazz things up at the Malta Jazz Festival
Jazz fan? Well, then you must visit Malta for the annual jazz festival held in July.
Local and international artists grace the stage on the Valletta waterfront, bringing the place to life under starry skies.
Dates vary from year to year, so you’ll want to check the festival page for more details.
10. See the prehistoric temples
You might be surprised to learn this, but Malta is home to some of the oldest standing structures in the world.
The Ggantija Temples in Gozo are older than the pyramids in Egypt, dating back to 3600 BC.
Several other ancient sites dot the islands, including the popular Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, which are also over 5,000 years old.
The temples are located in rural areas, exposed to harsh elements including the brutal July sun. You’ll want to get there early (Hagar Qim and Mnajdra open at 9am) for a more enjoyable visit.
Where to go swimming in Malta in July
When you visit Malta in July, you will likely want to spend a day on the beach. The coastline is mostly rocky, with only a handful of natural sandy areas.
Here are the most beautiful beaches in Malta:
- Ghadira Bay (Mellieha). It’s super popular among locals, so get there early for a decent spot. This is a very child-friendly beach due to to the shallow water.
- Golden Bay and Riviera Bay (Ghajn Tuffieha). These neighbouring beaches are also very popular, but you’ll want to be a little careful when swimming here due to frequent currents.
- Paradise Bay (Mellieha). This is a bit smaller than most other sandy beaches, but it’s also a little quieter and has very clear water.
- Gnejna Bay (Mgarr). A cosy sandy beach, surrounded by beautiful slopes and bout houses dug into the rock.
In Gozo, there are Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay, which are known for their golden sand.
Things to know about visiting Malta in July
As you have probably gathered, Malta is hot and crowded in July (I think I’ve mentioned it often enough).
However, here are some other things you need to know about visiting Malta in summer:
- Parking is a huge problem. If you’re renting a car in Malta, you’ll likely struggle to find vacant parking spaces at popular beaches like Golden Bay, or when attending festivals and other events.
- There are cockroaches everywhere. Yep, they flourish and multiply in the hot summer months.
- Expect loud bangs at night. As mentioned earlier, summer is festa season in Malta, so there are fireworks almost every day.
You might think I’m being a little negative, so here are some good things about visiting Malta in July:
- Every day is a gorgeous beach day.
- You can try some delicious summer fruits, like watermelon, peaches, prickly pears, and mulberries.
- It’s a great time to experience local culture.
And if you just want to lie in the sun and sip cocktails, you’ll love Malta in July.
What to pack for Malta in July
Well, for starters, you’ll want to pack the lightest and most breathable clothes you own.
Forget about wearing jeans or sweatpants. Bring some shorts, skirts, and plenty of tops and t-shirts.
Here are a few more essential things to pack for Malta in July.
High-protection sun cream
You will undoubtedly need to apply some powerful sun cream while you’re in Malta. Even if you’re in the sea or sitting in the sage, the Maltese sun will still find you.
I would opt for a household brand like Nivea Sun. The Protect & Moisture sun spray SPF 50+ offers immediate protection.
Sand-free beach towels
You’re likely looking forward to hitting the beach, but not dealing with all the grains of sand that stick to your body and find their way into your bag.
A sand-free towel by Dock & Bay will help keep your stuff as clean as possible. There are various colours to choose from, and the towels come with a compact travel pouch.
Mosquito spray
Yeah, I forgot to tell you about the mosquitos. They rival the cockroaches in population, especially in summer.
This repellent by Jungle Formula offers protection for up to 9 hours. It’s suitable for adults and children over 12 years.
Anti-theft day bag
Another essential for Malta in July is a secure day bag. Pickpocketing is not uncommon in crowded places, so you’ll want to keep your belongings safe.
This Travelong anti-theft crossbody bag comes with a built-in wallet and phone pouch, a tethered key clip with LED light, and zippered pockets.
Foldable hat
Wearing a hat while exploring Malta in July will help you avoid heat stress. Plus, a stylish hat can spice up your outfit!
This straw roll up fedora offers UPF50+ protection and is available in different colours.
Waterproof bag for the beach
Unfortunately, beach theft is a common problem in Malta during the summer months. You want to avoid leaving your bags unattended, but if you’re travelling to Malta solo, you might not have a choice.
Unless, of course, you take your valuable belongings into the sea with you, packed safely inside a waterproof pouch bag.
Frequently asked questions about Malta in July
Still not sure about visiting Malta in July? Let’s answer some common questions!
Is July a good time to visit Malta?
If you’re a sunseeker and beachgoer, and don’t mind crowds, then yes.
However, if you can’t tolerate high temperatures (and crowds), it’s likely to worst the time visit.
The best time to visit Malta is either October or May, when the weather is warm but not hot, and you can still enjoy the beach.
Is Malta overcrowded in July?
Yes. Thousands of tourists visit Malta in summer, increasing the population to over a million.
Even if you head to popular attractions first thing in the morning, you might still find long queues and big tourist groups.
How hot is it in Malta in July?
In July, temperatures in Malta soar to 30 degrees and higher. On some days it feels like 40 degrees.
Nights are warm as well, with temperatures of 27 – 30 degrees.
Is Malta worth visiting in summer?
Malta is expensive in summer, and you’ll likely enjoy it less than you would if you were visiting during autumn or spring, mainly due to the relentless heat and crowded beaches.
Best tours in Malta in July
Let’s wrap up with a list of recommended tours for Malta in July.
